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Alternative names Return to top
Gout - chronic; Gouty arthritis - chronicDefinition Return to top
Gouty arthritis is the name for an attack of a metabolic disease marked by uric acid deposits in the joints. The disorder causes pain, especially in the joints of the feet and legs. Patients with chronic gout may have repeated episodes of gouty arthritis.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Gout is caused by a defect in metabolism which results in an overproduction of uric acid or leads to reduced ability of the kidney to eliminate uric acid. The exact cause is unknown. Risk is increased in males, postmenopausal women, and people with hypertension. Heavy alcohol use, diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anemia, and kidney disease also increase risk, as does lack of preventative measures in those with prior attacks.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
There may be a current or previous medical history of acute arthritis in one joint. A physical examination of joints shows arthritis and tophi.Treatment Return to top
Chronic gouty arthritis is treated with drugs like probenecid or sulfinpyrazone, which reduce uric acid levels. Another approach is to use allopurinol, which blocks the enzyme that produces uric acid, helping to reduce the level of this chemical. Patients should drink plenty of water or other fluids to decrease the risk of kidney complications.Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group of members who share common experiences and problems. See arthritis - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Symptoms are generally worse in people who develop the disease before age 30.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of chronic gouty arthritis develop.Prevention Return to top
Drugs that lower the serum uric acid concentration may prevent the development of chronic gouty arthritis in susceptible people. Update Date: 10/24/2003 Updated by: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |