The management of gout: Much has changed

Abstract

Background: Gout is a common problem that is increasing in prevalence in Australia. It is associated with many serious comorbidities such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recent changes include the way that older drugs are used, as well as newer therapeutics becoming available or in development.

Objective: The objective of this article is to provide an update on the management of gout.

Discussion: Developments in treatment strategies for gout and newer agents to treat gout are discussed in this article. The salient points include the need to treat gout to a serum urate target, the ability to start allopurinol during acute attacks, the need to treat with prophylactic anti-inflammatory drugs for adequate time periods, and the availability of a new urate-lowering drug on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).