Hyperuricaemia and gout Flashcards
What is the pharmacological treatment for an acute gout attack?
From what age are these suitable for
Acute attacks should be treated as early as possible (as soon as an attack occur)
16 years and above
- NSAIDs max dose as early as possible and continue 1-2 days after attack has resolved.
Need to co-prescribe PPI for gastric protection,
- Oral Colchicine
Is Aspirin suitable for treatment of gout?
No. Aspirin is not indicated for gout
When is colchicine used instead of an NSAID?
In patients where NSAIDs are contra-indicated.
such as heart failure patients as it does not induce fluid retention like NSAIDs do.
Also can be given to pts receiving ANTICOAGULANTS
What is the option for a patient when NSAID or colchicine are not tolerated?
A short course of oral corticosteroids or a single intramuscular corticosteroid injection
If a patient is already on the long term prophylaxis for gout and then they have an attack, should allopurinol or febuxostat be stopped?
Do not stop them if pt is already established on them
Can allopurinol or febuxostat be started whilst a patient has an active attack?
No. They can exacerbate and prolong the attack.
What is Canakinumab and when can it be used in the treatment of gout?
Recombinant monoclonal antibody
can be used for the symptomatic treatment of frequent gouty arthritis attack.
Licensed for those that haven’t responded to NSAIDs or colchicine or who are intolerant of them.
What follow up is recommended after an acute attack of gout?
- Follow up 4-6 weeks after attack
- Serum uric acid level
- Blood pressure, HbA1c, renal function & lipid profile.
- Use of ULT (Urate-lowering therapy)
In a person with heart failure, continuing on diuretics and is using NSAID for pain relief. What should be monitored?
Renal Function
When should you refer? (4)
- Gout occurs during pregnancy or in young person (under 30)
- Persistent symptoms during an acute attack despite max dose of NSAID
- Requires ULT but they are not tolerated or contraindicated
- Max dose ULT and still having attacks
When should the use of ULT be advised?
- Two or more attacks in 12 months
- Joint damage
- Renal impairment (eGFR less than 60ml/min)
- History of urinary stones
- Diuretic use
What is 1st line ULT?
When is it usually started?
ALLOPURINOL
(xanthine-oxidase inhibitor)
1-2 weeks after an attack has settled.
Start at a low dose and titrate upwards (where tolerated) every four weeks until the serum uric acid (SUA) level is below 300 micromol/L.
Starting a ULT can precipitate an acute attack. What can the patient take as a prophylactic?
low dose NSAID or colchicine & for at least one month after the hyperuricaemia has been corrected.
Colchicine preferred.
What is second line ULT?
What needs to be checked before treatment initiation.
Febuxostat as an alternative second-line therapy if allopurinol is not tolerated or is contraindicated
Check liver function tests prior to initiation.
Start at a low dose and increase after 4 weeks if SUA level is above 300 micromol/L.
Can urate-lowering treatment be reduced or stopped in chronic gout?
Once allopurinol or febuxostat is started, treatment is usually lifelong.
After some years of treatment, once serum uric acid target is reached and clinical ‘cure’ has been achieved (acute attacks have stopped and tophi have resolved), consider reducing the dose of ULT to maintain the serum uric acid level between 300-360 micromol/L.