An acute gout attack causes severe pain, swelling, overheating and tenderness in the joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone or colchicine are often used in general practitioner care to relieve this. The COPAGO study, which has been running since 2023 under the direction of the Institute of Community Medicine at the University Medical Center Greifswald, is investigating which of these drugs is more effective. The aim is to compare the effectiveness and side effects of both substances in order to improve the treatment of gout patients.

The study, which is being conducted in cooperation with the University Medical Center Göttingen and the University Hospital Würzburg, includes 60 general practitioner practices in the regions of the three universities. Patients with an acute gout attack who present to a practice within two days of the onset of symptoms can participate. They are randomly assigned to treatment with either prednisolone or colchicine without the doctor or patient knowing which drug is being administered. Recently, participants have also been included directly through the University Medical Center Greifswald after they were made aware of the study in general practitioners’ practices.

So far, there is a lack of direct comparative studies on the effectiveness of the two drugs, as previous studies usually took place in hospital outpatient clinics. The COPAGO study, whose name stands for “randomized controlled trial of Prednisolone versus Colchicine for acute gout in primary care”, focuses on primary care, where most gout patients are treated. The aim is to create the basis for new guidelines that enable safe and effective therapy.

An additional component of the study is the examination of the participants’ feet using computed tomography to detect uric acid crystals and determine their volume. Initial evaluations show that the crystal volume of the study participants is lower than that of patients in hospital studies, but uric acid crystals could be detected in all persons examined. This data helps to better characterize patients and assess the severity of the disease.

The interim results underline the relevance of studies in the real care context, as they reflect the reality of life for most gout patients. The COPAGO study will run until January 2026 and is intended to create the basis for improved treatment strategies tailored to the needs of those affected.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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