Abstract
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by buildup of uric acid in synovial fluid, which causes severe swelling and can harm joints, tendons, and other tissues. It affects approximately 4% of the United States population, or approximately 8.3 million people nationwide and is therefore a topic of epidemiologic consideration due to its prevalence. Gout is typically diagnosed via polarized microscopy of arthroscopically-aspirated synovial fluid, which is a costly, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and technically complex procedure, warranting a simpler and less complex method for diagnosis. Here, we propose and validate a colorimetric method which is based on the ability of uric acid to reduce silver nitrate. We also assessed how the colorimetric change can be accelerated by changing the concentration of silver nitrate or adding different silver catalysts, as well as develop a matrix bed for improved handling and ease of use. When translated to the clinic, this diagnostic method for gout will have the potential to increase diagnostic efficiency and accelerate patient care at the bedside.
Highlights
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by the buildup of urate crystals in synovial fluid, which can cause swelling, joint pain, and damage to tissues
Due to the similarities the similarities of the presentations of gout and pseudogout, it is vital that any diagnostic method for of the presentations of gout and pseudogout, it is vital that any diagnostic method for gout be able to gout be able to distinguish between urate and calcium phosphate crystals to ensure a proper diagnosis distinguish between urate and calcium phosphate crystals to ensure a proper diagnosis and and subsequent treatment
There are a variety of clinical and laboratory variables that may be used to predict the probability of gout versus septic arthritis, though these are not always correct in distinguishing the two; the only way to surely rule out a diagnosis of gout is through analysis of synovial fluid [12]
Summary
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by the buildup of urate crystals in synovial fluid, which can cause swelling, joint pain, and damage to tissues. Due to the similarities the similarities of the presentations of gout and pseudogout, it is vital that any diagnostic method for of the presentations of gout and pseudogout, it is vital that any diagnostic method for gout be able to gout be able to distinguish between urate and calcium phosphate crystals to ensure a proper diagnosis distinguish between urate and calcium phosphate crystals to ensure a proper diagnosis and and subsequent treatment Another diagnostic distinction that is important to make when evaluating arthralgia clinically, is differentiating between septic arthritis and gouty arthritis. There are a variety of clinical and laboratory variables that may be used to predict the probability of gout versus septic arthritis, though these are not always correct in distinguishing the two; the only way to surely rule out a diagnosis of gout is through analysis of synovial fluid [12]. There is currently no tool on the market which can diagnose gout accurately, quickly, and inexpensively at the bedside, warranting development of such a device
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