Head: Arnd Kleyer, MD / David Simon, MD

Epidemiological research with defined patient cohorts is an essential element to understand the outcome and course of rheumatic diseases and to provide optimal targeted treatment.

The group focuses on early rheumatoid arthritis, especially on the onset of RA. Anti-citrullinated autoantibodies (ACPA) can be detected years before typical symptoms such as swelling and stiffness of the joints occur. To understand the effects of autoimmunity on the human body and to optimize targeted treatment, we supervise patients in a cohort and examine those patients with most modern imaging procedures regarding bone changes and inflammatory changes. Therefore we use high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography imaging (HR-pQCT) and 7-Tesla-magnetic resonance tomography imaging (7-Tesla-MRI) in cooperation with the Institute of Radiology. Besides patients with rheumatoid arthritis we accompany and examine patients with psoriasis and musculoskeletal complaints.

Innovative training concepts such as 3D-printing and virtual reality applications for students, physicians and patients complete the visual and epidemiological focus of our group.