The Brigham and Women’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) Registry, is a prospective observational study involving over 900 patients diagnosed with RA. Participants undergo a detailed baseline examination that includes demographic and clinical information, functional status, disease activity, comorbidity, laboratory testing and hand radiographs. The primary outcomes of interest are the presence of erosive and extra-articular disease, decline in functional status and significant drug toxicity.

Patients who agree to participate in this study have the following exams and tests during their yearly visits with their rheumatologist:

1. A typical joint count exam by your rheumatologist to determine pain and swelling of the joints;
2. Information including your age, sex, race (first visit only);
3. Information on the treatments you receive for RA, your overall medical condition, the extent you are able to function with your RA, how active your RA disease is, how it affects your day to day living as well as your overall quality of life;
4. An X-ray of both hands will be performed at your first visit, year 3 and
   year 5 only; and
5. A blood sample for C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor which are blood markers for inflammation.

Investigators interested in working with data collected in the BRASS registry first submit a letter of intent and once that is approved, they submit a proposal to the BRASS Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) for approval. The SAB is composed of Senior Scientists from the Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy and related Departments within the Brigham & Women’s Hospital or Harvard Medical School.