Evidence-Based Prevention Guidelines
Professional medical recommendations for preventing hyperuricaemia and gout based on current clinical evidence.
Risk Factors and Preventive Strategies
Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated uric acid levels in the blood. Prevention through lifestyle modifications and proper medical management is key to avoiding painful gout attacks and long-term complications.
1) A healthy lifestyle should be advocated, which includes:
- Maintenance of a healthy body weight (body mass index <25 kg/m²)
- Avoidance of alcohol - particularly beer and spirits
- Adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet
2) Medication considerations:
- Diuretics should be avoided if possible, or replaced by an alternative drug when used as an antihypertensive agent
Treat-To-Target Strategy
Treat-to-target strategy aiming for serum urate of <360 μmol/L should be applied in the treatment of all gout patients.
Treatment Approach
Patients with gout should be treated with urate-lowering therapy:
1) First-line therapy:
- Allopurinol is the first-line therapy for most patients
2) Alternative therapies:
- When allopurinol is contraindicated or not tolerated, febuxostat or uricosuric agents can be considered
Monitoring and Follow-up
Monitoring of patients with gout should include:
1) Clinical outcomes
Regular assessment of symptoms and disease progression
2) Drug-related adverse events
- Notably allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous adverse reaction
- Monitor for side effects and drug tolerance
3) Blood tests
- Especially serum urate levels
- Regular laboratory monitoring
4) Comorbidity screening
- Screening for associated comorbidities should be done upon diagnosis and follow-up
- Monitor for related health conditions
Key Takeaways
This comprehensive approach to gout management emphasizes:
- Prevention through lifestyle modifications
- Target-driven treatment with specific uric acid goals
- Systematic monitoring for both effectiveness and safety
- Holistic care including comorbidity management
Doctor House Professional Services
We provide comprehensive gout management including diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and lifestyle counseling. Our home visit service ensures convenient access to specialized care.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations.