title: Tophus measurement as an outcome measure for clinical trials of chronic gout: progress and research priorities.
abstract: Despite the recognition that tophus regression is an important outcome measure in clinical trials of chronic gout, there is no agreed upon method of tophus measurement. A number of methods have been used in clinical trials of chronic gout, from simple physical measurement techniques to more complex advanced imaging methods. This article summarizes methods of tophus measurement and discusses their properties. Physical measurement using Vernier calipers meets most aspects of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) filter. Rigorous testing of the complex methods, particularly with respect to reliability and sensitivity to change, is needed to determine the appropriate use of these methods. Further information is also required regarding which method of physical measurement is best for use in future clinical trials. The need to develop and test a patient-reported outcome measure of tophus burden is also highlighted.
authors: Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. n.dalbeth@auckland.ac.nz
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Dalbeth
authors: Fiona M
authors: FM
authors: McQueen
authors: Jasvinder A
authors: JA
authors: Singh
authors: Patricia A
authors: PA
authors: MacDonald
authors: N Lawrence
authors: NL
authors: Edwards
authors: H Ralph
authors: HR
authors: Schumacher
authors: Lee S
authors: LS
authors: Simon
authors: Lisa K
authors: LK
authors: Stamp
authors: Tuhina
authors: T
authors: Neogi
authors: Angelo L
authors: AL
authors: Gaffo
authors: Puja P
authors: PP
authors: Khanna
authors: Michael A
authors: MA
authors: Becker
authors: William J
authors: WJ
authors: Taylor
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000639:trends*; D006073:Gout / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D006074:Gout Suppressants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D006074:Gout Suppressants