Skeletal Misc Flashcards
What is gout?
A type of monoarthritis characterized by uric acid crystal deposition in synovial joints
Gout is one of the most common forms of arthritis, particularly in men over 40 years of age.
What is the sex ratio of gout prevalence?
10:1 in men compared to women
Gout is significantly more common in men.
What causes the acute inflammatory response in gout?
Infiltration of white blood cells due to uric acid crystal formation
The crystals form on cartilage surfaces, triggering the immune response.
What is hyperuricaemia?
Elevated blood uric acid levels
It can result from either overproduction or underexcretion of uric acid.
From what is uric acid derived?
The breakdown of purines
Purines are found in certain foods and are also produced by the body.
Fill in the blank: Gout is characterized by _______ crystal deposition.
uric acid
The crystals are specifically known as monosodium urate.
What is the meaning of the prefix ‘mono’ in the context of gout?
One
‘Mono’ signifies the type of arthritis being described.
What does ‘arthro-‘ refer to?
Joint
‘Arthro-‘ is a prefix used in medical terminology related to joints.
What are the common causes of Gout?
- Increased intake of purine-rich foods
- Dehydration
- Kidney disease
- Medications
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Hypertension
- Type II diabetes
Purine-rich foods include red meat, organ meats, and shellfish.
What is a key diagnostic method for Gout?
Blood serum for uric acid and analysis of synovial fluid
Blood serum levels of uric acid are not definitive as they fluctuate but can be useful for monitoring treatment.
True or False: Uric acid levels in the blood are a definitive diagnostic tool for Gout.
False
Uric acid levels fluctuate and are not definitive for diagnosis.
Fill in the blank: Gout can be exacerbated by excessive _______.
[alcohol consumption]
Alcohol competes with uric acid for elimination by the kidneys.
What type of diabetes is associated with an increased risk of Gout?
Type II diabetes
This condition can contribute to the development of Gout.
What bodily fluid is analyzed for diagnosing Gout?
Synovial fluid
This is obtained through needle aspiration.
Name two types of foods that are high in purines and may trigger Gout.
- Red meat
- Organ meats
Shellfish is also considered a purine-rich food.
What is the most common joint affected by gout?
Big toe
Gout can also affect the mid-feet, ankles, knees, elbows, and hands.
Is gout usually monoarticular or polyarticular?
Monoarticular
This means it typically affects one joint.
What are the signs of a gout attack?
Sudden onset of intensely painful, red, hot, and swollen joints
Symptoms often last 12-24 hours and can include shiny skin over the joint.
What can develop under the skin due to urate crystals in gout?
Tophi
Tophi are hard, chalky deposits of monosodium urate crystals.
Fill in the blank: Gout usually affects _______ joints.
one
Gout is predominantly monoarticular.
What is the typical duration of a gout attack?
12-24 hours
The pain and symptoms can be very intense during this period.
True or False: Gout can affect multiple joints simultaneously.
False
Gout typically affects one joint at a time.
What type of crystals are associated with gout?
Urate crystals
These crystals are deposits of monosodium urate.
What is the primary allopathic treatment used to prevent gout episodes?
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is known to be hepatotoxic.