3.17b_10 Diagnosis and Management of Gout

Diagnosis and Management of Gout
Session Overview
Description
This session covers the diagnosis and management of gout, and how to differentiate gout from other acute arthropathies, including septic arthritis. It also covers treatments for both acute and chronic gout.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in February 2020.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe how gout commonly presents, including sites that are commonly affected
• Differentiate gout from other acute arthropathies, including septic arthritis, and recognise the limitations of blood tests in acute gout
• List the common medications that may reduce hyperuricaemia
• Identify effective treatments for both acute and chronic gout
• Prescribe dietary and lifestyle advice for people with gout

Gout is derived from the Latin word 'gutta', meaning 'a drop', and reflects the belief that the condition was caused by fluid dropping into a weakened joint. The condition used to be known as the disease of kings and aristocracy.

The condition is caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition at affected sites, especially joints, kidneys and other soft tissues. Indeed, the condition has been found to affect all of the tissues within the body except the brain.

In this session you will learn how to diagnose and manage gout, and what treatment options are available.