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ARCHIVE

№2' 2016

THERAPY

International Medical Journal, Vol. 22., Iss. 2, 2016, P. 14−17.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF GOUT

Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Ukraine

For most patients with gout the physicians of the first contact are general practitioners, family doctors. However, research results indicate a lack of awareness among primary care physicians of the criteria of diagnosis and modern approaches to treatment of gout. The majority of family physicians traditionally consider gout primarily as the disease of the joints. Joint syndrome is a striking clinical manifestation of the disease; it affects the quality of life of the patient and, acquiring a chronic course, leads to disability. However, gout may inflict different organs and systems, especially the kidneys, often preceding the typical gouty arthritis and determine the prognosis of the patient. Awareness of family physicians on modern principles of management of patients with gout can improve early diagnosis of the disease and ensure the timely and optimal treatment. Knowledge of risk of purine metabolism disorders underlying gout, and ways of their correction, as well as patient education in healthy lifestyle can provide a basis for effective prevention programs.

Key words: gout, diagnosis, treatment.