Introduction
Gout is estimated to affect 1% of men in the Western world with a male to female ratio ranging from 7:1 to 9:1. A full understanding of the epidemiology, clinical features, and history of gout has evolved over >2 millennia of scientific inquiry. Over the last half of the twentieth century, a clinical understanding has emerged to encompass the pathogenesis of gout and the pathophysiology of gouty inflammation. The use of polarized light microscopy in clinical practice can now identify urate crystals in the synovial fluid, permitting a definitive diagnosis. The development of drugs capable of suppressing gouty inflammation and hyperuricemia has given healthcare providers the opportunity to prevent and, in some cases, reverse the effects of this condition.
Despite these advances, however, gout still presents clinical challenges to practitioners.3 Many of the problems that occur in patients with gout involve those who are nonadherent to therapy and those who do not fit the typical profile of the gout patient, including young, elderly, and female patients.
The Management of Gout in Primary Care: New Insights into an Old Disease
Powerpoint Slides
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CME Credit
This program has been reviewed and is approved for 1.25 hours of AAPA Category I CME Credit. After viewing the webcast AAPA Fellow members may complete the post-test by clicking here. Expiration Date: August 2010.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Differentiate gout from other crystal arthropathies to accurately diagnose and effectively treat the condition thus improving individual outcomes in patients who have gout.
- Discuss the relationship between hyperuricemia and patients' dietary habits, alcohol intake, and cardiovascular risk factors in order to better educate patients about lifestyle changes that can reduce risks and decrease the severity of gout.
- Cite the data that supports emerging therapies for hyperuricemia and gout and identify patients in clinical practice who may benefit from these new regimens.
- Explain the importance of selecting the optimal urate-lowering regimen and timing it appropriately to individualize therapy for each gout patient
Faculty
Michael Finley DO, FACOI, FACP, FACR
Associate Professor of Medicine
Associate Dean for Clinical and Graduate Affairs
Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Chief Academic Officer - OPTI West Educational Consortium
Pomona, CA
Donald R. Flinn, PA-C
Chief, Physician Assistant Services
McBride Clinic Inc.
Oklahoma City, OK
Robert Terkeltaub, MD
Chief, VAMC Rheumatology Section
Professor of Medicine
Director, UCSD Rheumatology Training Program
Associate Division Director, UCSD Rheumatology Allergy-Immunology Division
University of California, San Diego
San Diego, CA
Faculty Disclosures
Michael Finley DO, FACOI, FACP, FACR, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose in regard to this activity.
Donald R. Flinn, PA-C, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose in regard to this activity.
Robert Terkeltaub, MD, discloses the following relevant financial relationships: Grants/Research Support- Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. Consultant- Altus Pharmaceuticals; BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc; Novartis Pharmaceuticals; Pfizer Inc; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc; Savient; Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc; URL Pharma.
Statement of Commerical Support
This program was supported by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc, through an educational grant to The Foundation for Better Health Care.
