Inflammatory Arthritis is an important chronic condition that is responsible for significant disability and loss of quality of life in many of those affected. The purpose of the study is to understand the mechanisms that lead to joint inflammation, destruction and, to patient disability. The aim is to better link disease symptoms with biology in order to understand the underlying disease mechanisms and develop better ways to guide treatment decisions.
The reason a patient may be chosen is because they have arthritis, and they are being treated at a participating hospital. Arthritis is the result of inflammation which has begun to affect the lining of the joints. We are interested in how this inflammation will affect the joint itself and the lining.
It is always up to the individual whether they or not to take part in research or not. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. This will not affect the standard of care you receive.
There is no direct benefit to patients who choose to participate in this study. However, their participation in this study may lead to better knowledge and contribute data that informs future treatment guidelines for early and established arthritis therapies which may benefit patients in the future.
This research is being organized by Professor Costantino Pitzalis at the Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), who are the sponsor of the study. Participants samples will be analysed and stored in the centres laboratory in London. Samples may be sent to collaborating research groups and biotechnology companies with whom QMUL work in the UK and worldwide.
Yes, participants information will be kept confidential during their participation in this study. All data and samples sent to Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) will be labelled with a study ID number, no names or other information which could identify participants will leave the participants hospital. Names or other personal identifiers will not be released or used in any publication or disseminated study information. The participants hospital will keep names, NHS number and contact details confidential and will not pass this information to QMUL. Certain individuals from QMUL and regulatory organisations may look at participants medical and research records to check the accuracy of the data and to ensure the research is being carried out correctly.
The studies have been reviewed by the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) London – Dulwich (formerly the Research Ethics Committee of King’s College Hospital, and City and the London.)
This is an academic study sponsored by Queen Mary University of London who are based in the United Kingdom.
Speak to your rheumatologist to see if your hospital is a participating site. Alternatively, you can contact the team Barts Health or Queen Mary University of London who are coordinating the research. Their details can be found on the Contacts page.
