The SPCR funded Lorna Clarson, a GP, to carry out a PhD examining data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) for associations between gout and cardiovascular risks. The research, supervised by Ed Roddy, professor of rheumatology at Keele, showed that both men and women with gout face a heightened risk of vascular events, with women experiencing a greater degree of risk. This work helped to underpin European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) recommendations to screen every person with gout for associated comorbidities and cardiovascular risk.