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Preliminary results of the study were announced recently by UAB researchers at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. The study, a three-year $4.6 million project funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to identify and register at least 600 African-Americans with the disease. “Until now, studies investigating the cause and development of the disease have not included a fair representation of African-Americans,” Moreland said. “The registry will play a vital role in our understanding of how the disease develops and progresses in African-Americans.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. It most often affects cartilage and bone and usually results in joint disease. More than six million people in the U.S. — mostly women — have the disease. Researchers suspect that the disease may be fundamentally different in blacks than in whites. “We have data to suggest that the genetics of African-Americans with rheumatoid arthritis is different from that of whites, but it has not been proven in clinical trials,” Moreland said. “The registry will provide a basis for further study.”

Participation in the registry consists of exams every six months, including blood tests and x-rays, and a written survey. Patients may enroll in the study at various clinic sites throughout the state, and there is no cost to eligible pafont face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="1">[MORE]

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The UAB Arthritis Center also is conducting several other arthritis trials. “Individuals not eligible for participation in this study may qualify to participate in another study,” Moreland said. “We encourage patients with rheumatoid arthritis as well as individuals who suspect they may have rheumatoid arthritis to call.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the UAB Arthritis Center toll-free at (866) 876-2247.

UAB Cancer Center Opens Resource Library
People seeking help in their fight against cancer have another tool at their service with the recent opening of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Resource Library. Located at street level at 509 Richard Arrington Blvd. across from The Kirklin Clinic®, the library is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays. It offers a trained staff to help use resources such as Internet access with links to cancer-specific websites, educational brochures, reference texts and current cancer-related magazines. Library resources are free and open to the public.

The Cancer Resource Library also will serve as a meeting place for support groups and cancer-related educational programs.

“The Cancer Resource Library will be an invaluable tool for patients who want to become proactive in their treatment and recovery,” said Dr. Edward Partridge, associate director for Cancer Control and Population Science at the cancer center. “A visit may be helpful to the newly diagnosed patient, or for those seeking follow-up information during or after treatment.”

Although library materials are geared toward the lay reader, patrons seeking more in-depth information will be directed to the UAB Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences.

Lydia Cheney, program manager for cancer education, said, “Our addition of a support group facilitator and a librarian with this facility allows us to enter the ranks of other top cancer centers in the nation that offer tailored information to patients and family members.”

Marilyn Day is facilitator for support groups, and Ty Howell is librarian.