Protocol Number: 98-AR-0124

Title:

Genetics of Rheumatoid Arthritis: The North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium

Number:

98-AR-0124

Summary:

This study attempts to identify the genes responsible for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or inflammation of the joints. It is known that genes play an important role in RA, but their number and significance have not been determined. RA tends to run in families. This study will examine the DNA (hereditary material) of patients with RA and their family members to try to determine which chromosomes(s) contain the genes responsible for the disease.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their family members may be eligible for this study.

Participants with RA who have a brother or sister with RA will undergo the following procedures:

-Review of their medical records

-Medical history

-Examination of the joints

-Hand X-rays

-Blood tests

Participants who 1) do not have RA but who have a relative with the disease, or 2) have RA and a relative other than a brother or sister who has the disease will provide a blood sample or a buccal (cheek) cell sample. Cheek cells are obtained by swishing a small amount of mouthwash in the mouth or by lightly bushing the inside of the cheek with a swab or brush.

The samples will be tested for rheumatoid factor, DNA studies, and HLA type (a blood type found on white blood cells). Certain HLA types have been associated with an increased risk or severity of RA.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Recruitment Detail

Type: No longer recruiting/follow-up only

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria: This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keyword(s):

Autoimmunity

Sibling Pairs

Genes

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Bone Erosion

Condition(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Interventions:

None

Supporting Site:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Contact(s):

This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Citation(s):

Stastny P. Association of the B-cell alloantigen DRw4 with rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med. 1978 Apr 20;298(16):869-71.

Lawrence RC, et al., Estimates of the prevalence of selected arthritic and musculoskeletal diseases in the United States. JRheumatol. 1989 Apr;16(4):427-41.

Harris ED Jr. Rheumatoid arthritis. Pathophysiology and implications for therapy. N Engl J Med. 1990 May 3;322(18):1277-89. Review. No abstract available. Erratum in: N Engl J Med 1990 Oct 4;323(14):996.

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department Clinical Research Informatics, CC.

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