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Gout: an experience from Zimbabwe
1Harare Central Hospital, Southerton, Zimbabwe.
Insights
Gout predominantly affects men in Zimbabwe, with late diagnoses common. High uric acid levels and alcohol excess are significant factors, necessitating public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gout is a complex inflammatory arthritis characterized by hyperuricemia and urate crystal deposition.
- Understanding the epidemiological profile of gout in sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of gout patients in Zimbabwe.
- To highlight the need for mapping serum uric acid levels and addressing alcohol consumption.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 gout patients treated and followed up over five years in Zimbabwe.
- Data collected included patient demographics, age at diagnosis, serum uric acid levels, presence of tophi, and associated conditions.
Main Results:
- Gout affected men 6.7 times more than women, with a mean age at diagnosis of 44 years.
- Mean serum uric acid levels were elevated at 588 mumol/l, and 30.4% presented with tophi.
- Alcohol excess was universal, and shoulder joint involvement occurred in 21.7% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Gout in Zimbabwe presents with late diagnosis, high uric acid levels, and a strong association with alcohol excess.
- There is an urgent need for population-based serum uric acid level mapping across African regions.
- Public health strategies should focus on reducing alcohol consumption to mitigate gout prevalence and severity.
Abstract:
Twenty three patients with gout treated and followed up in Zimbabwe over a five year period were analysed. Men were afflicted 6.7 times more than women. Their mean age at diagnosis was 44 +/- 8 years and the mean serum uric acid level was 588 +/- 138 mumol/l. The disease was diagnosed late with 30.4 pc of all patients presenting with tophi. Associated alcohol excess was universal and the shoulder, a proximal big joint, was also affected in 21.7 pc of all patients. There is a need for serum uric acid levels for the different localities in Africa to be mapped out and alcohol excess to be curtailed.