Active research is ongoing in a variety of fields related to gout and hyperuricemia. Scientists recently reported that high animal protein slightly increased the risk for gout. Others found that dietary calcium intake may protect patients from getting gout attacks. For acute attacks of gouty arthritis, a new drug called etoricoxib that is taken once a day and has a favorable safety tolerability is being used successfully in studies.
New medications to increase the elimination of uric acid in the urine (such as benzbromarone) and lower uric acid blood levels (such as PEG-uricase) are being evaluated in clinical trials with patients. Researchers are also reporting on an experimental drug called Y700 that can be used even in patients with kidney disease (where often other drugs cannot) because the drug is metabolized by the liver and not the kidneys like the traditional gout drug allopurinol.
A new medication, febuxostat, lowers the uric acid level in the blood as effectively as allopurinol in preliminary studies. If this drug is approved for use by the FDA, it will provide a reasonable alternative treatment for people who have had adverse reactions to allopurinol.
The optimal regimens for the treatment of acute gout attacks and chronic gout conditions still require further long term studies. Research scientists will continue to develop less toxic and more effective medications to battle this "scourge of the ages."
Gout and Hyperuricemia at a Glance
- Painful gouty arthritis is caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joint tissue.
- The tendency to develop gout and elevated blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) is often inherited.
- Gout and hyperuricemia can be promoted by obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, and drugs.
- Gouty arthritis attacks can be precipitated by dehydration, injury, fever, heavy eating, heavy drinking of alcohol, and recent surgery.
- The most reliable diagnostic test for gout is the identification of crystals in joints, body fluids, and tissues.
- The treatment of an attack of gouty arthritis is different than the treatment of hyperuricemia.
The above information thankfully comes from the Medicinenet.com at the following link.
