5. Gout

Question 1

What causes gout?

Answer 1

The accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints

Question 2

What conditions can gout cause?

Answer 2

• gouty arthritis

- acute joint inflammation

Question 3

Why is gout called the “rich man’s disease”?

Answer 3

because it is associated with ingesting red meat, cheese and wine (purines)

Question 4

What are the 4 drugs therapies used for gout?

Answer 4

• colchicine
• allopurinol
• probenecid
• NSAIDs (indomethacin)

Question 5

How does colchicine help pts with gout?

Answer 5

It impairs PMN (immune cells) motility and chemotaxis which will reduce the inflammatory response to the urate crystals
Does NOT help with pain

Question 6

How does allopurinol help with gout?

Answer 6

It reduces urate formation (xanthine oxidase inhibitor)
Actually goes after the CAUSE of gout

Note: risk of hypoxantine stones

Question 7

How do NSAIDs (indomethacin) help with gout?

Answer 7

Helps reduce pain and inflammation

Question 8

What is most likely the drug of choice for gouty arthritis?

Answer 8

NSAIDs

ex. indomethacin

Question 9

How does probenacid help pts with gout?

Answer 9

• it is uricocuric –> inhibits reabsorption of uric acid

- this means it helps reduce uric acid by increasing its elimination

Question 10

What risk should pts be aware of when taking probenecid?

Answer 10

renal urate stones

pts should increase their fluid intake