CLINICAL TRIAL: AFRICAN AMERICANS WITH RA (CLEAR) REGISTRY

这个子项目是许多利用 由NIH/NCRR资助的中心赠款提供的资源。子项目和 研究者（PI）可能从另一个NIH来源获得了主要资金， 因此可以在其他CRISP条目中表示。所列机构为 研究中心，而研究中心不一定是研究者所在的机构。 本研究是一项观察性研究，将监测约400例风湿性关节炎（RA）受试者的进展。 风湿性关节炎是一种慢性自身免疫性疾病，其特征是关节炎症。 如果炎症持续存在，可能导致骨和关节损伤和功能丧失。 新发RA的症状还可能包括关节压痛、疲劳、发热和睡眠困难。 RA可能会影响功能，降低身体健康，并降低整体生活质量。 RA的原因尚不清楚，但研究表明它可能是遗传和环境因素的结合。 来自南卡罗来纳州医科大学、伯明翰的亚拉巴马大学、埃默里大学、华盛顿大学、孟菲斯的田纳西大学、范德比尔特大学和北卡罗来纳州大学的研究人员正在从事决定非裔美国人类风湿性关节炎严重程度和治疗反应的遗传和其他因素的研究。 研究参与者将被要求完成三（3）次办公室访视。基线访视、36个月病程访视和60个月病程访视。 每次访视时填写DNA/血清、手和脚的X光片、体格检查、关节计数和参与者问卷。 在基线和60个月访视时进行DEXA扫描。

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This study is an observational study that will monitor the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in approximately 400 RA participants. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation of the joints. If inflammation persists, it can lead to bone and joint damage and loss of function. Symptoms of new onset RA may also include tender joints, fatigue, fever, and difficulty sleeping. RA may affect the ability to function, decrease physical health, and reduce the overall quality of life. The cause of RA is not known, but research has indicated it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Emory University, Washington University, University of Tennessee at Memphis, Vanderbilt University, and University of North Carolina are engaged in the study of genetic and other factors that determine severity of rheumatoid arthritis in African-Americans and response to treatment. Participants in the study will be asked to complete three (3) office visits. A baseline visit, a visit at 36 months disease duration and a visit at 60 month's duration. DNA/Serum, x-rays of hands and feet, physical exam, joint counts, and participant questionnaires are filled out at every visit. A DEXA scan occurs at the baseline and 60 month visit.