Evaluating antirheumatic treatments using synovial biopsy: a recommendation for standardisation to be used in clinical trials

Ann Rheum Dis. 2011 Mar;70(3):423-7. doi: 10.1136/ard.2010.139550. Epub 2010 Nov 24.

Abstract

Inflammation of synovium is one of the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Analysis of synovial tissue has increased our understanding of RA pathogenesis, aided in identifying potential therapeutic targets and has been used in the response and mechanistic evaluation of antirheumatic treatments. In addition, studies are ongoing, aimed at the identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the synovium. This paper outlines the currently used procedures for sampling and processing of synovial tissue, and presents a standardised recommendation to support multicentre translational research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology*
  • Arthroscopy / methods
  • Biopsy / methods*
  • Biopsy / standards
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / standards
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / pathology
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic / standards
  • Synovial Membrane / pathology*
  • Synovitis / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents