Gout: Difference between revisions

No edit summary
(Removed copyright infringement image)
 
(8 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 8: Line 8:
[[Image:1st mtp gout.jpg|thumb|Gout: slight redness in the MTP joint of the big toe]]
[[Image:1st mtp gout.jpg|thumb|Gout: slight redness in the MTP joint of the big toe]]


Gout is a common causes of [[Chronic Disease|chronic]] inflammatory [[arthritis]], characterized by monosodium urate (MSU) monohydrate crystals deposition in the tissues. Most patients with gout have other [[Multimorbidity|comorbidities]]. The prevalence of gout is higher among individuals with chronic diseases such as [[hypertension]], [[Chronic Kidney Disease|chronic kidney disease]], [[diabetes]], [[obesity]], [[Congestive Heart Failure|congestive heart failure]], and [[Myocardial Infarction|myocardial infarction]] . <br>Gout and pseudogout are the 2 most common crystal-induced arthropathies. They are debilitating illnesses in which pain and joint inflammation are caused by the formation of crystals within the joint space.<ref name=":1">Radiopedia Gout Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/gout<nowiki/>(accessed 14.5.2022)</ref> <ref name=":2">Fenando A, Widrich J. Gout (podagra).Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546606/ (accessed 14.5.2022)</ref><ref>Joseph Kaplan, MD, MS, FACEP  Attending Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia</ref>
Gout is a characteristically intense acute inflammatory reaction that erupts in response to articular deposits of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals<ref>Cronstein BN, Terkeltaub R. The inflammatory process of gout and its treatment. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 2006 Apr;8(1):1-7 Available: .https://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/ar1908#Abs1 (accessed 15.5.2022)</ref>. It usually presents with intermittent painful attacks followed by long periods of remission<ref name=":3">Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Latest guidance on the management of gout. Available: https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k2893<nowiki/>(accessed 15.5.2022)</ref>. Most patients with gout have other [[Multimorbidity|comorbidities]]. The prevalence of gout is higher among individuals with chronic diseases such as [[hypertension]], [[Chronic Kidney Disease|chronic kidney disease]], [[diabetes]], [[obesity]], [[Congestive Heart Failure|congestive heart failure]], and [[Myocardial Infarction|myocardial infarction]] .<ref name=":1">Radiopedia Gout Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/gout<nowiki/>(accessed 14.5.2022)</ref> <ref name=":2">Fenando A, Widrich J. Gout (podagra).Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546606/ (accessed 14.5.2022)</ref><ref>Joseph Kaplan, MD, MS, FACEP  Attending Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia</ref>
== Epidemiology ==
== Epidemiology ==
Gout typically occurs in those above 40 years. There is a strong male bias of 20:1, with this bias more pronounced in younger and middle-aged adults. In the elderly, the gender distribution is more equal. Rarely seen in children (&lt; 10% of all cases)<ref name=":1" />&nbsp; <ref name="Goodman, Fuller">Goodman CC, Fuller KS. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. 3rd ed. Saint Louis, MO: Saunders; 2009.</ref>
Gout typically occurs in those above 40 years. There is a strong male bias of 20:1, with this bias more pronounced in younger and middle-aged adults. In the elderly, the gender distribution is more equal. Rarely seen in children (&lt; 10% of all cases)<ref name=":1" />&nbsp; <ref name="Goodman, Fuller">Goodman CC, Fuller KS. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. 3rd ed. Saint Louis, MO: Saunders; 2009.</ref>
Line 14: Line 14:


== Risk Factors ==
== Risk Factors ==
Hyperuricemia (abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood) is the leading cause of gout. People with higher serum urate levels are not only at an elevated risk for gout flare-ups but will also have more frequent flare-ups over time.  
The single most important risk factor is sustained hyperuricaemia, which can be caused by overproduction or underexcretion of urate. Hyperuricemia is abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood. People with higher serum urate levels are not only at an elevated risk for gout flare-ups but will also have more frequent flare-ups over time.  
 
