Presented by theRheumatology Divisionat Hospital for Special Surgery

Facts About Gout Presented by the Rheumat<>l<>gy Divisi<>n at Hospital for Special Surgery

Men6.1 million

Women2.2 million

*8.3 million ··• people ·

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Gout happens when there's too much uric acid in the body, forming crystals that the immune system attacks. This causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

Gout is a genetic disease. Of people with gout:

have kidneys that don't removeenough uric acid through urine7« have kidneys that don't remove enough uric acid through urine

make too much uric acidin their system7« make _too much uric acid m their system

Almost all will need to remain on medication, which is usually very well tolerated.

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90% of gout attacks start in a single joint, most often the "bunion joint" of the big toe. Quick treatment is important to keep gout under control. Having a plan in place with your doctor is a good idea.

Gout is chronic and progressive. Attacks become worse and more frequent. Even if there is a quiet period after a first attack. future attacks are likely.

Gout is "curable" in most people. Almost all will need to remain on medication, which is usually very well tolerated.

9 out of 10 gout patients have at least one or more of the following medical conditions that make managing gout more difficult""

(ft If ,t kidney

dysfunctioncoronary

heart diseaseobesity high cholesterol

and/or triglyceridesdiabetesmellitus

kidney coronary obesity high cholesterol

~diabetes

dysfunction h6art dissase and/or triglycerides mellitus

Important elements of a gout-prevention diet:

Limitingshellfish

Limiting red meatand organ meatssuch as liver

Limitinghigh-fructosecorn syrup

Limiting all typesof alcohol,

especially beer

limiting limiting red meat Limiting Limiting all types sheHfish and organ meats high ·fructose of alcohol.

such as liVer corn syrup especially beer

Weight loss. if needed, can also help prevent gout.

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Vitamin C has been shown to have a small effect at helping the body remove uric acid. The effect of cherry juice has been shown to be small or negligible .

References

• Prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the US 1111 Comorbidities of gout and hyperuricemia in genetal population: the National Health and the US general population: the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey 2007·2008. and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007•2008. Zhu Y, Pandya BJ, Choi HK. Arthritis Rheum. 2011, Zhu Y, Pandya BJ, Choi HK. Am J Me<I. 2012.

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