Below are some highlights of research projects being undertaken or recently completed by our trainees;
Max Yates, Academic Rheumatology trainee and clinical lecturer
PhD in 'Epidemiology of polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis' completed at University of East Anglia Jan 2018.
''My PhD investigated risk factors for onset and progression amongst individuals diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA)''
Jobie Evans, ST7 Rheumatology Trainee, currently out of programme for research
Currently undertaking MD Research Project in 'The effectiveness of small bowel MRI imaging as a screening tool for the presence of axial spondyloarthritis.' Undertaken at Addenbrookes Hospital on behalf of Cambridge University.
''My MD project is assessing the effectiveness of looking for incidental sacro-iliitis on MRI small bowel imaging to detect undiagnosed axial spondyloaarthritis. My aim is to increase the diagnostic rate and thereby referral rate from Gastro. There is good evidence long term structural damage and functional impairment can be prevented for early intervention in this patient group. However there is often a long time between first presentation to health care professional and a diagnosis being made, often over 5 years. I hope help improve the early referral of these patients from gastroenterology to rheumatology.''
Jagtar Nijjar, Academic Trainee and National Institute of Health Research Clinical Lecturer
Creating a national registry of CRMO (Chronic Relapsing Multifocal Osteomyelitis) and SAPHO (Synovitis Acne Pustulosis Hyperostosis and Osteiitis) as part Clincal Lecturer Role.
''Following a chance meeting with a mother of a teenage girl suffering from CRMO I wanted to do more to help patients with these two rare, possibly overlapping conditions. As these condition are so rare, in order to do this we need a formal register of patients with these conditions. This will help us identify potential causative factors and enable us to easily recruit patients to clinical trials to gather robust evidence for the most effective treatments.''
For further details see; http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/health/cambridge-bioresource-needs-your-help-to-cure-rare-diseases-1-5647693