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Background: Most studies on the unsuccessful treatment of gout suggest that knowledge gaps and inadequate physician interventions are the major contributors. However, no research has investigated to what extent patients educated by physicians with sufficient knowledge and experience about gout adhere to these recommendations. Objectives: This study aims to assess the treatment compliance of gout patients who received adequate information about diet, target serum uric acid levels, and gout from rheumatologists in university rheumatology clinics. The evaluation includes examining the impact of regular follow-up visits and medication adherence on achieving the target uric acid level and controlling the clinical manifestations of the disease. Methods: In this study, 302 gout patients initiating treatment in tertiary rheumatology centers and adequately informed about their condition were screened. A total of 198 patients meeting the study criteria were included. Compliance with treatment was assessed through self-reports, and the achievement of the target uric acid level was determined using medical records. Results: Regular follow-up visits and adherence to prescribed medications significantly influenced the attainment of the target uric acid level. The median serum uric acid level decreased from 8.85 mg/dL (IQR: 1-15 mg/dL) before treatment to 6.5 mg/dL (IQR: 2.1-13.2 mg/dL) after treatment. Of the patients informed by rheumatologists and consistently taking medication, 68.5% were compliant even after a median of 7 years. Those attending regular follow-ups had a higher treatment goal achievement rate (90.6%) compared to those who did not (29.4%). Conclusion: Achieving an acceptable level of treatment adherence and success in gout patients is contingent on adequate disease knowledge and appropriate education. Regular follow-up visits and consistent medication use, as recommended by physicians, significantly contribute to reaching the treatment goals and controlling clinical manifestations of gout over the long term. REFERENCES: NIL. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.
Akın et al. (Sat,) studied this question.