[[File:Gout olecranon.jpg|thumb|227x227px|Gout Olecranon]]
Other factors implicated for gout and/or hyperuricemia: older age, male sex, obesity, a purine diet, alcohol, medications, comorbid diseases, and genetics. Offending medications include diuretics, low-dose aspirin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and cyclosporine. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have found several genes that are associated with gout.
Other factors implicated for gout and/or hyperuricemia: older age, male sex, obesity, a purine diet, alcohol, medications, comorbid diseases, and genetics. Offending medications include diuretics, low-dose aspirin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and cyclosporine. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have found several genes that are associated with gout.


* Dietary sources that can contribute to hyperuricemia and gout include consumption of animal food such as seafood (e,g., shrimp, lobster), organs (e.g., liver, and kidney), and red meat (pork, beef).
* Dietary sources that can contribute to hyperuricemia and gout include consumption of animal food such as seafood (e,g., shrimp, lobster), organs (e.g., liver, and kidney), and red meat (pork, beef).
* Some drinks like alcohol, sweetened beverages, sodas, and high-fructose corn syrup may also contribute to this disease<ref name=":2" />
* Some drinks like alcohol, sweetened beverages, sodas, and high-fructose corn syrup may also contribute to this disease<ref name=":2" />
== Pathology ==
[[Image:Urate crystals.jpg|thumb|Urate Crystals removed from tophi]]The pathology is characterised by monosodium urate crystals deposition in periarticular soft tissues. Synovial fluid is a poor solvent for monosodium urate hence crystallisation occurs at low temperatures.
There are five recognised stages of gout:
# Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia
# Acute gouty arthritis
# Intercritical gout (between acute attacks)
# Chronic tophaceous gout
# Gouty nephropathy<ref name=":1" />


== Characteristics/Clinical Presentation ==
== Characteristics/Clinical Presentation ==
Line 27: Line 38:
The acute phase usually last less than 10 days. within 7-10 days.
The acute phase usually last less than 10 days. within 7-10 days.


Patients with chronic uncontrolled hyperuricaemia, eg chronic kidney disease, may develop chronic tophaceous gout. In chronic tophaceous gout, there are solid urate crystal collections (tophi) and chronic inflammatory and destructive changes in surrounding connective tissue. Tophi are typically yellow-white in colour, non-tender, and are typically located within the articular structures, bursae, or the ears<ref name=":1" />.
Patients with chronic uncontrolled hyperuricaemia, eg chronic kidney disease, may develop chronic tophaceous gout. In chronic tophaceous gout, there are solid urate crystal collections (tophi) and chronic inflammatory and destructive changes in surrounding connective tissue. Tophi are typically yellow-white in colour, non-tender, and are typically located within the articular structures, bursae, or the ears<ref name=":1" />.&nbsp;
 
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Image:Gout pip.jpg|thumb|[https://www.medicalimages.com/stock-photo-close-up-of-a-large-red-and-swollen-left-index-finger-caused-by-acute-gout-in-a-76-year-old-image9256140.html Presentation of acute gout at the PIP joint.] Attribution  [https://www.medicalimages.com/stock-photo-close-up-of-a-large-red-and-swollen-left-index-finger-caused-by-acute-gout-in-a-76-year-old-image9256140.html Medical Images]|alt=]]
| [[Image:Gout olecranon.jpg|thumb|Presentation of acute gout at the olecranon]]
|}
 
<br> [[Image:Urate crystals.jpg|thumb|Urate Crystals removed from tophi]] 
 
== Associated Co-morbidities ==
 
Comorbidities with the patterns of  gout treatment, the occurrence and the frequency of acute attacks. Cardiometabolic comorbidities, common in this patients' population, were associated with an increased risk of flares<ref name=":0">Primatesta P, Plana E, Rothenbacher D. Gout treatment and comorbidities: a retrospective cohort study in a large US managed care population. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2011 Dec;12(1):103.</ref>


== '''Management''' ==
== '''Management''' ==
The acute gout attacks are painful and potentially disabling, needing immediate treatment. The optimal therapy is towards  controlling pain and inflammation.
[[Image:X-ray gout.jpg|thumb|X-ray gout.jpg]]The acute gout attacks are painful and potentially disabling, needing immediate treatment. The optimal therapy is towards  controlling pain and inflammation.
 
