Gouty Arthritis

By: Liana Sencin andAbraham De La Garza

Introductory InfoOur kidneys work to eliminate the body of excess fluidsRids water, salts, urea, and uric acidUric acid is a waste of protein metabolism

Gouty Arthritis Gout can also occur as a result of overproduction of uric acidGout is an attack of uric acid deposits in jointsUsually found in joints of feet and legs

What is Gouty ArthritisPurines are not properly processed in our bodyExcreted through kidneys and urineHyperuricemia- build-up of uric acid in body and joint fluid

The Four Stages of GoutAsymptomaticAcuteIntercriticalChronic

ASYMPTOMATICA- meaning without indicates that there are no symptoms associatedPatient will be unaware of what is happeningGout can only be determined with the help of a physician

ACUTESever and sudden onsetInvolve one or a few jointsFrequently starts nocturnallyJoint is warm, red, and tender

INTERCRITICAL More concentration of uric acid crystals Typically no need for drug intervention at the time.

CHRONICContinuous or persistent over a long period of timeTreatment requiredNot easily or quickly resolved

SYMPTOMSJoint pain Affects one or more joints : hip, knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow,wrist, hand, or other joints Great toe, ankle and knee are most common Swelling of Joint StiffnessWarm and red Possible feverSkin lump which may drain chalky material

Diagnosing GoutX-raysArthrocentesis- extraction of joint fluidExamination of jointPatient medical history

TREATMENTColchicine- reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation; pain subsides within 12 hrs and relief occurs after 48 hrsAllopurinol- decreases the production of uric acidProbenecid and sulfinpurazone- prevent absorption of uric acid in the tubules of kidneyReduce alcohol intakeIncrease water intakeWatch diet for food rich in purines

Disease of KingsORGAN MEATSWILD GAMESEAFOODLENTILSPEASASPARAGUSYEASTBEERRich foods have a higher concentration of protein. This could cause major problems for a person afflicted with gout.

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WORKS CITEDKamienski, Mary. 2003. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. Gout: Not Just for the Rich and Famous. Vol. 22, Issue 1www.ask.comwww.acfas.org/brgoutft.htmlwww.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article000424.htm