Medical management of gout

Abstract

Hyperuricemia predisposes to gout, but it is not possible to determine whether gout will occur in the asymptomatic hyperuricemic individual. Hence, hyperuricemia, unless very marked, is managed conservatively until overt signs of gout appear. Prognosis in most cases of primary gout has improved dramatically with earlier diagnosis and the introduction of potent and relatively safe uricosuric drugs and allo-purinol. The incidence of acute attacks can be reduced, and joint disability and deformity are no longer inevitable.