2. Gout Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
Increasing incidence
1 in 40 adults
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
M>F
Prevalence increases with age
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Hyperuricaemia - crystals form in and around joints
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
Obesity Hypertension, diabetes, poor kidney function, congestive heart failure Diuretics Alcohol Purine-rich foods
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Sudden attacks of severe pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints
Often in 1st MCP (toe)
Often wake up in the night
6
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Limited range of movement
Swollen joint / signs of inflammation
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Pseudo-gout RA / osteoarthritis Bursitis Cellulitis Septic arthritis
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
X-ray
Serum uric acid
Joint fluid microscopy and culture
9
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Rest and elevate limb etc Weight loss Pain relief Intra-articular steroids eg prednisolone Oral colchicine (allopurinol for prevention)
10
Q
What complications are there?
A
Chronic gout –> joint damage
Tophi
Kidney stones
