Gout historical perspective
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shivam Singla, M.D.[2]
Overview
Historical Perspective
A Brief History of Gout Disease
Gout was first identified by Egyptians around 2640 BC. This is one of the most studied disease do far with more than ! Million people still suffering from the disease till today. Out of them the males are affected the most. The scientist have lot to offer regarding this chronic and debilitating disease. Although it was first recognized by Egyptians but the first clinical description of the disease came from Hippocrates ( 460-370). After a centaury later there is an another scientist named Cappadocian gave a proposal that the gout disease is caused by the toxin in the blood. Which later on given the name of Uric acid in further studies.
Naming the disease
The first person to name the disease was "Randolph's of Bocking" in early 1200s. The term is usually derived from the Latin word gutta or drop. Till day the variation of terms are seen in different languages all over the world. In English "gout", In French " goutte" and in Italian language it means " gotta" and in German named as "gicht"
Understanding the disease
In seventeenth centaury the scientist "Thomas Sydenham" was the fist person to study the aspects of Gout disease in terms of Acute or chronic aspects.. He also help in explaining and differentiating the gout from the other diseases related to different forms of arthritis.
The tophi that are uric acid crystal deposits those were fist identified, studied and described these as tiny needle like particles under the microscope by the famous scientist "Anton Von Leeuwenhoek".
This was later identified as urate crystals by a Swedish scientist named as "Carl Scheele".
Advance Work-up
The next remarkable contribution to the study of gout was made by Alfred Baring Garrod. He conducted some great experiments and eye opening research where he demonstrated the relation between between high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream and the development of gout.
Search for to control the disease
Different treatment and management theories are studied and implemented to manage the Gout over years but the Early treatment options that came from Hippocrates included minimal water, and counterirritation that is basically scorching the veins near the joint affected. Bloodletting is also one of the ancient techniques used at that time.
Introducing the colchicine
Although the colchicine was used in the ancient times for more than 2000 years but it was first used for the treatment of Gout Alexander of Tralles in around 600 AD. Then due to any reason this was out of use for hundreds of years before rediscovering it for use by an Australian physician Baron Anton de Stock in 1700. Most noticeable user for the colchicine was Benjamin Franklin. Till today the colchicine therapy is used to prevent gout flares and played a huge role in the management of patients with Gout.