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 drugs, the disease is far from the best possible treatment and the patients retain a high level of uric acid, have repeated seizures 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 tissue (joints, tendons and skin). For this purpose, we established a cohort of gout patients who came to the rheumatology outpatient clinic after an acute attack of arthritis. After the treatment of the acute attack, the 211 included patients were treated in the first year with close controls and a clear treatment goal according to the "treat-to-target" principle.
The study is carried out at the rheumatology outpatient clinic, Diakonhjemmet Hospital in collaboration with the National Competence Service for Rheumatology Rehabilitation (NKRR), and the project will show whether targeted treatment with uric acid-lowering medication and lifestyle advice by nurses with frequent follow-up results in fewer attacks and means that the uric acid crystals are removed from the body. In the project, there is also collaboration with radiologists, heart researchers, international researchers and clinical data is linked, for example to genetic analyses.
WHO CAN JOIN?
The study has included adult patients with gout with a recent attack and an elevated uric acid level in the blood.
Recruitment of patients has ended and the patients are followed up with an examination also after 5 years.
WHAT DOES THE STUDY INCLUDE?
The patients were treated with a targeted intervention with an interview 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 level was reached. Follow-up with a doctor at fixed time intervals (3, 6, 12, 24, 60 months) was also done with an ultrasound examination. Furthermore, an X-ray examination with CT was carried out, and the patients are followed up for 5 years. The questionnaire also examines health-related quality of life as well as work productivity.