The interplay between metabolic factors, inflammation and anti-rheumatic drugs with cardiovascular and respiratory associated morbidity and mortality in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting about 1% of the UK adult population. The disease is characterized by inflammation which may result in joint damage. In addition, many patients with RA develop other morbidities including cardiovascular and lung diseases and mortality rates are increased compared with the general population. The underlying mechanisms for this increased risk are not fully understood due to the complexity of the interplay between metabolic factors, inflammation, anti-rheumatic treatments and genetics. Furthermore, some of the immunosuppressive treatments these patients receive may impact on the progression or prevention of these morbidities. The aim of this PhD studentship is to investigate the interplay between metabolic factors, inflammation and anti-rheumatic drugs with cardiovascular and respiratory associated morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. You will be using data collected in the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR), a longitudinal observational study including patients with RA. In this dataset, detailed information is collected on disease activity, morbidities, mortality and RA related medication. NOAR data is linked with hospital record data to obtain accurate data on cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities.

The PhD studentship is especially suitable for candidates with a background in medicine, epidemiology, statistics, and health sciences.

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Epidemiology,

For international students we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit http://www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk