The overall prevalence of gout in the United States is about 4 percent. Gout is more frequent as individuals age, and men experience the disease more often than women. Comorbidities, such as obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disorders, and hypocholesteremia, can increase the risk of gout. Both heredity and diet may also affect prevalence. Part 2 of this 3-part series will discuss how gout is diagnosed and provide an overview of medications used in its treatment. The podcast will conclude with the second segment discussion the continuing case study. 

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:
1. 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.  
2. Dalbeth N, Stamp L, Merriman T. The genetics of gout: towards personalized medicine? BMC Med. 2017;15:108.  doi: 10.1186/s12916-017-0878-5.
3. 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):37-55.  doi: 10.7326/M16-0461. 
4. Wagler VD, Pumerantz AW. Management of acute and recurrent gout. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(10):759.  doi: 10.7326/L17-0144.