Chronic gouty arthritis

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Tophi gout in hand

Uric acid crystals

Gout - chronic; Gouty arthritis - chronic

Chronic gouty arthritis is treated with drugs like probenecid or sulfinpyrazone, which reduce uric acid levels. Another approach is to use allopurinol, which blocks the enzyme that produces uric acid. Patients should drink plenty of water or other fluids to reduce the risk of kidney complications.

Colchicine can be added to prevent further acute attacks. This drug can be discontinued when uric acid levels are stable (usually after 3 months), but it can also be continued at low doses to help prevent further attacks.

For additional information and resources, see arthritis resources.

Symptoms are generally worse in people who develop the disease before age 30.

• Kidney stones
• Kidney failure
• Joint deformities
• Loss of mobility (patient becomes bedridden), rare

Call your health care provider if symptoms of chronic gouty arthritis develop.

Review Date: 08/02/2005
Reviewed By: Ariel D. Teitel, M.D., M.B.A., Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.