The RADAR study (Remote Arthritis Disease Activity MonitoR; STL/5087/14), funded by the Research and Development Office of the Public Health Authority (£39, 983) has just successfully completed recruitment and follow up of 100 participants living with active arthritis.
The study investigates the feasibility of using home-based blood testing as a means to monitor RA patient’s condition and identify flare-ups. One hundred participants with active rheumatoid arthritis were recruited to provide conventional venous (needle in the arm) and finger lancet (or dried blood spot; DBS) blood samples at baseline and a six-week follow-up.
A subgroup of 30 participants also received a kit to take five weekly DBS samples during the 6 week follow-up period. The study is designed to test if DBS C-reactive protein (a blood-based marker of inflammation; CRP) measures correspond well with conventional venous blood CRP values (see above illustration). The study will also measure participant uptake, compliance, and adherence rates and obtain patient and clinician feedback to inform the design of a larger follow-up study.
Participants were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and have active disease and suffer flare ups on a regular basis. They were also about to receive their first / a change in combination or dose of DMARD, or are currently being treated by DMARD therapy. A full list of criteria and further details of the study can be found at the link.