DJD, Gout & Pseudogout Flashcards
A type of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by uric acid crystal deposition in the joints?
Gout; can be monoarticular or pauci-articular.
Prevalence of Gout?
- 3% of men and 0.6% of women.
- -Postmenopausal women.
- -Peak onset in 4th decade of life.
- -More frequent in AA men than Caucasians.
Pathophysiology of Gout?
High uric acid levels due to overproduction or under-excretion – crystallization occurs (esp. distal joints) – incites a violent immune response w/a large amount of inflammatory cells and cytokines.
- *Prolonged or frequent events can lead to bony erosions.
- *Prolonged attacks or hyperuricemia can also lead to deposits of crystals called “Tophi.”
What are Tophi?
Deposits of crystals in the joints, usually caused by Hyperuricemia.
Predisposing conditions to Gout?
Renal insufficiency or renal transplant, High purine diet, Psoriasis (high cell turnover), Medications (HCTZ, Cyclosporine, ASA).
Some of the things pt’s say to describe a gout flare/attack?
“I woke up, and my foot was twice its size.”
“I thought I must have sprained it.”
“I can’t stand to have a sheet touch it.”
“I’ve got the gouch.”
“It went away from that foot but then spread to this knee.”
History provided by a pt about a typical flare…
- Affects one (80%) or two joints.
- Very swollen, red, hot to the touch.
- can affect the tendons.
- Whole hand or whole foot can be affected.
- Extremely painful.
- May be unable to ambulate.
- Lasts a week +/-, then goes away.
Gold Standard diagnosis of Gout?
Crystals in joint fluid and biopsy of tophus.
Other diagnostics for Gout?
**Typical history is suggestive.
- Uric Acid Levels:
- -During flare…can be low or normal.
- -High Uric Acid levels do not actually = gout; only 1 in 4 w/hyperuricemia will get gout.
- -Monitor uric acid level to assess response to treatment.
What is Podagra?
Gout of the foot, esp. the big toe.
What is Tophaceous Gout?
A chronic form of gout; Nodular masses of uric acid crystals (tophi) are deposited into different soft tissue areas of the body.
Laboratory findings in Gout?
- Elevated ESR/CRP.
- Fluid analysis = elevated WBCs (thousands).
- Urate crystals – needle-shaped.
- Uric acid not helpful “acutely.”
Treatment GOAL in Acute Gout?
Reduce inflammation and pain.
Treatment GOAL in Chronic Gout?
Reduce uric acid level.
Treatment of ACUTE Gout?
- Steroid injection – if one joint involved.
- NSAIDs.
- Systemic Steroids.
- Colchicine.
- NO Allopurinol initiation!!
- -It worsens acute gout.
- -But, continue it if the pt is already taking it.
Treatment of ACUTE Gout?
- Steroid injection – if one joint involved.
- NSAIDs.
- Systemic Steroids.
- Colchicine.
- NO Allopurinol initiation!!
- -It worsens acute gout.
- -But, continue it if the pt is already taking it.
Treatment of Chronic Gout?
“Does the patient need urate lowering therapy?”
YES if….
- -Frequent flares (2-4/yr).
- -Tophi.
- -Radiographic erosions from gout.
- -Urate kidney stones.