Pharmacist-Led Treat-to-Target Urate Lowering Therapy in Patients With Gout

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Mar 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two different ways to manage medications that help lower uric acid levels in patients with gout, a type of arthritis that causes painful flare-ups. The study will take place at five VA medical centers across the United States and will last between 4 to 5 years, with each participant being involved for up to two years. The goal is to see which approach works better in helping patients feel better and manage their condition.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be US Veterans aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with gout and have high uric acid levels (above 6.8 mg/dL). They should have experienced at least one gout flare in the past six months and have recently started a medication to lower uric acid levels. However, individuals who cannot take these medications or have seen a rheumatologist in the last three months are not eligible. Participants in the trial will receive care and guidance from pharmacists and will be closely monitored throughout the study to ensure they are receiving the best treatment for their gout.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • US Veterans over the age of 18 years with physician-diagnosed
• • Documented hyperuricemia (SU \>6.8 mg/dL)
• • Satisfy ACR/EULAR gout classification criteria
• • Report 1 or more flares in the prior 6 months
• • Receipt of a new ULT prescription (allopurinol or febuxostat) initiated by a primary care provider or longer term ULT but otherwise satisfy the flare/SU criteria
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any patient intolerant or unable to take ULTs (allopurinol or febuxostat)
• • Patients with a rheumatology encounter within the prior 3 months