Using imaging to predict gout in people with high uric acid levels

Imagery as Biomarker of Imminent Transition From Asymptomatic Hyper Uricemia to Gout

Not applicable Interventional Lille Catholic University · NCT05434858

This study is testing if using special imaging can help predict whether people with high uric acid levels will develop gout symptoms over five years.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorLille Catholic University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionscanakinumab
Locations1 site (Lille, Nord Pas De Calais)
Trial IDNCT05434858 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate whether the presence of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposits, visualized through ultrasound and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), is linked to the onset of symptomatic gout in individuals with hyperuricemia over a five-year period. By following a cohort of asymptomatic hyperuricemic individuals, the study seeks to understand the progression from crystal deposition to gout and the underlying mechanisms involved. The research will utilize advanced imaging techniques to quantify MSU crystals and assess their predictive value for developing gout symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 with elevated serum urate levels but no current or previous symptoms of gout.

Not a fit: Patients with severe kidney impairment, autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, or those currently on uric acid-lowering treatments are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to early identification and intervention for individuals at risk of developing gout, potentially preventing painful flare-ups.

How similar studies have performed: While cross-sectional studies have shown associations between MSU crystal deposition and gout, this longitudinal approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Serum urate level ≥ 80 mg/L on inclusion,
* No current or previous clinical symptoms of gout (including clinically apparent flares or tophus),
* Between 18 and 80 years old,
* Able to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* GFR (glomerular filtration rate) \<30 ml / min / 1.73 m² or dialysis,
* Serious illness with a poor prognosis of less than 5 years,
* Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis,
* Change of geographical area within 5 years,
* Previous analysis of synovial fluid showing crystals of MSU,
* Presence of subcutaneous tophi,
* Taking a hypouricaemic treatment (allopurinol, probenecid, benzbromarone, febuxostat, lesinurad), canakinumab, anakinra or colchicine,
* Uricemia observed only after an acute decompensation of comorbidity
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Where this trial is running

Lille, Nord Pas De Calais

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HyperuricemiaDual-energy computed tomographyhyperuricemiagoutmonosodium urate crystals
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.