The PROBE-ACS Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prospective Registry of Biomarker Evaluation in Acute Coronary Syndromes (PROBE-ACS)
IRAS ID
159298
Contact name
Marcus Flather
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 16 days
Research summary
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS - including heart attacks) are due to sudden loss of blood to the heart muscle usually caused by a blood clot in the coronary artery (tubes supplying blood to the heart). ACS are common and are associated with a high risk of death and other life threatening complications. It is important to assess the risk of each patient and tailor treatment appropriately. We hypothesise that measuring novel substances in the blood (biomarkers) and platelet activity (platelets are involved in blood clots) can help improve the treatment of ACS. In this preliminary study we will measure a range of non-routine biomarkers to see if this is feasible in the clinical setting and to understand if these may add value in the future. We will also explore the relation of certain genes to biomarker levels and platelet activity. The study will initially enrol 50 patients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and follow them for 3 months and obtain 4 samples at different time points from each patient. Clinical practice will not be changed. Samples will be tested for NT-proBNP, hs-CRP, hs-troponin, renin, angiotensin II, markers of platelet aggregation, purine receptor activity on platelets and any genetic associations with these measurements. Long-term follow up will be performed through the Office of National Statistics. If our preliminary study is feasible and we are able to generate further funds in the future we will seek to extend the number of patients and sites in the study through additional applications to create a "Precision Medicine Platform" for ACS in the UK.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
15/ES/0037
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion