Medication News

In December 2008, the Food and Drug Administration agreed to grant Puricase, a uric acid-reducing drug, priority review for possible approval.

Research News

• A new research identified three genetic locations associated with the body's uric acid handling and gout.
• A large study found that people with gout are at an increased risk of having metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of problems, such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and low "good" cholesterol. This syndrome increases a person's risk of heart disease and stroke.

Types of Gout

There are two types of gout -- primary and secondary.

• Primary gout: The cause is usually unknown. However, primary gout is likely the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and dietary factors.
• Secondary gout: Secondary gout is caused by medications or medical conditions that cause an increase in the serum (blood) levels of uric acid.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for gout include:

• Advancing age
• Male gender
• Family history of the condition
• Obesity
• Use of certain drugs, including diuretics, low-dose aspirin, cyclosporine, or levodopa
• Binge drinking
• Lead toxicity
• Organ transplants
• Thyroid problems

Symptoms of a Gout Attack

Symptoms of a gout attack include:

• Severe pain at and around the joint
  • May feel like "crushing" or a dislocated bone
  • Walking or even the weight of bed sheets may be unbearable
  • Usually takes 8 - 12 hours to develop
  • Attacks often begin late at night or early in the morning and may wake you up
• Swelling that may extend beyond the joint
• Red, shiny, tense skin over the affected area, which may peel after a few days
• Chills and mild fever, loss of appetite, and feelings of ill health