Clinical manifestations and treatment of gout

Abstract

Gout results from the deposition of urate crystals in a variety of soft tissues throughout the body. Currently over half a million American women suffer from the disorder. Disease manifestations include painful attacks of acute arthritis as well as chronic arthritis with deposition of uric acid crystals known as tophi. The disorder is often overlooked and misdiagnosed as another form of arthritis. Multiple drugs are now available to treat the acute pain of gouty arthritis, as well as to help reduce the long-term complications of gout and chronic hyperuricemia.