Risk factors for ulceration over tophi in patients with gout

Ulceration over tophi in patients with gout usually causes a number of clinical problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for ulceration of tophi in patients with gout. Patients with gout who had tophi with or without ulceration were prospectively recruited and underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinical factors independently associated with the presence of ulceration were analysed using logistic regression models. Of the 113 participants, 18 (13·7%) had clinically apparent ulceration over tophi. In univariate analysis, ulceration over tophi correlated with age, tophus duration, size, location and lack of protective sensation. In logistic regression analysis, age, tophus size and lack of protective sensation were associated with ulceration over tophi. These findings indicate that old age, large tophus size and lack of protective sensation were independent risk factors for ulceration over tophi.