Abstract
Aims: The A3BC is a national rheumatology research network, built on
the foundation of ARAD, the Australian Rheumatology Association Database, with newly added biobanking infrastructure across state nodes. It
aims to create and integrate a broad range of data from Australians with
rheumatic diseases to increase research output into safer and more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Methods: Participants are recruited through rheumatology clinics via
treating rheumatologists or self-referral. They complete online patient reported outcome questionnaires via REDCap, with dedicated research
staff coordinating consent, biospecimen and clinical data collections.
The initial focus is RA (at-risk, early and established), PsA, SpA, JIA,
GCA/PMR and gout; expansion to other diseases is planned. Longitudinal clinical, biological, patient-reported and linked administrative health
data are integrated in a central database for open-access research
requests
Results: As of early 2023, 335 participants have enrolled across 6 sites:
Sydney (sites = 1; n = 70), Perth (sites = 1; n = 89), Adelaide (sites = 3;
n = 91) and Brisbane (sites = 1; n = 85). Primary diagnoses include RA
(n = 190; 57%), PsA (n = 46; 14%), GCA (n = 18; 5%), r-AxSpA/AS
(n = 16; 5%), undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (n = 14; 4%), gout
(n = 7; 2%), other SpA (n = 7; 2%), myositis (n = 6, 2%), and first-degree
relatives/other healthy individuals (n = 19; 6%), with small numbers of
OA, fibromyalgia, MCTD, SLE and PMR. Over 11 800 samples have
been collected across 0-, 6-, 12- and 24-month timepoints, including
serum, plasma, PBMCs, buffy coat, whole blood, RNA, synovial tissue/
fluid, and oral swab and stool for microbiome. Current studies are exploring DMARD tapering in adults and children, microbiome profiles, cardiovascular risk, T-cell responses to DMARDs and the role of activated
protein C.
Conclusion: The A3BC enables innovative research with faster translation towards precision and preventive medicine. Collaborators are encouraged to develop research questions under the A3BC protocol. Access
applications are open for small-scale through to large international collaborative projects. Recruitment and participation is open to all.
the foundation of ARAD, the Australian Rheumatology Association Database, with newly added biobanking infrastructure across state nodes. It
aims to create and integrate a broad range of data from Australians with
rheumatic diseases to increase research output into safer and more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Methods: Participants are recruited through rheumatology clinics via
treating rheumatologists or self-referral. They complete online patient reported outcome questionnaires via REDCap, with dedicated research
staff coordinating consent, biospecimen and clinical data collections.
The initial focus is RA (at-risk, early and established), PsA, SpA, JIA,
GCA/PMR and gout; expansion to other diseases is planned. Longitudinal clinical, biological, patient-reported and linked administrative health
data are integrated in a central database for open-access research
requests
Results: As of early 2023, 335 participants have enrolled across 6 sites:
Sydney (sites = 1; n = 70), Perth (sites = 1; n = 89), Adelaide (sites = 3;
n = 91) and Brisbane (sites = 1; n = 85). Primary diagnoses include RA
(n = 190; 57%), PsA (n = 46; 14%), GCA (n = 18; 5%), r-AxSpA/AS
(n = 16; 5%), undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (n = 14; 4%), gout
(n = 7; 2%), other SpA (n = 7; 2%), myositis (n = 6, 2%), and first-degree
relatives/other healthy individuals (n = 19; 6%), with small numbers of
OA, fibromyalgia, MCTD, SLE and PMR. Over 11 800 samples have
been collected across 0-, 6-, 12- and 24-month timepoints, including
serum, plasma, PBMCs, buffy coat, whole blood, RNA, synovial tissue/
fluid, and oral swab and stool for microbiome. Current studies are exploring DMARD tapering in adults and children, microbiome profiles, cardiovascular risk, T-cell responses to DMARDs and the role of activated
protein C.
Conclusion: The A3BC enables innovative research with faster translation towards precision and preventive medicine. Collaborators are encouraged to develop research questions under the A3BC protocol. Access
applications are open for small-scale through to large international collaborative projects. Recruitment and participation is open to all.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 24 |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
| Event | Australian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting - Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Hobart, Australia Duration: 6 May 2023 → 9 May 2023 https://www.araconference.com/ |
Conference
| Conference | Australian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Hobart |
| Period | 6/05/23 → 9/05/23 |
| Internet address |