Leicestershire resident Mr. Gosling is participating in a clinical trial exploring whether a common diabetes drug, metformin, can slow the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), possibly averting the need for invasive surgery. He joined the trial in July after consulting with prof. Matt Brown, who leads the UK branch of the re
m Patients?
A UK trial is investigating whether a widely-used medication coudl offer a non-surgical approach to managing potentially life-threatening aortic aneurysms.
- An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the aorta, the body’s main artery.
- The trial is testing metformin, a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Participants are closely monitored for AAA growth while taking either metformin or a placebo.
- Early results could offer a less invasive choice to surgery for some patients.
Mr. Gosling learned his AAA measured 1.57 inches (4 centimeters) in diameter. “I asked what I could do to stop it growing and that’s when they told me about the trial,” he said. “It also means my condition is very closely monitored, which can only be a good thing. Hopefully it will help a lot of people like me in the future.”
A: It’s a bulge in the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart through the abdomen. If an AAA grows too large, it can rupture, which is a life-threatening emergency.
According to researchers, AAAs frequently enough don’t cause symptoms until they become large enough to rupture. Though, Mr. Gosling has already adjusted his lifestyle, avoiding heavy lifting while assisting his son on the family farm as a precaution.
The trial began with a six-week period where Mr. Gosling received gradually increasing doses of metformin to assess his tolerance to the medication. He has since transitioned to the next phase, where he is now receiving either metformin or a placebo, with regular check-ups to track any changes in the size of his AAA.
Understanding the Risks of aaas
aaas develop over time,frequently enough without noticeable symptoms. the aorta’s walls weaken, causing it to balloon outwards. While small aneurysms may be monitored, larger ones require intervention to prevent rupture, which can lead to severe internal bleeding and death.
The university involved in the trial emphasized that AAAs rarely present symptoms unless they rupture.Though, proactive monitoring and potential preventative measures, like those being explored in this study, are crucial for managing the condition.
This research offers a potential new avenue for managing aaas, potentially reducing the need for major surgery and improving the quality of life for those at risk.
