Elastography of the Achilles tendon in gout 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ultrasound imaging and elastography of the Achilles tendon in people with gout
IRAS ID
232339
Contact name
Simon Otter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis affecting 1-2% of the UK population. There has been a rising global burden of gout with a 64% increase in the UK in recent years. Gout is associated with acute attacks of severe joint pain and swelling (particularly affecting the foot). When this subsides, pain inf the foot becomes more chronic and is associated with a loss of function and altered walking patterns. The pain and disability also causes a range of indirect costs such as days lost from work and inability to take part in social activities. Not surprisingly, gout is also associated with significantly lower quality of life.
Gout is also associated with a series of other complaints including an increase in diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.
Recently, it has been identified that people with gout have weaker foot/leg muscles than those without gout. This weakness is also associated with increasing foot pain and a lower walking speed. A series of possible explanations have been suggested but the reasons remain unclear.
This project seeks to explore the mechanisms that underpin this muscle weakness. We will use non-invasive imaging techniques (diagnostic ultrasound) to scan the Achilles tendon and a newer technique called elastography, which can assess the stiffness of tendons. An improved understanding of the causes of chronic weakness in gout could provide a basis for therapy along-side traditional medication. This in-turn facilitates improvement not only in gout related outcomes, but also opportunity to address the other conditions often associated with gout.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
17/NI/0210
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion