류마티스 질환의 코호트 연구

Abstract

Rheumatic diseases are diverse groups characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations and disease courses in each patient. The best way to understand the course and prognosis of these patients is through observational cohort studies. The cohort studies alsoprovide an opportunity to describe diseases outcomes including therapeutic responses and evaluate the effectiveness and safetyof new therapy. It helps to understand disease pathogenesis and provide insight into the mechanisms of disease progression. Thestrengths of a cohort study are that it has a large number of patients over a long period of time. The patients in cohorts should be representativeof the patients with diseases. Thoughtful study design and planning before establishment of cohorts will lead successfulfollow-up and increase data quality. The observation process must be clearly defined and followed according to the standardprotocols.We reviewed numerous cohorts in rheumatic diseases and suggested the points to be considered for cohortsestablishments.