Artritis Treatment: Gout treatment History.

<ADMINNICENAME> — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 21:07:56 +0000

Hippocrates described gout in men and post-menopausal women. Studies have shown that the incidence of potential gout is one in one hundred. Studies have also shown a link between high uric acid blood levels and hypertension and obesity. It is also suggested that the incidence of gout is increasing.

In the past gout was unheard of in the Third World but the incidence is increasing in these areas as a result of dietary changes and consuming more proteins and fats.

Once rich food and alcohol were known to be causative factors, preventative dietary measures were employed.

Colchicum was used for centuries to treat gout. it is an extract from the meadow saffron bulb (Crucus autumnale) but were more commonly used in the nineteenth century. It was found to be very effective.

Cinchopen was introduced early in the twentieth century. This drug in addition to treating acute gout, had pain relieving properties but caused liver damage.

In 1951, probenacid and phenylbutazone were introduced. Phenybutazone had similar properties to cinchopen and was very effective treatment for acute gout. This drug is now withdrawn in most countries because of it’s potential to cause bone marrow depression on long term use. Probenacid speeds up the elimination of uric acid. This significantly decreased the number of acute attacks and formation of tophi.

In 1963 allopurinol was introduced. This is a safe drug and can be used in renal disease. Continuous treatment reduced the blood level of uric acid.

Dr.Phil Hariram

Arthritis Guide.

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