Causal inference in restrospective rheumatoid arthritis clinical studies

Lead Investigator: Ho So, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Title of Proposal Research: Causal inference in restrospective rheumatoid arthritis clinical studies
Vivli Data Request: 9748
Funding Source: None
Potential Conflicts of Interest: None

Summary of the Proposed Research:

Our research project focuses on understanding the effects of various treatments on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune condition that affects about 1% of people worldwide. RA leads to the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potentially irreversible joint damage if not adequately treated. Treatment typically involves medications known as Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), which can significantly slow the disease’s progression and prevent severe joint damage. However, finding the right medication or combination of medications can be a complex process, as what works best varies from person to person. Alongside DMARDs, other treatments (like steroids, immunosuppressant and Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs) are used to manage symptoms, especially during the early stages of the disease or flare-ups. Our study aims to delve deeper into how different treatments impact RA patients, considering other factors like age, sex, smoking status, and the presence of other health conditions, which can influence treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.
Patients with RA often face additional health challenges, including a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, infections, and certain types of cancer. These comorbidities not only affect the overall health and mortality of RA patients but also complicate treatment decisions. Our research seeks to also understand these complexities better by exploring how various RA treatments interact with these comorbidities. By employing advanced statistical methods enhanced by the knowledge of cause-effect relationships between clinical variables, we aim to re-evaluate existing data and uncover new insights into the most effective treatment strategies. This approach will help us to tailor treatments more precisely to individual patient needs, improving their quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of severe joint damage and other health complications.

Requested Studies:

A Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel Group Study of the Safety and Effect on Clinical Outcome of Tocilizumab SC Versus Tocilizumab IV, in Combination With Traditional Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), in Patients With Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Data Contributor: Roche
Study ID: NCT01194414
Sponsor ID: WA22762

A Multi-center, Randomized, Blinded, Parallel-group Study of the Reduction of Signs and Symptoms During Monotherapy Treatment With Tocilizumab 8 mg/kg Intravenously Versus Adalimumab 40 mg Subcutaneously in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Data Contributor: Roche
Study ID: NCT01119859
Sponsor ID: WA19924

A Prospective Multi-Centre Randomised, Double-Blind, Active Comparator-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Study Comparing the Fully Human Monoclonal Anti-TNFα Antibody Adalimumab Given Every Second Week With Methotrexate Given Weekly and the Combination of Adalimumab and Methotrexate Administered Over 2 Years in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (PREMIER).
Data Contributor: AbbVie
Study ID: NCT00195663
Sponsor ID: DE013

A Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Tocilizumab (TCZ) Versus Placebo in Combination With Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in Patients With Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Data Contributor: Roche
Study ID: NCT00531817
Sponsor ID: ML21136

A Randomized, Double-blind Study of Safety and Reduction in Signs and Symptoms During Treatment With Tocilizumab Versus Placebo, in Combination With Methotrexate, in Patients With Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
Data Contributor: Roche
Study ID: NCT00106548
Sponsor ID: WA17822

A Randomized, Double-blind Study of Safety and Reduction in Signs and Symptoms During Treatment With Tocilizumab Monotherapy Versus Methotrexate Monotherapy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Data Contributor: Roche
Study ID: NCT00109408
Sponsor ID: WA17824

A Randomized, Double-blind Study of the Effect of Tocilizumab on Reduction in Signs and Symptoms in Patients With Moderate to Severe Active Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inadequate Response to DMARD Therapy
Data Contributor: Roche
Study ID: NCT00106574
Sponsor ID: WA18063