AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

STING - Maintenance or withdrawal of urate lowering therapy according to ultrasound features in gout patients: a randomised controlled trial

This study, called STING, is for adults with gout. It aims to find out if it's better to continue taking your uric acid-lowering medication (like allopurinol or febuxostat) or if you can safely stop it, based on what doctors see on ultrasound scans. Researchers will compare two groups: one that keeps taking their medication and another that stops, to see if stopping leads to more gout attacks. They will also track how many attacks people have, measure their uric acid levels, check their overall health, and look at side effects over three years. This will help doctors understand the best long-term treatment plan for gout.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Paris

Enrolment target

450

Start

07 Mar 2025

Gout adult patients

What is this study about?

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain. It happens when too much uric acid builds up in your body, forming crystals in your joints. Medicines like allopurinol and febuxostat help lower uric acid levels and prevent these painful attacks.

This study, called STING, wants to understand if people who have been stable on their gout medication can reduce or even stop taking it. Doctors often use ultrasound scans to check for signs of gout crystals in the joints that aren't obvious from the outside. The study will look at whether these ultrasound findings can help decide if someone can safely stop their medication without having more gout attacks.

The main goal is to compare two groups of gout patients over two years. One group will continue their usual uric acid-lowering medication, while the other group will stop it, to see if there's a difference in how many gout attacks they experience. They will also be looking at overall health, side effects, and how people feel about their quality of life.

Key takeaways

Looks at continuing vs. stopping gout medication (allopurinol or febuxostat).
Uses ultrasound scans to help decide on treatment.
Compares gout attacks, side effects, and general health over three years.
Helps understand the best long-term care for gout.
Participation involves regular clinic visits for blood tests, scans, and questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have gout. To be considered, you will need to meet certain health requirements that the study doctors will check. You'll also need to be able to understand and agree to take part.

Both men and women can participate in this study. The study team will review your medical history and current health to make sure the study is a good fit for you and that you meet all the specific criteria.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years of age or older?
Have you been diagnosed with gout?
Are you currently taking uric acid-lowering medication (like allopurinol or febuxostat)?
Are you able to attend appointments regularly over 3 years?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it will last for a total of three years. You'll be randomly put into one of two groups: either you'll continue taking your current gout medication, or you'll gradually stop taking it, depending on your ultrasound results. You will receive either febuxostat or allopurinol as part of your care within the study.

Throughout the study, you'll have several visits to the clinic over the three-year period (at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months). At these visits, the study team will: take blood samples to check your uric acid levels and kidney function, perform ultrasound scans of your joints, ask you about any gout attacks you've had, and ask you to fill out questionnaires about your pain, overall health, and quality of life. You'll also be asked to keep a simple record of any medication you take for gout attacks and any side effects you experience.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study is a personal decision. While we hope to learn valuable information that could help others with gout, there's no guarantee it will directly benefit you. You might experience the same gout attacks as before, or potentially more. There's also a chance you could experience side effects from the medications, or from changes in your medication, that are already known or unexpected. The study doctors will carefully monitor you for any health changes. You have the right to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

—
Unverified
France

Common questions

What is the main question this study wants to answer?

It wants to know if people with gout can safely stop their uric acid-lowering medicine, especially based on ultrasound findings, or if they need to keep taking it to prevent gout attacks.

What medications are involved?

The study looks at common gout medications called febuxostat and allopurinol, which help lower uric acid levels.

How long will the study last if I join?

If you take part, the study will involve regular check-ups over a period of three years.

Will I know which treatment group I'm in?

Yes, you will know if you are continuing your medication or stopping it, as this is part of the study design based on ultrasound results.

What are 'ultrasound features' in gout?

These are signs of gout, like crystal deposits, that doctors can see on an ultrasound scan of your joints.