Acutely, gout can be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. naproxen), colchicine, prednisolone, or newer cytokine blocking agents (e.g. IL-1 blockers such as anakinra or canakinumab) if refractory disease. In the long-term, xanthine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. allopurinol or febuxostat), uricosuric drugs (e.g. probenecid), or uricase agents (e.g. pegloticase) may be used to reduce urate levels and prevent further acute flares. Tophaceous gout can also be managed with surgical excision of symptomatic lesions.


Lifestyle modifications are also part of treatment.<ref name=":0" />
# Acute flare ups: Management aims at decreasing the inflammation and the resulting pain. The physician should start the treatment within the first 24 hours of onset to reduce the severity and duration of the flare-up. Rest with topical application of ice packs can combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, or systemic glucocorticoids. The length of the treatments should be at least 7 to 10 days to prevent rebound flare-ups.<ref name=":2" />
# Patients with recurrent attacks, tophi, urate arthropathy, or renal damage and to symptomatic patients with very high serum uric acid levels should start urate lowering therapy (ULT). In the long-term xanthine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. allopurinol or febuxostat), uricosuric drugs (e.g. probenecid), or uricase agents (e.g. pegloticase) may be used to reduce urate levels and prevent further acute flares<ref name=":3" />.
# Tophaceous gout can also be managed with surgical excision of symptomatic lesions.


'''Medications'''
'''Non-pharmacologic''' : Patients with gout are encouraged to modify their lifestyles to prevent future attacks. Diet recommendations include reducing alcohol consumption, limiting purine-rich foods (meat, seafood, high fructose corn syrup, and sweetened soft drinks), and substituting low-fat or non-fat dairy products for their higher fat content counterparts. Weight loss and adequate hydration will also help reduce gout flare-up frequency<ref name=":2" />.<ref name=":0">Primatesta P, Plana E, Rothenbacher D. Gout treatment and comorbidities: a retrospective cohort study in a large US managed care population. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2011 Dec;12(1):103.</ref>
*NSAIDS ((selective/non-selective),Corticosteroids (oral or injections)<ref name="Goodman, Fuller" /> <ref name="Beers">Beers MH, et. al. eds. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 18th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2006.</ref>: for pain and inflammation management during an acute attack<ref name=":0" />.
*Allopurinol: to slow the rate of uric acid production and help prevent future attacks
*Cholchicine: occasionally used in the acute phase; however, use is less common due to frequency of side effects and narrow therapeutic range<ref name="Beers" /> <ref name="Goodman, Fuller" />
*Supplementary analgesics
*Probenecid and sulfinpyrazone may be used to lower serum urate levels<ref name="Beers" />
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Synovial Fluid Analysis''':''' Monosodium urate crystal identification remains the gold standard for gout diagnosis. Gout flare is marked by the presence of MSU crystals in synovial fluid obtained from affected joints of bursas visualized by direct examination of a fluid sample using compensated polarized light microscopy.[[Image:X-ray gout.jpg|thumb|X-ray gout.jpg]]
Synovial Fluid Analysis''':''' Monosodium urate crystal identification remains the gold standard for gout diagnosis. Gout flare is marked by the presence of MSU crystals in synovial fluid obtained from affected joints of bursas visualized by direct examination of a fluid sample using compensated polarized light microscopy.<ref name=":2" />
 
== Physical Therapy Management&nbsp;==
== Medical Management  ==
There are three main goals of the medical management of gout:
#Terminate acute attacks
#Prevent recurrence
#Correct and prevent further damage from hyperuricemia<ref name="Goodman, Fuller" /><ref name="Beers" />
 
