Interdisciplinary approach to the management of patients with chronic gout

Abstract

Gout, one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis, is characterized by severe joint pain, which often interferes with daily activities. In recent years, further research on its causes and on improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention has been ongoing. It is known that gout usually occurs due to the accumulation of sodium monourate crystals in joints due to high levels of serum uric acid. In 2019, the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases journal published new data on imaging and clinical diagnostics methods based on the principles of evidence-based medicine. Formulated by experts, they were adopted as a consensus of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has now developed new strategies to treat and prevent gout. On May 11, 2020, the Arthritis & Rheumatology Journal presented guidelines for the management of gout patients, including the treatment of acute gout attack, indications for urate-lowering therapy and instructions for its optimal use, as well as recommendations on lifestyle and drugs that are often prescribed to patients with comorbidity. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge with a focus on recent advances in the algorithm for managing acute and chronic gout patients.