GOUT ARTHRITIS

What is Gout Arthritis

Gout is a kind of
arthritis that occurs
when uric acid builds
up in blood and causes
joint inflammation

Epidemiology
Mean age of onset
Incidence (age 32-64)
Attack

Men
49
2.8%

Women
60
1.5%

before the age of 30 is rare and

suggest a genetic metabolic disorder
It is more common in men

Etiology

Primary gout develops most often in

men between 30 and 60 years.
Secondary gout usually results from
chronic diuretic therapy and presents
in older subjects, often older than 65
years.

Pathology
Gout

is caused by disorders of purine

metabolism resulting in elevated levels of
uric acid

> 7 mg/dl in men

> 6 mg/dl in women

Prolonged

hyperuricemia leads to formation

of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals

SYMPTOMS
Joint

pain

Affects

one or more joints : hip, knee, ankle, foot,

shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, or other joints
Toe, ankle and knee are most common

Swelling

of Joint

Stiffness
Warm

and red
Possible fever

The Four Stages of Gout

Diagnosis
X-rays
Blood

test
Joint aspirations

TREATMENT
Colchicine-

reduces pain, swelling, and

inflammation; pain subsides within 12 hours
and relief occurs after 48 hours
Allopurinol- decreases the production of
uric acid
Probenecid and sulfinpurazone- prevent
absorption of uric acid in the tubules of
kidney

THERAPY
Increase

water intake
Watch diet for food
rich in purines
Avoid alcohol
Eat enough
carbohydrates.
If you are losing weight,
lose it slowly. Quick
weight loss may cause
uric acid kidney stones
to form.