Early detection and treatment of gout is significant for reducing the risk of complications. When left untreated, gout can affect other organs and body parts causing irreversible joint damage, joint deformity, loss of mobility or range of motion, bone loss, tophi, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, or kidney failure. This third and final podcast on demystifying gout will explore options aimed at reducing the incidence of gouty attacks, how to prevent complications, and ways to improve the patient’s quality of life. 

Guest:

Vickie L. Sayles, BSN, RN-BC, CRNI®
Clinical Nurse Manager, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Disease
Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Gout is a chronic metabolic disease experienced by approximately 4% of the population of the United States. Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, kidneys, and other body systems, and can be debilitating for patients. Early detection of gout results in significantly fewer complications over time and reduces associated comorbidities. This 3-part case study will discuss the clinical signs and symptoms, identify the triggers associated with attacks, examine various treatment options, and review common complications and prevention.

Resources:     

• Borghi C, Perez-Ruiz F. Urate lowering therapies in the treatment of gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016;20(5):983-992.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27010159.  Accessed September 19, 2018. 
• Dalbeth N, Stamp LK, Merriman TR. The genetics of gout: towards personalized medicine? BMC Med. 2017;15(1):108. doi: 10.1186/s12916-017-0878-5.
• Shekelle P, Newberry S, Fitzgerald J, et al. Management of gout: a systematic review in support of an American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(1):37-51. doi: 10.7326/M16-0461. 
• Wagler V, Pumerantz A. Management of acute and recurrent gout. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(10):759. doi: 10.7326/L17-0144.