Thanks to donations to our linked charity Arthritis and Inflammatory Diseases Charity, we’ve invested in Leeds based research that has developed a strategy to prevent arthritis.

The research led by Professor Paul Emery, Versus Arthritis Professor of Rheumatology and Consultant Rheumatologist at Chapel Allerton Hospital, will support people living with inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The Rheumatology department at Leeds has an international reputation for the management and investigation of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Research has already shown that patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can be identified by immune abnormalities several years before diagnosis, because of a protein found in their blood.

As a centre of excellence, Leeds is at the forefront of world-leading research focused on improving outcomes for patients with inflammatory diseases and those at risk of developing arthritis in the future. Professor Emery and the team at the Leeds Biomedical Research Centre recognise that through accurate detection, they can provide individually targeted therapies for individuals at risk of developing arthritis.

Through a national recruitment programme, the team have recruited over 500 people who are ‘at risk’ of developing arthritis, who have the anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) in their blood.  By identifying and monitoring these individuals, they can be given quicker access to treatment if required.

Last month a risk score for predicting who will get rheumatoid arthritis and when, was published by the Leeds group in the prestigious journal Annals Internal Medicine. This provides guidelines for managing these individuals.

Appropriate patients will have access to trials of drug therapies and also non-drug conservative therapies to help prevent arthritis, including a focus on dental hygiene, smoking cessation and dietary manipulation to help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Dr Kulveer Mankia, Clinical Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist told us:

“The funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity has been a real game changer for us, it has allowed us to shift our focus from early diagnosis of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis to exploring a range of preventive measures.

Our initial research supported by the charity has provided exciting new data, which has enabled us to unlock new opportunities to secure further funding. We’re currently recruiting patients for the EXIST clinical trial and are the first international centre to pilot a new tablet medicine in the hope of preventing the development of rheumatoid arthritis.”

We spoke to 66-year-old Margaret who is currently a patient on the EXIST clinical trail.

“When I was first told I had a positive rheumatoid factor, I was very shocked by the news, knowing it could progress further into rheumatoid arthritis, but the support and care I have received from the team has been incredible, and has really helped me on my journey.

When I first approached about joining this new trial, I was really keen to be involved and help in anyway I can. Although it’s been a bit of a journey and it’s hard knowing that I have this factor that could develop, I want to make this into a positive by joining these trials, not only to help myself but to help patients in the future.

I’m surrounded by my family and friends and have so much to live for, and it’s these types of trials and research that gives you that positively, that we are always learning and moving forward to ensure the best quality of life for patients.”

Margaret has worked for Leeds Teaching Hospitals for 37 years, at the Leeds Dental Institute, so knows first-hand the difference donations can make for patients.

“It’s fantastic that Leeds Hospitals Charity have been able to support this research, which enables new tests and treatments to be trialled and give patients the best care possible. I give a monthly donation to Leeds Hospitals Charity to give back for the amazing care and support I receive.”