<u>Termination of acute attacks</u> - NSAIDs are the most common and generally effective treatment for acute attacks.<ref name="Goodman, Fuller" /><ref name="Beers" />&nbsp; Cox-2 inhibitors are often the second choice for those who develop GI toxicity; however, they should be used with great caution with any patient with a history of CV complications or co-morbidities.<ref name="Beers" />&nbsp; Intraarticular corticosteroid injection may also be effective for the management of an acute attack. Colchicine may also be used either po or by IV and may produce substantial pain relief if started immediately after onset of symptoms.&nbsp; Supplementary analgesics may also be recommended along with rest, elevation, and joint protection strategies. <ref name="Goodman, Fuller" /><ref name="Beers" />
 
<u>Prevention of recurrence</u> - Daily low doses of NSAIDs or Colchicine are commonly used to prevent recurrent attacks.<ref name="Beers" />
 
<u>Correction and prevention of hyperuricemia</u> - Uricosuric drugs or allopurinol may be used alone or in conjunction.&nbsp; Hypouricemic therapy may also be used for patients with tophi and a higher recurrence rate.&nbsp; Dietary restriction of high-purine foods is a less effective treatment technique but is still recommended.&nbsp; Carbohydrate restrictions may also be helpful.&nbsp; Other treatment possibilities include hydration greater than 3 litres per day.&nbsp; Alkalinization of urine, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and surgical excision may also be beneficial.<ref name="Beers" />
 
See here for a [http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp list of high-purine foods] &nbsp; <ref name="FDA" />
 
== Physical Therapy Management ==
 
Physical therapy management of gout falls under preferred practice pattern 4E: Impaired joint mobility, motor function, muscle performance, and range of motion associated with localized inflammation. <ref name="Goodman, Fuller" />&nbsp;  
 
The physical therapist should be aware that any patient with a history of gout, hyperuricemia, and/or a septic joint presentation should be referred for medical evaluation prior to treatment.<ref name="Goodman, Fuller" />  
The physical therapist should be aware that any patient with a history of gout, hyperuricemia, and/or a septic joint presentation should be referred for medical evaluation prior to treatment.<ref name="Goodman, Fuller" />  


Line 83: Line 57:
A 2002 study in the Journal of Rheumatology found that the use of cryotherapy to alleviate the pain associated with acute bouts of gout may be effective.&nbsp;<ref name="cryro">Schlesinger N, Detry MA, Holland BK, Baker DG, Beutler AM, Rull M, Hoffman BI, Schumacher HR Jr. Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty arthritis. J Rheumatol 2002; 29(2): 331-334</ref>  
A 2002 study in the Journal of Rheumatology found that the use of cryotherapy to alleviate the pain associated with acute bouts of gout may be effective.&nbsp;<ref name="cryro">Schlesinger N, Detry MA, Holland BK, Baker DG, Beutler AM, Rull M, Hoffman BI, Schumacher HR Jr. Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty arthritis. J Rheumatol 2002; 29(2): 331-334</ref>  


During intercritical phases physical therapists may offer assistance with maintenance of ROM, strength, and function.&nbsp; The physical therapist can also assist the patient in the creation of a suitable exercise routine and keeping their weight under control.&nbsp;<ref name="Goodman, Fuller" /><ref name="FDA">Gout. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. December 2006. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp. Accessed March 2010.</ref>There is a Randomized Clinical Trial which suggests that Electroacupuncture in combination with blood letting puncture and cupping has relatively good results as a treatment for Gout. The treatment is effective mostly because the blood uric acid decreased significantly after the treatment was given to the patients. <ref>Zhao QW, Liu J, Qu XD, Li W, Wang S, Gao Y, Zhu LW.Department of Nutrition, Longnan Hospital, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital Group in Daqing City of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing 163453, China</ref><br>There is another study about Electroacupuncture combined with local blocking therapy on acute gouty arthritis that shows an improvement in health status of the patients. This treatment is positive and it also decreases blood uric acid levels. <ref>Liu B, Wang HM, Wang FY. The Forth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China</ref><br>
During intercritical phases physical therapists may offer assistance with maintenance of ROM, strength, and function.&nbsp; The physical therapist can also assist the patient in the creation of a suitable exercise routine and keeping their weight under control.&nbsp;<ref name="Goodman, Fuller" /><ref name="FDA">Gout. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. December 2006. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp. Accessed March 2010.</ref>
== Differential Diagnosis ==
== Pseudogout ==
[[Image:Pseuodgout.jpg|thumb|alt=|Pseuodgout]]Pseudogout, also known as pyrophosphate Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate disease (CPPD), is defined by the co-occurrence of arthritis with evidence of CPPD deposition within the articular cartilage.  it is characterized by sudden, painful swelling in one or more of the joints. These episodes can last for days or weeks. The most commonly affected joint is the knee. It isn't clear why crystals form in the joints and cause pseudogout, but the risk increases with age. Treatments can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation<ref>Mayo clinic Pseudogout Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pseudogout/symptoms-causes/syc-20376983<nowiki/>(accessed 15.5.2022)</ref>.


