NOR-Gout
Gout in Norway
Project managers
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Gout is a major problem for the population in Norway. Despite good and easily available medications, the disease is far from being treated optimally and patients retain high levels of uric acid, experience repeated attacks and functional impairment, as well as deposition of uric acid crystals in the tissue.
In this study, we investigate whether a low level of uric acid in the blood after targeted treatment prevents new attacks of gout and reduces the deposition of crystals in the tissues (joints, tendons and skin). For this purpose, we established a cohort of gout patients who came to a rheumatology outpatient clinic after an acute attack of arthritis. After the treatment of the acute attack, the 211 included patients were treated for the first year with close controls and a clear treatment goal according to the "treat-to-target" principle.
The study is being conducted at the rheumatology outpatient clinic, Diakonhjemmet Hospital in collaboration with the National Competence Service for Rheumatological Rehabilitation (NKRR), and the project will show whether targeted treatment with uric acid-lowering medication and lifestyle advice from a nurse with frequent follow-up results in fewer attacks and allows the uric acid crystals to be removed from the body. The project also collaborates with radiologists, heart researchers, international researchers and clinical data is linked, for example, to genetic analyses.
WHO CAN JOIN?
The study included adult patients with gout with a recent attack and an elevated uric acid level in the blood.
Recruitment of patients and the 5-year follow-up study have been completed.
WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?
The patients were treated with a targeted intervention with a conversation with a study nurse at the rheumatology outpatient clinic and uric acid-lowering medication. Follow-up with a nurse was done if necessary every month until the treatment goal of low uric acid levels was reached. Follow-up with a doctor at fixed time intervals (3, 6, 12, 24, 60 months) was also done with ultrasound examination. Furthermore, an X-ray examination with CT was performed, and the patients were followed up for 5 years. Questionnaires also examine health-related quality of life and work productivity.