Recovery of patients with gout
Introduction
The incidence and prevalence of gout have increased worldwide in recent decades. Scientists at the Rochester Epidemiology Project (MN, USA) have seen a two-fold increase in the incidence of primary gout (patients without diuretic exposure) over a 20-year period, which ended in 1996. The increase of incidence may be related due to the difficulty and often unsatisfactory treatment options. The aim of the study was to systematize the recommendations on dietary treatment, and medication for patients with gout.
Materials and methods
An analytical, qualitative, and secondary study was performed in the form of a synthesis article. 115 sources were identified and analyzed; from this list, 44 sources were selected according to the impact score during the publication period and according to the level of recommendations.
Results
44 articles were included. Most studies were small, retrospective analyses performed in single centers, with concerns for bias. Eleven studies (including five randomized controlled trials) reported improved patient outcomes following pharmacological interventions with known efficacy in gout, including allopurinol, prednisolone, NSAIDs and anakinra. Eight studies reported improved outcomes associated with non-pharmacological interventions: inpatient rheumatology consultation and a hospital gout management protocol. No studies to date have prospectively evaluated strategies designed to prevent re-admissions of patients hospitalized for gout flares.
Conclusions
Urate crystals is completely soluble when we can lower the serum level of uric acid to normal values, but this often requires long-term treatment. The early onset of rehabilitation of affected joints helps to reduce the articular inflammatory process, the pain syndrome and it delays the progression of the underlying pathology while improving the quality of life in patients with gout. Further research is needed to enable healthcare providers to individualize and optimize gout treatment strategies, ensuring that patients with gout receive effective, safe, and high-quality care.
Renal impairment in gout: females vs. males (clinical case)
Materials and methods
Description of two clinical cases with gout and renal involvement, one male and one female, which were hospitalized in the „Timofei Mosneaga” Republican Clinical Hospital and Municipal Clinical Hospital „Saint Trinity” in 2021.
Results
The male patient was hospitalized in a serious condition, being drowsy, disoriented and with bradyphrenia. Patient complained of dyspnea at mild exertion, severe fatigue, 5-day anuria and generalized edema. From the history collected from relatives, it was discovered that the patient has been diagnosed with gout a few years ago. The female patient has been hospitalized in the Nephrology department of the Republican Clinical Hospital „Timofei Moşneaga” for comprehensive evaluation. Her complaints: low back pain, dysuria, nocturia, moderate ankle edema, oliguria, marked asthenia, paresthesia.
Conclusions
In women, primary renal damage is more common until the onset of menopause. After the onset of menopause, there is primarily joint damage, then kidney damage, or this process develops simultaneously (kidney and joint damage). In males due to hyperuricemia, there is joint damage, which later is associated with gouty nephropathy or kidney and joint involvement evolve paralleled.