Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Imagery as Biomarker of Gout

This study aims to understand why some people with high levels of a chemical called uric acid, but no current gout symptoms, eventually develop full-blown gout. We use two types of harmless scans, called Dual-energy CT (DECT) and ultrasound, to look for hidden crystal deposits in the body. Researchers believe these deposits might be the first step towards getting gout. Over five years, we'll follow people taking part to see if having these deposits means they are more likely to develop gout symptoms. This research will help doctors better understand how gout starts and could lead to earlier ways to spot and treat it, potentially preventing painful attacks.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Lille Catholic University

Enrolment target

Start

09 Sep 2022

Estimated completion

09 Sep 2029

Hyperuricemia

What is this study about?

Imagine your body sometimes makes too much of a chemical called uric acid. For some people, this extra uric acid can form tiny crystals that settle in joints, even if they don't feel any pain yet. This study wants to find out if these 'silent' crystal deposits are a warning sign that someone will develop painful gout attacks in the future. We're using special scanners, like ultrasound and a type of CT scan called DECT, to spot these crystals.

Doctors have noticed that many people with high uric acid levels already have these hidden crystals. This suggests that the crystals might be the very first stage of gout, even before symptoms appear. But we don't yet know for sure if everyone with these crystals will get gout, or what causes some people to develop symptoms while others don't. This study is important because it's looking at this over a long time – five years – to get clear answers.

By following a group of people with high uric acid and checking for these crystals, we hope to learn if identifying them early can help predict who will get gout. This information could be very valuable for developing new ways to prevent gout and help people manage their health better.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand why some people with high uric acid get gout.
It uses special scans (ultrasound, DECT) to look for hidden crystal deposits.
Participation involves scans and regular follow-ups over five years.
You must have high uric acid but no current gout symptoms to join.
The findings could lead to better ways to prevent and treat gout in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 80 years old and have high levels of uric acid in your blood. It's really important that you haven't had any gout symptoms before, like painful flares or lumps (called tophi), and you're not currently taking any medication specifically for lowering uric acid or treating gout.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have very severe kidney problems, a serious illness that means you might not live for another five years, or certain types of inflammatory arthritis. You also can't have been diagnosed with gout or have visible gout lumps already. Also, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to move house internationally in the next five years, you wouldn't be suitable for this study.

The research team will carry out some checks to make sure the study is right for you and that you meet all the requirements. They will also need your clear permission to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Do you have high uric acid levels in your blood?
Have you *never* had any gout symptoms or painful attacks?
Are you *not* currently taking medication for gout or to lower uric acid?
Do you plan to stay in the same area for the next five years?
Are you able to provide your consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for five years. At the beginning, you will have some appointments for specific scans. These will include an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to look at your joints, and a DECT scan, which is a specialized X-ray, to check for crystal deposits. You will also have blood tests.

After these initial checks, you will be followed regularly over the five-year period. This usually involves regular check-ups with the study team. They will monitor your health, ask about any changes you experience, and perform further assessments as needed. You will not be given any new medication as part of this study, as it's observing the natural progression of gout. The team will provide more detailed information on the exact schedule of visits and what each involves.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help doctors better understand how gout develops, which might lead to new ways to prevent or treat it for others in the future. You will also receive regular health check-ups and monitoring. The procedures involved, like ultrasound and DECT scans, are generally considered safe, but like all medical tests, there are very small, rare risks that the study team will explain. For example, DECT involves a small amount of radiation, similar to other X-rays. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Lille Catholic Hospital
Verified postcode
Lille, France

Common questions

What is uric acid?

Uric acid is a waste product in your blood. If levels get too high, it can sometimes form crystals in your joints, leading to gout.

What is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in your joints, often in the big toe.

Are the scans safe?

Yes, both ultrasound and DECT scans are generally considered safe. Ultrasound uses sound waves, and DECT is a special type of X-ray that involves a small amount of radiation, which your doctor can explain.

Will I get medication in this study?

No, this study is about observing how gout develops naturally. You will not be given any new medication as part of taking part.

What happens if I get gout symptoms during the study?

If you develop any symptoms of gout during the study, the research team will advise you to consult your own GP or specialist for diagnosis and treatment.