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Gout

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gout.

Alternative Names

Hyperuricemia

Highlights

Gout can be an extremely painful condition. About two-thirds of those with gout say their pain is among the worst they've ever had, according to a new survey. Many said flare ups made walking very difficult, and around 70% reported trouble putting on shoes or playing sports.

Types of Gout

There are two types of gout:

• Primary gout usually results from a combination of hormonal, genetic, and dietary factors.
• Secondary gout is caused by medications or medical conditions other than an inborn metabolic disorder.

Risk Factors

Up to 18% of patients with gout have a family history of the disease, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Some people with a family history of gout have a defective protein that interferes with the way the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in all of your body's tissues, as well as in certain foods, such as liver, dried beans and peas, and anchovies.

Gout Triggers

Hot and humid weather are strongly associated with recurrent gout attacks. Such weather can cause sweating and, ultimately, dehydration, which has long been recognized as a potential trigger for gout attacks. Researchers presented the findings at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC, in November 2006.

Research News

An experimental drug called Puricase (PEG-Uricase) has been shown to rapidly reduce excess uric acid in patients with gout. If approved, it may help those who have failed other treatments.

Complications

Higher rates of gout have been reported in people with cardiovascular disease. Now, researchers, reporting in the August 2006 issue of the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, say that gout is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks in men who have no history of heart problems.

• Review Date: 11/30/2006
• Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

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