TriMethS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
TriMethS – A novel urinary biomarker for minor stroke and TIA
IRAS ID
232258
Contact name
Maureen Travers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
We have identified a novel molecule (a trimethylamine derivative, called TriMethS). It is found more commonly and at elevated levels in the urine of patients with stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) compared to patients with suspected stroke who turn out to have an alternative diagnosis (called a “mimic”). About half of patients referred to the stroke unit with suspected minor stroke or TIA have a mimic and it can be difficult to discriminate. It is important to make this distinction as an incorrect diagnosis can lead to limitations on the patient which may be disruptive to their lives unnecessarily. Additionally, people with minor stroke or TIA need preventative treatment to reduce the risk of a disabling stroke. We want to find out if TriMethS levels can be used to help us make the correct diagnosis of stroke/TIA. We will study levels of TriMethS in 300 people referred with suspected minor stroke and TIA. All participants will be verified as having suffered minor stroke / TIA or a mimic through standard clinical practice. Concurrently we will assess whether knowledge of TriMethS levels improves diagnostic accuracy and whether levels are related to long term outcomes. We also perform further experiments to elucidate the role of TriMethS and will begin developing simple methods for the measurement of TriMethS in the NHS.
Summary of Results
We have recently competed a visual lay summary as part of funder reporting processes which is publicly available.
https://www.cso.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/TCS1706-2.pdfREC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
17/WS/0252
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion