How to Recognize and Treat Gout

Abstract

The two unequivocal diagnostic criteria for gout are urate crystals in synovial fluid during an acute attack and subcutaneous or bony tophi. A serum uric acid level higher than 7.0 mg per 100 ml during acute joint pain also suggests gout. Colchicine is still a good agent for acute attacks, but phenylbutazone, indomethacin and ACTH also have a place. Probenecid alone or with colchicine is effective for long-term therapy.