Synovial tissue analysis in clinical trials.
Synovial tissue analysis has considerable potential for future randomized controlled trials (RCT). The synovial membrane is the target tissue in treatment strategies of rheumatoid arthritis and other arthropathies. Effective modulation of synovitis is critical when attempting to control symptoms and signs, to prevent joint damage, and to maintain function. In RCT, the systematic evaluation of changes in synovial tissue after commencing treatment enables identification of an early therapeutic effect, using relatively small numbers of patients. This special interest group is working on establishing the evidence to have this endpoint meet the OMERACT filter criteria.
Bresnihan
Barry
B
Department of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. c.walsh@st-vincents.ie
Baeten
Dominique
D
Firestein
Gary S
GS
Fitzgerald
Oliver M
OM
Gerlag
Danielle M
DM
Haringman
Jasper J
JJ
McInnes
Iain B
IB
Reece
Richard J
RJ
Smith
Malcolm D
MD
Ulfgren
Ann-Kristin
AK
Veale
Douglas J
DJ
Tak
Paul Peter
PP
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D001175:Arthrography; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000473:pathology*
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents