Gout Flashcards
What is gout?
A form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in bloodstream. Known as “Henry VII Disease”
What causes the symptoms of gout?
Formation of uric acid crystals in joints.
What is the specific type of uric acid crystals found in patients with gout?
Monosodium Urate
Where is the most common place to find gout?
Base of the big toe. Gravity init
What demographic is more likely to have gout?
Old Men
What is the main risk factor for gout?
Excessive red meat consumption. Paired with reduced fruit consumption.
How does gout present? (2)
- Sudden sever pain in any joint (usually the big toe).
- Inflamed skin over affected joint
What is the percentage of patients that present with big toe gout?
70% of gout cases are in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ)
What is the method to diagnose Gout?
History
Examination
Ruling out differential diagnosis.
What is the only investigation that can confirm gout?
Arthocentesis (with synovial fluid analysis)
This helps differentiate from pseudogout.
What investigation can we undertake to diagnose gout, other than arthrocentesis? (1)
X-Ray:
Joint effusion is an early sign.
You can see well-defined “punched out” erosion.
What do we see in a microscope of a gout arthrocentesis sample?
Needle-shaped crystals.
What lifestyle changes do we recommend to patients of gout? (2)
Reduction of red meat and alcohol consumption.
How do we treat acute flare-ups of gout? (3)
- NSAIDs
- Colchicine
- Steroids (IA, IM or Oral)
What medications are used to treat hyperuricaemia associated with gout? (4)
- Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor (i.e. Allopurinol)
- Febuxostat
- Uricosuric agents (sulphinpyrazone, probenecid, benzbromarone)
- Canakinumab