<u>'''Pseudogout:'''</u> is a form of arthritis that occurs 1/8th as often as gout. Symptoms are very similar to gout; however, the knee joint is primarily affected. Diagnosis is made by aspiration of synovial fluid.<ref name="Goodman, Snyder">Goodman C, Snyder T. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier, 2007.</ref><ref name="Wheeless">Wheeless, C R. Pseudogout and Chondrocalcinosis. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics. November 2008.  www.wheelessonline.com/image9/cppd2.jpg. Accessed March 2010.</ref>
* It is a form of arthritis that occurs 1/8th as often as gout.  
* Symptoms are very similar to gout; however, the knee joint is primarily affected.
* Diagnosis is made by aspiration of synovial fluid.<ref name="Goodman, Snyder">Goodman C, Snyder T. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier, 2007.</ref><ref name="Wheeless">Wheeless, C R. Pseudogout and Chondrocalcinosis. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics. November 2008.  www.wheelessonline.com/image9/cppd2.jpg. Accessed March 2010.</ref>


'''The difference between pseudogout and gout''' :
The difference between pseudogout and gout is outlined in below video.


{{#ev:youtube| KdyEuYhrjlM}}[[Image:Pseuodgout.jpg|thumb]]
{{#ev:youtube| KdyEuYhrjlM}}
* Other differential diagnosis include: [[Rheumatoid Arthritis|RA]], neoplasm, [[Septic (Infectious) Arthritis|septic arthritis]], infectious arthritis, acute rheumatic fever, juvenile RA, acute fracture, and palindromic rheumatism. <ref name="Goodman, Fuller" /><ref name="Beers" /> Gouty arthritis typically presents with rapid development of severe joint pain, swelling, and tenderness that reaches its maximum within just 6-12 h, especially with overlying erythema, most classically in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Demonstrating the presence of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joint fluid or tophus has been the gold standard for the diagnosis of gout. <ref>Schlesinger N. Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903</ref>
*  


== Case Reports ==
== Case Reports ==
Line 101: Line 78:


<references />&nbsp;&nbsp;  
<references />&nbsp;&nbsp;  
 
     
    [[Category:Rheumatology]]  
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Bellarmine_Student_Project]]
[[Category:Bellarmine Student Project]]
[[Category:Mens Health]]

Latest revision as of 14:52, 9 November 2022

Original Editors - Maggie Kraemer from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.

Top Contributors - Maggie Kraemer, Admin, Lucinda hampton, Shaimaa Eldib, Fitim Cami, Kim Jackson, Elaine Lonnemann, Simisola Ajeyalemi, Wendy Walker and WikiSysop  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Gout: slight redness in the MTP joint of the big toe

Gout is a characteristically intense acute inflammatory reaction that erupts in response to articular deposits of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals[1]. It usually presents with intermittent painful attacks followed by long periods of remission[2]. Most patients with gout have other comorbidities. The prevalence of gout is higher among individuals with chronic diseases such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction .[3] [4][5]

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Gout typically occurs in those above 40 years. There is a strong male bias of 20:1, with this bias more pronounced in younger and middle-aged adults. In the elderly, the gender distribution is more equal. Rarely seen in children (< 10% of all cases)[3]  [6]

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

The single most important risk factor is sustained hyperuricaemia, which can be caused by overproduction or underexcretion of urate. Hyperuricemia is abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood. People with higher serum urate levels are not only at an elevated risk for gout flare-ups but will also have more frequent flare-ups over time.

