A medication commonly used to treat gout could be the key to reducing a cardiovascular condition that puts one in five people aged over 75 at risk of devastating complications like leg ulcers, gangrene and amputation.
Monash University and Eastern Health are examining the use of the anti-inflammatory drug Colchicine to prevent peripheral artery disease (PAD) as part of the international LEADER-PAD clinical trial.
PAD occurs when the arteries that deliver blood to the legs narrow as a result of atherosclerosis, a chronic condition that blocks arteries.
A key contributor to the condition is inflammation, so it is hoped that Colchicine could result in better outcomes for PAD patients.
Associate Professor Anthony Dear, from the Monash University Eastern Health Clinical School, is overseeing the trial in Melbourne patients and hopes it will drastically improve their quality of life.
"Colchicine is cheap, safe, orally available and can be used long term, so it has all the hallmarks of a drug that could be of significant benefit, not only in developed countries but also developing countries as a way of preventing this devastating disease," Associate Professor Dear said.
"We know that even with medical and surgical interventions, PAD patients have an elevated risk of poor cardiovascular outcomes that can reduce their mobility and independence.
"If it proves effective, this is a treatment option that could be life-changing for those who would otherwise be risking outcomes as severe as amputation."
As a result of under-research and poor public promotion, PAD often goes undiagnosed until it's too late.
Associate Professor Dear said this has startlingly resulted in up to 30 per cent of PAD patients dying within five years of developing the condition.
"Historically, there has been a lack of clinical trials and funding focused on PAD patients themselves," he said.
"Presentation is often not as dramatic as heart attacks or stroke in coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease.
"In fact, it's often referred to as the Cinderella of cardiovascular disease; it's hidden and doesn't get the attention it desperately needs."
The LEADER-PAD trial, originating in Canada, is a randomised, placebo-controlled trial looking at the effects of a low dose of Colchicine on cardiovascular outcomes in PAD patients.
It involves around 6000 patients across the world, 1000 of which are anticipated in Australia.
