J Korean Med Assoc.  2021 Nov;64(11):772-777. 10.5124/jkma.2021.64.11.772.

Pharmacotherapy for gout

• Son CN

• KMID: 2522454
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2021.64.11.772

Abstract

Background
Gout is a common disease that is mainly caused by hyperuricemia. Although it is relatively easy to treat, adherence to drug treatment and the rate at which treatment targets are met is low.
Current Concepts
For the treatment of acute gout attack, colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and glucocorticoids can be used alone or in combination depending on the severity of symptoms. To prevent gout attacks, patients are started on colchicine prior to or concurrent with treatment with uric acid–lowering drugs. The treatment is maintained until serum uric acid levels have returned to normal, and the patient has had no acute attacks for three to six months. Ultimately, the symptoms of gout are controlled in the long term by treating the patient’s hyperuricemia. For this purpose, allopurinol, febuxostat, and benzbromarone are used, and the side effects and contraindications for each drug should be checked. The goal for the treatment of chronic gout is to maintain a serum uric acid concentration below 6.0 mg/dL.
Discussion and Conclusion
Patients visit the emergency departments of hospitals for sudden gout attacks. However, gout is a chronic disease that requires the lifelong use of uric acid–lowering agents. Therefore, it is necessary to educate patients on a serum urate-based treat-to-target approach.

Keyword

Gout; Hyperuricemia; Drug therapy; 통풍; 고요산혈증; 약물치료