Related Experiment Videos

Chronic gout in the elderly

Francesco Bolzetta1, Nicola Veronese, Enzo Manzato

  • 1Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|June 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Gout, a common inflammatory arthritis, presents unique challenges in the elderly, potentially worsening other health issues and increasing mortality. Early diagnosis and comprehensive geriatric assessment are crucial for managing chronic gout in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Geriatrics
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in men over 40.
  • Untreated gout can progress to chronic, debilitating tophaceous gout.
  • Gout in the elderly presents distinct clinical and therapeutic considerations compared to younger populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors of chronic gout in the elderly.
  • To outline the clinical approach and current treatment strategies for gout in older adults.
  • To emphasize the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment in managing elderly gout patients.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review focusing on chronic gout in the elderly.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data, disease progression, and risk factors.
  • Evaluation of current clinical guidelines and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Gout's burden is amplified in the elderly, exacerbating disability through arthritis, gait, and vision issues.
  • Chronic gout can worsen comorbidities like heart and kidney disease, increasing mortality.
  • Specialized geriatric care is vital for effective management.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic gout in the elderly requires tailored management strategies.
  • Integrated care involving geriatric specialists is essential for optimal outcomes.
  • Further research into the specific needs of elderly gout patients is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion01:18

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion

In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients01:15

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption01:22

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption

As individuals age, their body's physiology evolves, affecting drug pharmacokinetics. The most apparent changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where an increase in gastric pH, a delay in gastric emptying, and a reduction in gastrointestinal motility are observed. Remarkably, these changes do not substantially modify the absorption of orally administered drugs, particularly those absorbed via passive diffusion.Transdermal drug delivery emerges as a highly viable method for older adults due...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism01:18

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism

Geriatric patients show significant variation in how their bodies process medications, which can change how effective and safe treatments are. The liver is the primary organ where drug metabolism occurs, involving two main types of chemical reactions: phase I and II. Phase I metabolism is driven by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes key types such as CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Research indicates that while aging doesn't notably alter the levels or activity of these enzymes, it...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...