ARCTIC REWIND extension study
Long-term follow-up of patients with well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis - the ARCTIC REWIND extension study
Project managers
Project Coordinator
ABOUT THE PROJECT
With adherence to modern treatment strategies and the increased availability of medications for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an increasing proportion of people with RA are achieving the treatment goal of sustained remission. That is, the absence of signs of inflammation, which has been shown to protect against joint destruction and maintain physical function.
RA is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, but there is a lack of studies that assess the long-term effect of achieving good disease control on this risk.
The current project will include people with RA who have achieved the treatment goal of remission.
It will study the long-term consequences of achieving this goal, including in terms of further development of the joint disease, the occurrence of RA-related comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and quality of life.
The project will also study the consequences of different treatment strategies in this group, which may have implications for organizing follow-up in the future.
WHO CAN JOIN?
People who participated in the original ARCTIC REWIND study ( ARCTIC REWIND ). These are linked to 10 different rheumatology departments in Norway.
WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?
Participants will be invited to two study visits, 10 and 15 years after their inclusion in ARCTIC REWIND. In addition to the usual clinical examination, ultrasound of joints, X-rays of hands and feet, bone density measurement and questionnaires will be performed. Participants at some study centers will also be invited to a more comprehensive examination of the heart and blood vessels.