START study: 100 patients included
The START study at Diakonhjemmet Hospital has reached an important milestone: One hundred patients with newly diagnosed arthritis have now been included. The milestone shows that the project is progressing as planned. The goal is to find signs in patients that can be used for 1) early diagnosis, 2) personalized treatment and 3) appropriate follow-up for the individual.
Project manager and senior consultant Silje Watterdal Syversen says that the milestone is a big step for the project. She says that it is an important confirmation that the logistics and collaboration are working.
– The fact that we have come this far is due to the efforts of doctors, nurses and secretaries at the outpatient clinic, good collaboration with the Department of Medical Biochemistry – and, not least, the patients' willingness to contribute, says Syversen.
An ambitious research project
START is an abbreviation for Early STratification of acute inflammatory ARThritis – START Early STratification of acute inflammatory ARThritis. In Norwegian it means early classification of acute joint inflammation.
START is a so-called prospective observational study. This means that the researchers follow the patients over time. They collect samples and information along the way, but do not give new treatment as part of the study.
The study collects extensive data through blood samples, synovial fluid, and synovial membrane biopsies. These are stored in a biobank at the hospital. Patients also complete digital questionnaires.
“We want to understand more about the mechanisms behind the development of the disease. The results can ultimately help tailor treatment for the individual from an early stage in the course of the disease,” says Syversen.
She also emphasizes that the collection of samples and data makes Diakonhjemmet a unique partner for both clinical and basic research environments locally and globally.
Will include 400 patients
Over a two-year period, the goal is to include 400 patients.
– The fact that the first 100 are involved means that the project is well on track. This gives us a solid foundation for further work and is motivating for the entire team, says Syversen.
The START study is supported by South-Eastern Health and Diakonhjemmet Hospital and has been awarded a postdoctoral fellow from the Diakonhjemmet Foundation.
