Gout overview
|
Gout Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Gout overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Gout overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a disease due to a congenital disorder of uric acid metabolism. In this condition, monosodium urate or uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the blood stream. This provokes an inflammatory reaction of these tissues. These deposits often increase in size and burst through the skin to form sinuses discharging a chalky white material.
Historical Perspective
Aulus Cornelius Celsus appeared to recognize many of the features of gout. Galen described gout as a discharge of the four humors of the body in unbalanced amounts into the joints.
Pathophysiology
Gout occurs when mono-sodium urate crystals form on the articular cartilage of joints, on tendons, and in the surrounding tissues. Purine metabolism gives rise to uric acid, which is normally excreted in the urine. Defects in the kidney may cause uric acid to build up in the blood, leading to hyperuricemia, and the subsequent formation of gout crystals.
Differentiating Gout from other Diseases
Gout needs to be differentiated from other diseases such as cellulitis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis and sarcoidosis as they present with similar symptoms.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Gout affects men in age group 40-50 years. It is more common in people from the Pacific Islands, and New Zealand. In the United States, gout is twice as prevalent in African American males as it is in Caucasians.
Risk Factors
Several factors may put a person at risk for developing gout. These include the presence of; hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and alcohol abuse. Certain medications may also put a person at a higher risk for developing gout.
Prognosis
The prognosis of gout is good if it is treated early, and if the person maintains a healthy lifestyle with modification of their individual risk factors.