Gout and hyperuricemia

Gout continues to be a health problem around the world despite the availability of effective therapies. Although the prevalence is influenced by genetic factors, the associations of alcohol consumption, obesity, and hypertension appear to be partially responsible for the increased prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in African and Oriental countries. The association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease seems linked to insulin resistance. This relation, in part, explains the common coexistence of hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance in patients with gout. Accordingly, it is recommended that one pay more attention to dietary manipulation in patients with gout in addition to managing hypertension, obesity, and other medical problems. Although acute gout attacks can be treated, eliminating gout requires effective removal of urate from the body. Allopurinol remains a dominant urate-lowering agent, however its use may be limited by allergic reactions. Uricosuric agents are also effective urate-lowering agents and provide an alternative to allopurinol. Strategies to treat patients who are sensitive to allopurinol continue to evolve.