J Rheum Dis.  2011 Dec;18(4):234-241. 10.4078/jrd.2011.18.4.234.

Rising Gout, Life Threatening Public Enemy

• Song JS

• KMID: 2223126
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2011.18.4.234

Abstract

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammation caused by precipitation of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the joint and is associated with impaired quality of life. The incidence and prevalence of gout is increasing world wide due to the increasing size of the elderly population, kidney disease, diuretic use, dietary changes, and obesity. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that gout is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and may lead to myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and premature death. Urate nephropathy is also increasing. Thus, the overall disease and the economic burden of gout is substantial and increasing sharply. Although traditional urate lowering agents including allopurinol, probenecid, and benzbromarone have been available for many years, questions still remain about the optimal dosing regimen. Many patients remain undertreated for this potentially curable disorder. Fortunately, more scientific data and evidence for proper management of gout are available. Renewed interest in gout has led to advances in dietary advice and development of new therapeutic options. The importance of risk factors for gout should be emphasized and patients with gout and hyperuricemia should be educated so that they can achieve a good quality of life and longevity. In this review, the comorbidity, mortality, and economic burdens of gout will be presented. In addition, the importance of proper management and patient education will be stressed.

Keyword

Gout; Hyperuricemia; Comorbidity; Mortality

MeSH Terms

Aged
Allopurinol
Arthritis
Benzbromarone
Comorbidity
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Gout
Humans
Hyperuricemia
Incidence
Inflammation
Joints
Kidney Diseases
Longevity
Mortality, Premature
Myocardial Infarction
Obesity
Patient Education as Topic
Prevalence
Probenecid
Quality of Life
Risk Factors
Uric Acid
Allopurinol
Benzbromarone
Probenecid
Uric Acid

Figure

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  Figure 1. Patients with gout typically harbor multiple comorbidities. The prevalence of having 0 to 7 associated comorbidities was determined among patients with gout in each of the 3 defined cohorts.

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  Figure 2. Gout conveys increased mortality.

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  Figure 3. Patients with gout spent more healthcare costs.

Reference

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