Division of Rheumatology Website - Clinical Trials

Name of Studies:	A Study of the Influence of Variants of Genes Involved in, or Associated With, Folate/Homocysteine Metabolism on the Metabolism of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study Subtitle	MTX-G Study
Principal Investigator:	Joan M. Von Feldt, M.D. Associate Professor of Medicine University of Pennsylvania Division of Rheumatology
Co-Investigators:	A. Steve Whitehead, Phil.D Ian Blair, Ph.D.
Coordinator:	Janice Prodell-Glisson, RN janice@spirit.gcrc.upenn.edu 215-615-3045 (phone) 215-662-4174 (fax)
Procedures:	Patients complete questionnaires (Medical history, vitamin intake and activities and lifestyle index) and have blood drawn. Patients starting MTX are seen at week 12 and week 24 for additional blood samples and to complete vitamin intake and activities & lifestyle index questionnaires. Patients are paid $15.00 for each time blood is drawn for the study.
Inclusion:	Any Inflammatory Arthritis diagnosis involving the joints Current Treatment with Methotrexate Past history of Methotrexate use, but discontinued Newly starting Methotrexate Stable Non-steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for Past Month Stable Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) for Past Month
Exclusion:	Pregnancy Treatment currently in Past 3 Months with CellCept, Imuran, or Arava Patient is Breast Feeding