[Benzbromarone in the treatment of hyperuricemias]

Benzbromarone, a synthetic benzofurane, was administered in a series of 23 patients with hyperuricaemia: 5 with gout, 8 with secondary forms, 6 with renal insufficiency, 4 undergoing diuresis with etacrinic acid. The drug was also given to 10 subjects with normal values. A surprisingly rapid and constant hypouricamising effect was noted, together with marked hyperuricuria. These changes were more prompt in the controls and relatively late and protracted in the diseased subjects, expecially those with gout. The drug was also active in renal insufficiency. Its effects ceased on suspension. It cannot be seen as a simple hyperuricuric preparation, since it may have some effect on the metabolic pathways that degrade purines to uric acid. The drug is similar to benziodarone. The replacement of iodine by two bromine atoms in its formula, however, ensures its freedom from side-effects.