title: Rational treatment of gout. Stopping an attack and preventing recurrence.
abstract: The most definitive method of diagnosis for acute gouty arthritis is aspiration of the affected joint and examination of the fluid for the characteristic needle-shaped monosodium urate crystals. Treatment is aimed at promptly stopping the attack and reversing complications. Colchicine and various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for both treatment and prophylaxis. Antihyperuricemic therapy may be indicated in patients who have had several attacks in a year.
authors.affiliation: Section of Rheumatology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Vawter
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Antonelli
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015210:Arthritis, Gouty / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003078:Colchicine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D014528:Uricosuric Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D014528:Uricosuric Agents; D000493:Allopurinol; D003078:Colchicine