Predicting autoimmune disease risk after a positive ANA
Predicting risk of systemic autoimmune disease in patients with positive antinuclear antibodies
This project uses electronic health records and AI to find which people with a positive ANA are most likely to develop autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289423 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, this project would use information from your electronic health record to estimate your future risk of autoimmune disease. Researchers will build and test computer-based risk models using lab results, diagnoses, and other clinical data already in the record. The models would run in real time in the EHR to flag patients who may need faster referral to a rheumatologist. The goal is to help get high-risk people diagnosed and treated sooner to avoid complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have a recorded positive ANA in their electronic health record and do not already have a diagnosed autoimmune disease are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a positive ANA, those already diagnosed with autoimmune disease, or individuals whose medical records are not in the participating EHR systems may not receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors identify high-risk patients earlier and speed up diagnosis and treatment to reduce autoimmune disease complications.
How similar studies have performed: EHR-based risk models and AI have helped predict other conditions, but applying these tools specifically to predict autoimmune disease after a positive ANA is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frech, Tracy Minan — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Frech, Tracy Minan
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.