Thrombotic events in inflammatory rheumatic conditions v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular events in inflammatory rheumatic diseases
IRAS ID
320092
Contact name
James Galloway
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 16 days
Research summary
People with inflammatory rheumatological diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are at an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes when compared to the general population. Inflammation due to the underlying disease contributes to the risk of these complications, but other factors can also play a role, including other medical conditions and infections. In particular, we know that COVID-19 can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. What is not yet fully understood is whether these complications occur more or less frequently in people with inflammatory rheumatological diseases who are prescribed specific types of medications for their condition. We will investigate this in this study.
We will use a secure analytical platform, OpenSAFELY, to run analysis code against routinely collected electronic health records (EHRs) for adults with inflammatory rheumatological diseases who are registered at GP practices. Using an observation cohort design, we will compare rates of hospitalisations for blood clots, heart attacks and strokes between individuals prescribed different types of medications for their rheumatological condition. For each medication group, we will compare the overall risk of these complications with the risk of these complications following infection with SARS-CoV-2.
This study will add to the body of knowledge that supports the management of inflammatory rheumatological diseases and COVID-19. It will help clinicians determine which patients may benefit from additional monitoring for complications, particularly following COVID-19 infection.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0281
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion