Topic 10: Gout

Question 1

Gout

Answer 1

type of arthritis characterized by elevation of uric acid (hyperuricemia) and the deposit of uric acid crystals in 1 or more joints. Marked by painful flares lasting days to weeks followed by long periods without symptoms

Question 2

what foods can trigger gout

Answer 2

foods containing purines (red and organ meat, shellfish, fructose drinks)

Question 3

clinical manifestations of gout

Answer 3

· May occur acutely in 1 or more joints (usually less than 4)
· Podagra
· Affected joint may appear dusky, and cyanotic and are extremely tender
· Symptom onset usually occurs at night with sudden swelling
· Highly sensitive to touch
· Low-grade fever is common
· Attack usually 2 to 10 days with or without treatment
· Tophi

Question 4

podagra

Answer 4

inflammation of the great toe

Question 5

Tophi

Answer 5

visible deposits of sodium urate crystals (hard white nodules)

Question 6

Excessive uric acid excretion may lead to

Answer 6

stone formation in the kidneys or urinary tract

Question 7

diagnostic assessment

Answer 7

· Fam Hx of gout
· Sodium urate crystals in synovial fluid
· Increased serum uric acid
· Increased uric acid in 24-hr urine
X-ray of affected joints

Question 8

management of gout

Answer 8

· Joint immobilization
· Local application of heat and cold
· Joint aspiration and intraarticular corticosteroids
Avoid any fluids with high purine content (anchovies, liver, wine, beer)

Question 9

drug that prevents gout

Answer 9

allopurinol

Question 10

drug that helps with acute gout attacks

Answer 10

Colchicine (anti-inflammatory agent helps to end acute attack)