Acromegaly & Multijoint Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of the impact of joint disease on patients with acromegaly
IRAS ID
198429
Contact name
Robert D. Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Innovation Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 0 days
Research summary
Acromegaly is a rare disease caused by elevated growth hormone levels. A common complication of this condition is joint disease, which is seen even in patients who have been successfully cured and maintain normal levels of growth hormone. This joint disease occurs independent of disease control, and suggestions to date are that disease activity at presentation may be the best determinant. Quality of life is impaired in patients with acromegaly, and does not improve long-term despite disease control. The major contributor to this is the development of joint disease. Few studies have characterised the joint disease related to acromegaly, and have depended on plain X-rays and in one case on ultrasound. We are currently collecting data based on joint MRI scan in these individuals. Most importantly, the impact of the joint disease in acromegaly, in terms of pain, functional limitation, and how frequently this occurs, is poorly understood. Data in the literature is derived from studies of small numbers in single centres, and has concentrated on a single aspect of the joint disease. We aim, in a large cohort of patients with acromegaly, to fully characterise the extent of joint disease in terms of joints affected, degree of pain, functional limitations, and impact on overall quality of life using validated questionnaires. We have a large database of responses from previous studies of normative individuals and those with osteoarthritis (OA) to compare results with, and establish differences between osteoarthritis and the joint disease of acromegaly. Furthermore, by collecting background, treatment, and data concerning disease control we hope to be able to establish the important factors which predispose to development of joint disease in patients with acromegaly.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0650
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion