Vascular calcification in peripheral arterial disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vascular calcification in peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study
IRAS ID
243387
Contact name
Janice Tsui
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Microparticles in the development of hardened diseased leg arteries
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a global health burden, affecting over 200 million people worldwide. It predominantly affects arteries of the leg, with narrows and blockages causing reduced blood supply. This results in pain on walking, progressing to pain at rest, development of ulcers and gangrene. Hardening of the arteries due to calcium in the artery walls occurs in a significant number of patients with PAD, in particular those who are older and those with diabetes and kidney disease. Not only are calcified arteries more difficult to treat, resulting in higher failure and risks of leg amputation, they are also associated with greater mortality.
Tiny particles (microparticles) are produced and released by cells in the body and are involved in communication between cells. They also contribute to disease development and progression but their role in PAD and calcified arteries is unclear. This study will look at some of these particles found in the blood stream of patients with different severity of PAD and calcified arteries. Using laboratory analyses, we aim to study their significance in this process where better understanding may lead to treatments that can slow down this process and improve the outcomes of patients with PAD.
Patients attending our vascular unit for investigation and treatment of PAD will be invited to participate and their involvement in the study will involve an extra blood sample, review of their clinical investigations and follow up visits at 3 and 6 months.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0354
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion