Chronic gouty arthritis

Alternative names:

gout - chronic; gouty arthritis - chronic

Treatment:

Chronic gouty arthritis is treated by using uricosuric drugs (probenecid or sulfinpyrazone) or allopurinol (blocks the enzyme that produces uric acid) to decrease serum uric acid levels. Fluid intake should be increased to decrease the risk of kidney complications.

Colchicine may be used, in addition to uricosuric drugs or allopurinol, to prevent further acute attacks, since there is an increased tendancy to develop acute attacks during the first few weeks or months of treatment. Colchicine is usually discontinued when uric acid levels are stable (3 months).

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See arthritis - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

• kidney stones
• kidney failure
• joint deformities
• person becomes bedridden, rarely

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of chronic gouty arthritis develop.