The goal of the BRASS registry study is to establish a prospective observational cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients in order to:

• Determine and validate biomarkers that predict drug response and toxicity in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Determine and validate biomarkers that predict disease activity and prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Evaluate the natural history of treated rheumatoid arthritis by measuring clinical, functional and economic outcomes

The Brigham and Women’s Hospital Rheumatoid Arthritis Sequential Study (BRASS) is a prospective observational study of over 900 patients diagnosed with RA at the Robert Breck Brigham Arthritis Clinic in Boston, MA. The study began enrollment in March 2003 and within two years recruited 900 patients to be followed yearly. At the baseline visit and at each annual follow up visit, the patient’s rheumatologist fills out a form detailing any extra-articular manifestations, infections, medication changes, 28- joint count and overall disease activity score. A trained staff member interviews the patient and the patient fills out a self-administered questionnaire. Details of each questionnaire can be found below under data domains. In addition to the questionnaires, DNA, RNA and serum specimens are also collected. CRP, anti-CCP and RF titers are run on each patient. Bilateral hand x-rays are collected at baseline, visit 3 and visit 5. At six-month intervals patients are mailed questionnaires inquiring about functional status, medication changes, resource utilization as well as employment status.

We invite researchers to apply to use the data collected within the BRASS registry. To apply an investigator should submit a formal application that will be reviewed by the BRASS Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

Information about this process along with the application form and a chart showing the various types of data collected are listed below.

Process

• Policy and process for formal application to use BRASS Data – Proposal requirements as well as presentation to the SAB.
• The BRASS Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)– Its’ mission, membership, and role played in evaluating worthiness of proposals.

Application Form

• Formal Application – Application form with questions that need to be addressed.

Data Collected

• Data Domains on the Questionnaires – A chart showing the types of data collected on each of the questionnaires administered every 6 months, e.g., demographic data, general health, medications, and MDHAQ.