Effects of Antirheumatic Treatment on Levels of Survivin in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Longitudinal Observational Study on Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Effects of Antirheumatic Treatment on Serum Levels of Survivin

To validate the utility of survivin as a biomarker of pharmacological response to therapeutic intervention in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

In a prospective observational study the investigators aim to study the ability of modern antirheumatic treatments to suppress levels of survivin in sera. Rheumatoid arthritis patients scheduled to start new pharmacological treatment will be followed for a period of 6 months. No intervention or influence on choice of treatment will be performed, the decision of new/other medication is entirely made by the patient and their rheumatologist. The study entails addition of survivin analyse (1 vial of sera) before and after start of new treatment. Data concerning survivin levels, disease activity and other clinical parameters before and after start of new treatment will also be analysed. The patients will leave sera for survivin analyse at baseline and 3 and 6 months after start of new treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients fulfilling the RA classification criteria according to the ACR/EULAR

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients at stable/unchanged anti-rheumatic treatment
• Other serious physical or mental illness
• Lack of knowledge in Swedish making answering the questionnaires impossible