BRASS Study

04/15/2024

Understanding Differences in Patient Descriptions of Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares Using OMERACT Core Domains

Link:https://www.jrheum.org/content/50/7/889.abstract

Summary: Recently, there has been consensus on domains that constitute flares in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, variations in patients’ flare descriptions continue to be observed. This study evaluates how demographic and clinical characteristics influence these differences.

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03/23/2022

Implementing a Treat-to-Target Approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Virtual Learning Collaborative Program

Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr.24830

Summary: A treat-to-target (TTT) approach improves outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In prior work, we found that a learning collaborative (LC) program improved implementation of TTT. We conducted a shorter virtual LC to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this model for quality improvement and to assess TTT during virtual visits. The improvement in TTT implementation was observed despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but we did observe differences in TTT adherence between in-person visits and virtual visits.

Objective A treat-to-target (TTT) approach improves outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In prior work, we found that a learning collaborative (LC) program improved implementation of TTT. We condu...

08/30/2021

The Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio Is Associated With Changes in Bone Density and Fracture Risk in Older Adults.
Link: https://asbmr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbmr.4426

Summary- Recent studies have suggested that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) may be a poor biomarker of bone health. This study found out that 25(OH)D, the current clinical marker of vitamin D status, was not associated with any of the bone health outcomes. Instead, Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio may be a more reliable indicator of vitamin D sufficiency and bone health than25(OH)D concentrations in older adults.

Recent studies have suggested that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) may be a poor biomarker of bone health, in part because measured levels incorporate both protein-bound and free vitamin D. The ratio o...

05/13/2021

Interesting article!
Summary- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are 1.5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributed to chronic inflammation. this study observed that RA patients who experienced an increase in inflammation had a reduction in levels of the routinely measured lipids LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol while also manifesting increases in hs‐cTnT and NT‐pro‐BNP. Concomitantly, RA patients who had a decrease in inflammation did not show a decrease in these same biomarkers, suggesting that subclinical myocardial injury and stress may accrue over time and lead to increased CV risk.

See below link for more details.

Link:

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are 1.5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributed to chronic inflammation. A decrease in inflammation in patients with RA...

11/14/2019

Interesting article on the benefits of exercise and physical activity on cognition (memory, concentration, word-finding) in rheumatoid arthritis:

Benefits for physical activity seen in memory, concentration, and word-finding

08/09/2019

New publication this week!

Summary: This study looked at the risk of developing RA-linked interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) for patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. Using BRASS data, the study concluded that having active rheumatoid arthritis is related to a higher risk of developing RA-ILD. The study suggests that lowering inflammation may change natural RA-ILD development.

Objective To evaluate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity and risk of RA‐associated interstitial lung disease (RA‐ILD). Methods We investigated disease activity and risk of RA‐ILD using the ...

07/29/2019

Check out this article about Biologic use and patient outcomes, just published today!

Summary: This study used BRASS data to learn about the effects of Biologic use on a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis over a long period of time. Biologics are a type of RA medication, which include Enbrel, Orencia, Humira, Anakinra, Remicade, Rituxan, Cimzia, Actemra, Simponi, and Xeljanz. The study concluded that using Biologics for a long period of time is linked to less active and less severe rheumatoid arthritis. It concluded that using Biologics for a long period of time is also related to decreased loss of function. Lastly, the article suggests that future studies should looks at whether or not starting Biologics earlier will improve a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction Biologics effectively manage symptoms and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their long-term effects remain unclear.

03/15/2019

Just published!

ACR Open Rheumatology Volume 1, Issue 1 Original Article Open Access Incidence and Predictors of Dyspnea on Exertion in a Prospective Cohort of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Jeffrey A. Sparks Corresponding Author E-mail address: jsparks@bwh.harvard.edu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5556-4618 Brig...

02/01/2019

Check out the link below to see the latest research from Brass Co-Investigator, Dr. Jeffrey Sparks.

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2019 Jan 5;20(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s12891-018-2381-3.

01/08/2019

Please check out the most recent publication using BRASS data!

Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018 Dec 24. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/key367. [Epub ahead of print]

12/10/2018

The Brigham and Women’s Section of Clinical Sciences and members of the BRASS research team braved the cold temperatures this morning to participate in the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run. Congratulations to all who participated!

11/22/2018

Happy Thanksgiving from the Brigham!