193Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases 2009;67(2):193-7

Maradit Kremers H. Methods to analyze real-world databases and registries. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis. 2009;67(2):193-7. Observational studies, administrative database studies, and registries offer a wealth of real-world information, if designed, maintained, and analyzed according to ap-propriate observational study methodology. This review summarizes basic observational study methods employed in rheumatology and highlights several notable examples. In response to growing interest in real-world effectiveness and safety data, registries are expected to proliferate in the near future. The availability of detailed clinical information in registries coupled with powerful tools for analysis offers promise for timely and accurate information on the safety and effectiveness of rheumatic treatments. Rheumatic diseases are chronic inflammatory condi-tions characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in the joints and connective tissues o