Research News 2: PREVeNT RA: A Nationwide register of first-degree relatives of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) to evaluate predictors of the development of RA

BIRD have been asked to let you know about the study above. The aim of the study is to identify risk factors for developing RA by studying people who are first-degree relatives of someone with RA, but do not themselves have RA. The study will look at the genetic, environmental and other factors to understand what makes people more likely or less like to develop RA. Who can take part? If you are a FIRST DEGREE RELATIVES (mother, father, brother, half brother, sister, half sister, son or daughter) of someone who has, or has had, rheumatoid arthritis.

• Over 30yrs
• Resident in the UK
• If you DO NOT have rheumatoid arthritis or any inflammatory arthritis yourself
• Are willing to consent to complete questionnaires
• Are willing to give a blood sample
• Are willing to inform the study centre if you develop symptoms which may be related to rheumatoid arthritis

Register your interest: – via the website: http://www.preventra.net/

– Call: 01612755504

– Email: preventra@manchester.ac.uk

They will ask you to complete a questionnaire about your family history, lifestyle, pain, wellbeing and also request permission to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm for research purposes.

Please do not contact BIRD about this study, use the contacts provided above.