BRASS Study

Implementing a Treat-to-Target Approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Virtual Learning Collaborative Program

Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr.24830

Summary: A treat-to-target (TTT) approach improves outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In prior work, we found that a learning collaborative (LC) program improved implementation of TTT. We conducted a shorter virtual LC to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this model for quality improvement and to assess TTT during virtual visits. The improvement in TTT implementation was observed despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but we did observe differences in TTT adherence between in-person visits and virtual visits.

Implementing a Treat‐to‐Target Approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Results of a Virtual Learning Collaborative Program Objective A treat-to-target (TTT) approach improves outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In prior work, we found that a learning collaborative (LC) program improved implementation of TTT. We condu...

Interesting article!
Summary- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are 1.5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributed to chronic inflammation. this study observed that RA patients who experienced an increase in inflammation had a reduction in levels of the routinely measured lipids LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol while also manifesting increases in hs‐cTnT and NT‐pro‐BNP. Concomitantly, RA patients who had a decrease in inflammation did not show a decrease in these same biomarkers, suggesting that subclinical myocardial injury and stress may accrue over time and lead to increased CV risk.

See below link for more details.

Link:

Divergence of Cardiovascular Biomarkers of Lipids and Subclinical Myocardial Injury Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Increased Inflammation Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are 1.5 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributed to chronic inflammation. A decrease in inflammation in patients with RA...

Interesting article on the benefits of exercise and physical activity on cognition (memory, concentration, word-finding) in rheumatoid arthritis:

In RA, Activity Protects Cognition Benefits for physical activity seen in memory, concentration, and word-finding

Check out this article about Biologic use and patient outcomes, just published today!

Summary: This study used BRASS data to learn about the effects of Biologic use on a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis over a long period of time. Biologics are a type of RA medication, which include Enbrel, Orencia, Humira, Anakinra, Remicade, Rituxan, Cimzia, Actemra, Simponi, and Xeljanz. The study concluded that using Biologics for a long period of time is linked to less active and less severe rheumatoid arthritis. It concluded that using Biologics for a long period of time is also related to decreased loss of function. Lastly, the article suggests that future studies should looks at whether or not starting Biologics earlier will improve a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis.

The longitudinal effect of biologic use on patient outcomes (disease activity, function, and disease severity) within a rheumatoid arthritis registry Introduction Biologics effectively manage symptoms and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their long-term effects remain unclear.