Lung complications linked to rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated Parenchymal Lung Disease: Clinical and Molecular Phenotypes
This project looks for clinical signs and molecular markers that predict which adults with rheumatoid arthritis will develop or worsen lung scarring (ILD) or emphysema.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325893 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked about your breathing, daily activities, and quality of life, and complete lung function tests and questionnaires. The team will perform detailed chest imaging that is read by experts and analyzed with objective computer measures. They may collect blood or other samples to look for molecular signals tied to early lung changes. Over time they will track whether early lung findings get worse and try to identify patterns that predict progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21 years and older) with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, especially those with respiratory symptoms or prior chest imaging suggesting early lung changes, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without rheumatoid arthritis or those with advanced, irreversible lung disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection and better prediction of progressive lung disease in people with RA, allowing earlier monitoring or treatment to reduce harm.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked RA to lung fibrosis and emphysema, but combining detailed imaging, symptom and function tracking, and molecular profiling for early prediction is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Washko, George R — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Washko, George R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.