RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

HIPPOCRATES Prospective Observational Study

The HIPPOCRATES study wants to understand why people with psoriasis sometimes develop a related condition called psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints. Up to a third of psoriasis patients might get this. Researchers at the University of Oxford and University College Dublin are leading this European study. We're looking for adults with psoriasis to fill out online questionnaires every six months. If a questionnaire suggests you might have arthritis, you'll be advised to see your doctor. Some participants will also provide a finger-prick blood sample from home to look for early signs of arthritis. By identifying those at risk, we hope to learn how to prevent psoriatic arthritis in the future. We're also learning about how psoriasis affects people's daily lives.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

25,000

Start

27 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriasis

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, flaky patches. For some, psoriasis can also lead to a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. This condition causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and tendons. At the moment, we don't fully understand why some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis while others don't. This study, called HIPPOCRATES, aims to change that.

The main goal of the HIPPOCRATES study is to find a way to identify people with psoriasis who are at a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Imagine if we could predict who might get it and, even better, find ways to stop it from happening before it starts? That's our long-term ambition. We believe that by understanding the very early signs, we can work towards better treatments and, potentially, prevention.

We also want to learn more about how psoriasis itself affects people's daily lives across Europe. Gathering information from many participants helps us understand the bigger picture of living with psoriasis. Your involvement could help improve the lives of many people with psoriasis in the future.

Key takeaways

The study aims to prevent psoriatic arthritis in psoriasis patients.
It involves answering online questionnaires every six months.
Some participants will give a home finger-prick blood sample.
No hospital visits are needed to participate.
It helps researchers understand psoriasis and early arthritis signs.
Your data will be kept confidential.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You must have a diagnosis of psoriasis, which you report yourself. It's important that you are willing and able to give your permission to be part of the study and can fill out information in one of the study's supported languages.

However, you cannot take part if you have already been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. This study is specifically for people with psoriasis who have not yet developed psoriatic arthritis.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with psoriasis?
Do you NOT have a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis already?
Are you comfortable filling out online questionnaires?
Are you willing to potentially provide a home blood sample?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete online questionnaires every six months. These questionnaires will ask about your health and include questions to check for early signs of arthritis. If these questionnaires suggest you might have arthritis, you'll be told to speak to your local doctor or health professional.

Some participants will also be asked to provide a small blood sample at home using a simple finger-prick kit. You would then post this sample to a central laboratory for analysis. The study will aim to follow up with you over a period to see if you do develop psoriatic arthritis. There are no direct visits to a clinic required for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about psoriatic arthritis, potentially leading to better ways to prevent it and treat it in the future, which could benefit many people. You might also gain a better understanding of your own health. The main risks are minimal; providing a finger-prick blood sample might involve slight discomfort, and completing questionnaires takes a small amount of your time. Your personal information will be kept confidential. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can affect some people who have psoriasis, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in their joints.

Do I need to visit a hospital or clinic for this study?

No, you won't need to visit a hospital or clinic. All questionnaires are completed online, and blood samples (if requested) can be taken at home.

What happens if the questionnaire suggests I might have arthritis?

If the online questionnaire indicates you might have signs of arthritis, you will be advised to contact your local GP or a health professional for advice.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your personal information is kept confidential and handled securely according to strict guidelines.

How long will I be part of the study?

The study involves completing questionnaires every six months for an ongoing period, to track changes over time.

How to find out more

Laura C Coates, MBChB, PhD

laura.coates@ndorms.ox.ac.uk 01865737838 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.