Gout and related morbid conditions: pharmacological and SPA therapy

Gouty arthritis is estimated to be the most frequent manifestation of inflammatory arthritis in men aged over 40. Hyperuricemia occurs because of both exogenous and genetic factors, which are particularly influential in some populations such as Taiwan aborigines. Current understanding of the disease etiopathogenesis, its clinical manifestations and the stages of its progression are presented here. The criteria for a correct diagnosis of the disease are also reported, pointing out how to distinguish gout from clinical events of different origin but with a very similar symptomatology. A distinction is made between the agents used to relieve the acute attack (colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids) and those used with the purpose of correcting hyperuricemia and preventing recurrences and complications (allopurinol, uricosurics). Mecha-nisms of action, administration routes, doses, side effects and contraindications of every drug are described. Besides pharmacological therapy, the importance and the efficacy of spa therapy is underlined. Finally, perspectives opened by gene therapy are mentioned.