Gout Olecranon

Other factors implicated for gout and/or hyperuricemia: older age, male sex, obesity, a purine diet, alcohol, medications, comorbid diseases, and genetics. Offending medications include diuretics, low-dose aspirin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and cyclosporine. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have found several genes that are associated with gout.

  • Dietary sources that can contribute to hyperuricemia and gout include consumption of animal food such as seafood (e,g., shrimp, lobster), organs (e.g., liver, and kidney), and red meat (pork, beef).
  • Some drinks like alcohol, sweetened beverages, sodas, and high-fructose corn syrup may also contribute to this disease[4]

Pathology[edit | edit source]

Urate Crystals removed from tophi

The pathology is characterised by monosodium urate crystals deposition in periarticular soft tissues. Synovial fluid is a poor solvent for monosodium urate hence crystallisation occurs at low temperatures.

There are five recognised stages of gout:

  1. Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia
  2. Acute gouty arthritis
  3. Intercritical gout (between acute attacks)
  4. Chronic tophaceous gout
  5. Gouty nephropathy[3]

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Tophaceous gout: R great toe and finger IP joints.

Acute gouty arthritis presents with a monoarticular red, inflamed, swollen joint, typically in the lower limb, classically affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Often occurs during sleep, and may go on to involve more than one joint, becoming an oligoarthropathy or rarely, a polyarthropathy.

The acute phase usually last less than 10 days. within 7-10 days.

Patients with chronic uncontrolled hyperuricaemia, eg chronic kidney disease, may develop chronic tophaceous gout. In chronic tophaceous gout, there are solid urate crystal collections (tophi) and chronic inflammatory and destructive changes in surrounding connective tissue. Tophi are typically yellow-white in colour, non-tender, and are typically located within the articular structures, bursae, or the ears[3]. 

Management[edit | edit source]

X-ray gout.jpg

The acute gout attacks are painful and potentially disabling, needing immediate treatment. The optimal therapy is towards controlling pain and inflammation.

  1. Acute flare ups: Management aims at decreasing the inflammation and the resulting pain. The physician should start the treatment within the first 24 hours of onset to reduce the severity and duration of the flare-up. Rest with topical application of ice packs can combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, or systemic glucocorticoids. The length of the treatments should be at least 7 to 10 days to prevent rebound flare-ups.[4]
  2. Patients with recurrent attacks, tophi, urate arthropathy, or renal damage and to symptomatic patients with very high serum uric acid levels should start urate lowering therapy (ULT). In the long-term xanthine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. allopurinol or febuxostat), uricosuric drugs (e.g. probenecid), or uricase agents (e.g. pegloticase) may be used to reduce urate levels and prevent further acute flares[2].
  3. Tophaceous gout can also be managed with surgical excision of symptomatic lesions.

Non-pharmacologic : Patients with gout are encouraged to modify their lifestyles to prevent future attacks. Diet recommendations include reducing alcohol consumption, limiting purine-rich foods (meat, seafood, high fructose corn syrup, and sweetened soft drinks), and substituting low-fat or non-fat dairy products for their higher fat content counterparts. Weight loss and adequate hydration will also help reduce gout flare-up frequency[4].[7]

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Synovial Fluid Analysis: Monosodium urate crystal identification remains the gold standard for gout diagnosis. Gout flare is marked by the presence of MSU crystals in synovial fluid obtained from affected joints of bursas visualized by direct examination of a fluid sample using compensated polarized light microscopy.[4]

Physical Therapy Management [edit | edit source]

The physical therapist should be aware that any patient with a history of gout, hyperuricemia, and/or a septic joint presentation should be referred for medical evaluation prior to treatment.[6]

During acute exacerbations the physical therapist should focus on reinforcement of management program and splinting, orthotics, or other assistive devices to protect the affected joint(s). [6]

A 2002 study in the Journal of Rheumatology found that the use of cryotherapy to alleviate the pain associated with acute bouts of gout may be effective. [8]

