Targeting NET formation in early RA patients; a spin-off study from the NORD-STAR

Poster Presenter: Michael T. Nurmohamed, MD, PhD, Professor of Rheumatology, Reade Rheumatology and Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands. This poster presentation is also on behalf of Bas Dijkshoorn, MD, PhD Trainee.

Poster Title: Targeting NET formation in early RA patients; a spin-off study from the NORD-STAR

Poster Session A: Sunday, Nov. 12

What is your poster about?
“Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation has been associated with worse outcomes in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of the most prevalent comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease have been associated with an increased prevalence of NET formations. In this study, we investigated the effect of the different initial treatments in early RA patients,” said Dr. Nurmohamed.

Why did you decide to investigate this topic?
“NETs are linked to different rheumatic diseases and comorbidities. However, data in early RA during treatment are sparse. In addition, we investigated if and to what extent NETs are related to the cardiovascular disease risk in RA,” said Dr. Nurmohamed.

What are you working on next related to this research?
“We will link the findings with changes in the coagulation system and lipid profile,” said Dr. Nurmohamed.

What excites you most about your work?
“NETs may play an important role in the initiation and progression of RA as well in its most important comorbidity, i.e., cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Nurmohamed.

What are you most looking forward to at ACR Convergence 2023 in San Diego?
“Scientific discussions with colleagues and patients to see how we can take step(s) in NETosis research as well as optimization of cardiovascular risk management in our daily clinical practice,” said Dr. Nurmohamed.