Gout Management Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Factors associated with target uric acid control in the management of chronic gout
IRAS ID
234102
Contact name
shyanthi Pattapola
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Anglia Ruskin University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 0 days
Research summary
Gout is the commonest inflammatory arthritis and is caused by raised serum uric acid, leading to crystal deposition in the joints. Generally affecting joints in the extremities the first metatarsal phalangeal joint being the commonest. Gout attacks can be debilitating often warranting time of work and resulting in short periods of disability. Recurrent gout attacks can cause permanent joint damage leading to lasting disability. Yet despite having guidelines and medications which could exact a cure for the condition the UK has seen the incidence of gout increase over the years. Medication in the management of chronic gout targets the level of serum urate with British society of Rheumatology suggesting a target of less than 300µmol/L should be aimed for to manage chronic gout. Allopurinol is the recommended first line drug in chronic gout management. Allopurinol works by inhibiting the actions of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the production of uric acid. The allopurinol dose required can vary between individuals. Thus the ideal dose is established by starting with a small prescription and titrating up over the course of several weeks and months. This study will observe the different regimes undertaken by both primary and secondary care to reach the target serum uric acid. The study aims to evaluate the proportion of patients that reach the target urate level and the advantages and disadvantages of the different titration regimes used. We will evaluate monthly the side effects of the drug experienced by the participants, their gout flare activity, duration and treatment received and effect on lifestyle and disability. We will furthermore also evaluate blood drug levels of the allopurinol in the form of its active metabolite oxypurinol to monitor for any correlation between blood levels and side effect profile. Each participant will be followed monthly over a 6 month period.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
18/NS/0006
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion