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Chronic gouty arthritisDefinition Gout is a disease involving uric acid deposits in the joints. The disorder causes pain, especially in the joints of the feet and legs. Patients with chronic gout have repeated episodes of joint pain. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Gout is caused by an overproduction of uric acid or a reduced ability of the kidney to get rid of uric acid. The exact cause is unknown. It is more common in males, postmenopausal women, and people with high blood pressure. Heavy alcohol use, diabetes, obesity, sickle cell anemia, and kidney disease also increase the risk. The condition may also develop in people who take drugsĀ that interfere with uric acid excretion. Symptoms
Signs and tests There may be a current or previous medical history of acute arthritis in one joint. A physical examination of joints shows arthritis and tophi. Tests that indicate gouty arthritis include:
Treatment 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. Patients should drink plenty of water or other fluids to reduce the risk of kidney complications. Colchicine can be added to prevent further acute attacks. This drug can be discontinued when uric acid levels are stable (usually after 3 months), but it can also be continued at low doses to help prevent further attacks. Support Groups For additional information and resources, see arthritis resources. Expectations (prognosis) Symptoms are generally worse in people who develop the disease before age 30. Complications
Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if symptoms of chronic gouty arthritis develop. Prevention Drugs that lower the serum uric acid concentration may prevent the development of chronic gouty arthritis in susceptible people. Illustrations
Page Content: Gout - chronic; Gouty arthritis - chronic ; chronic gout; chronic gout tophaceous |
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