Research issues
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
We are studying the epidemiological and genetic aspects of osteoarthritis, run community-based clinical trials and conduct evidence-based medicine. See our current studies.
2. Gout
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in men and in older women, and is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Although we have effective treatments to eliminate the urate crystals that cause gout, several audits, including a community study in Nottingham, have shown that management is often suboptimal, with only a minority of patients receiving appropriate information and effective treatment.
We have now completed the Nottingham Gout Treatment Trial (funded by Arthritis Research UK) to examine the efficacy of the nurse-led intervention versus ongoing usual (GP-led) care in the community. The trial has shown that after two years nurse led-care results in much better patient-centred outcomes (reduced acute attack frequency, reduction in subcutaneous tophi and improvements in Quality of life) than usual care. Furthermore the nurse intervention appears very cost-effective in terms of improvements in patient quality of life. We hope to publish these results in the near future.
3. Calcium crystal deposition
This is the second most common crystal associated arthritis and we are examining genetic, epidemiological and clinical aspects of calcium crystal deposition.
Current studies
Within the group the principal types of study undertaken are:
- Community-based epidemiological and genetic studies for associations, risk factors and outcomes for OA
- Gene-environmental interaction studies on knee and hip OA
- Community-based clinical trials in OA and gout
- Evidence-based medicine
Further information
Outcomes
Clinical practice guidelines in the treatment of osteoarthritis
The outcomes of our research have been directly used to guide clinical practice and develop treatment guidelines. Landmark papers include efficacy of topical NSAIDs, paracetamol and placebo in osteoarthritis. The team has been involved in the development of British (NICE and BMJ), European and global evidence based recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Collaborations
Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre
We work closely with researchers across the University of Nottingham as part of the Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre. The Pain Centre is pursuing a programme of research to better understand the mechanisms of pain in arthritis in order to develop improved treatment.
Arthritis Research UK Centre of Centre for Sport, Exercise & Osteoarthritis
Publications
Our researchers publish in leading peer-reviewed journals including the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases and Arthritis and Rheumatism. (See more publications under our academics' profiles.)
Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Clinical Research Award
The award of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Clinical Research Award to Professor Michael Doherty in 2012 in recognition of his excellence in clinical research related to osteoarthritis.