During intercritical phases physical therapists may offer assistance with maintenance of ROM, strength, and function.  The physical therapist can also assist the patient in the creation of a suitable exercise routine and keeping their weight under control. [6][9]

Pseudogout[edit | edit source]

Pseuodgout

Pseudogout, also known as pyrophosphate Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate disease (CPPD), is defined by the co-occurrence of arthritis with evidence of CPPD deposition within the articular cartilage. it is characterized by sudden, painful swelling in one or more of the joints. These episodes can last for days or weeks. The most commonly affected joint is the knee. It isn't clear why crystals form in the joints and cause pseudogout, but the risk increases with age. Treatments can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation[10].

  • It is a form of arthritis that occurs 1/8th as often as gout.
  • Symptoms are very similar to gout; however, the knee joint is primarily affected.
  • Diagnosis is made by aspiration of synovial fluid.[11][12]

The difference between pseudogout and gout is outlined in below video.

Case Reports[edit | edit source]

One case report that presents interesting implications for the physical therapist involves an elderly patient with lumbar spondylodiscal pathology secondary to her polyarticular gout.  [13]
Interesting case report involving a middle aged man that developed symptoms of gout during a hospitalization.  [14]
Case report of a patient whose tophi were limiting the FDS tendon. [15]
Case report involving presentation and differential diagnosis of acute monoarthritis. [16]

A series of case reports that examine some of the negative effects of Colchicine as a form of pharmacological management. [17]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Cronstein BN, Terkeltaub R. The inflammatory process of gout and its treatment. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 2006 Apr;8(1):1-7 Available: .https://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/ar1908#Abs1 (accessed 15.5.2022)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Latest guidance on the management of gout. Available: https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k2893(accessed 15.5.2022)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Radiopedia Gout Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/gout(accessed 14.5.2022)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Fenando A, Widrich J. Gout (podagra).Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546606/ (accessed 14.5.2022)
  5. ↑ Joseph Kaplan, MD, MS, FACEP Attending Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Goodman CC, Fuller KS. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. 3rd ed. Saint Louis, MO: Saunders; 2009.
  7. ↑ Primatesta P, Plana E, Rothenbacher D. Gout treatment and comorbidities: a retrospective cohort study in a large US managed care population. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2011 Dec;12(1):103.
  8. ↑ Schlesinger N, Detry MA, Holland BK, Baker DG, Beutler AM, Rull M, Hoffman BI, Schumacher HR Jr. Local ice therapy during bouts of acute gouty arthritis. J Rheumatol 2002; 29(2): 331-334
  9. ↑ Gout. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. December 2006. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp. Accessed March 2010.
  10. ↑ Mayo clinic Pseudogout Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pseudogout/symptoms-causes/syc-20376983(accessed 15.5.2022)
  11. ↑ Goodman C, Snyder T. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists: Screening for Referral. St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier, 2007.
  12. ↑ Wheeless, C R. Pseudogout and Chondrocalcinosis. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics. November 2008. www.wheelessonline.com/image9/cppd2.jpg. Accessed March 2010.
  13. ↑ Lagier R, Gee W M. Spondylodiscal erosions due to gout: anatomicoradiological study of a case. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 1983 June; 42(3): 350-353.
  14. ↑ Dhoble A, Balakrishnan V, Smith R. Chronic tophaceous gout presenting as acute arthritis during an acute illness: a case report. Cases Journal. 2008; 1: 238.
  15. ↑ Sano K, et. al. Atypical Triggering at the Wrist due to Intratendinous Infiltration of Tophaceous Gout. Springer Hand. 2009 March; 4(1): 78-80.
  16. ↑ Ma L, Cranney A, and Holroyd-Leduc J. Acute monoarthritis: What is the cause of my patient's painful swollen joint. CMAJ. 2009 January; 180(1): 59-65.
  17. ↑ Morris I, Varughese G, and Mattingly P. Colchicine in acute gout. BMJ. 2003 November; 327(7426): 1275-1276.

  

Retrieved from "https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Gout&oldid=320063"