COLPAC (RaDiCo Cohort) (RaDiCo-COLPAC)
The COLPAC study is observing people with a condition called Low Phospholipid Associated Cholelithiasis, or LPAC syndrome. This condition causes gallstones, sometimes repeatedly. Doctors don't fully understand why some people get it or how it affects them over time. This study aims to gather information on how LPAC syndrome shows up in patients (their symptoms and medical test results) and how it develops over five years. It will also look at how the condition impacts their quality of life. Participants will have their health monitored annually as part of their regular doctor's visits, and they will complete a questionnaire about their quality of life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your body struggles to make or transport a special fluid called bile, which helps you digest fats. When this fluid isn't quite right, you can develop hard stones, often in your gallbladder or liver. This condition is called Low Phospholipid Associated Cholelithiasis, or LPAC syndrome. It's a type of gallstone problem that can keep coming back, sometimes even after surgery to remove the gallbladder.
The COLPAC study, also known as RaDiCo-COLPAC, isn't testing a new medicine or treatment. Instead, it's an 'observational study'. This means researchers will simply be watching and collecting information from people who have LPAC syndrome. They want to understand the different ways this condition appears in people – for example, what symptoms they have, what their scans look like, and what their blood tests show. They also want to see how the condition progresses and changes over time.
By gathering this detailed information from many people over five years, doctors hope to gain a much clearer picture of LPAC syndrome. This better understanding could eventually lead to improved ways of diagnosing it, managing symptoms, and helping patients live better lives with the condition. It's about piecing together the full story of LPAC syndrome.
Key takeaways
- This study helps doctors learn more about LPAC syndrome and gallstones.
- It's an observational study – no new treatments are involved.
- Your routine medical information will be used for the study.
- You'll complete a quality of life questionnaire once a year.
- Participation lasts for five years, during your standard appointments.
- Your involvement helps improve understanding for future patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for both children and adults who have been diagnosed with LPAC syndrome based on specific medical signs. Generally, if you developed your first symptoms before the age of 40, have evidence of gallstones within your liver on scans, or have symptoms that keep coming back even after you've had your gallbladder removed, you might be eligible.
There are two ways to meet the criteria: a 'standard' way, which means you have at least two of the three signs mentioned above, or an 'extended' way, meaning you have at least one of those three signs.
However, if you have had a liver transplant in the past, you would not be able to participate in this study.
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.
- Were your first gallstone symptoms before age 40?
- Have scans shown gallstones inside your liver?
- Do you get repeated gallstone symptoms even after gallbladder surgery?
- Have you *not* had a liver transplant?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need any extra visits beyond your usual medical appointments. The researchers will simply collect information from your routine healthcare visits, which you would be having anyway. This will happen at least once a year over a period of five years. During these annual check-ups, you'll also be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your quality of life, which helps the researchers understand how the condition affects your daily living. There are no new medications or treatments involved in this observational study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (21)
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Aix-PertuisVerified postcodeAix-en-Provence, France
- Centre Hospitalier Annecy GenevoisVerified postcodeAnnecy, France
- Hôpital AvicenneVerified postcodeBobigny, France
- Hôpital Haut-LévêqueVerified postcodeBordeaux, France
- Hôpital Saint CamilleVerified postcodeBry-sur-Marne, France
- Hôpital Côte de NacreVerified postcodeCaen, France
- Hôpital BeaujonVerified postcodeClichy, France
- Centre Hospitalier Sud FrancilienVerified postcodeCorbeil-Essonnes, France
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de CréteilVerified postcodeCréteil, France
- Hôpital François MitterrandVerified postcodeDijon, France
- Hôpital MichallonVerified postcodeGrenoble, France
- Hôpital Claude HuriezVerified postcodeLille, France
Common questions
What is LPAC syndrome?
It's a condition where you develop gallstones, often repeatedly, likely due to problems with bile in your liver.
Is this study testing a new drug?
No, this is an observational study. Researchers will only be collecting information about your condition, not giving new treatments.
How long will I be in the study?
Participants will be followed for five years as part of their regular doctor check-ups.
Do I need extra doctor visits for this study?
No, the study will collect information during your routine annual medical visits, with no additional appointments needed.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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