Gouty Arthritis Patients Research Articles

Acupuncture for gouty arthritis: a concise report of a systematic and meta-analysis approach

To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as complementary therapy for gouty arthritis from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Five electronic databases, including English and Chinese, were systematically searched until August 2012. All RCTs involving acupuncture in combination with conventional therapy for gouty arthritis were included. Ten RCTs involving 852 gouty arthritis patients were systematically reviewed. Among them six studies of 512 patients reported a significant decrease in uric acid in the treatment group compared with a control group, while two studies of 120 patients reported no significant decrease in uric acid in the treatment group compared with the control group. The remaining four studies of 380 patients reported a significant decrease in visual analogue scale score in the treatment group. The results of the studies included here suggest that acupuncture is efficacious as complementary therapy for gouty arthritis patients. More research and well-designed, rigorous and large clinical trials are necessary to address these issues.

Difficult-to-Treat Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults and is characterized by very painful flares. Gouty arthritis results from an elevated body uric acid pool, which leads to deposition of monosodium urate crystals, mainly in the joints. These crystals trigger the release of proinflammatory cytokines, in particular interleukin (IL)-1β, which stimulates inflammation. Gouty arthritis can progress to a chronic, deforming and physically disabling disease through the development of disfiguring tophi, joint destruction and persistent pain. Standard treatments are effective in most patients. Acutely, anti-inflammatory therapies provide rapid pain relief and resolution of flares. Chronically, urate-lowering therapies reduce serum urate levels and, in combination with anti-inflammatory prophylaxis, reduce the risk of flares. However, for a growing number of patients, current standard treatments are ineffective or are contraindicated, largely due to the presence of co-morbidities. Indeed, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and renal impairment are all highly prevalent in individuals with gouty arthritis, and may lead to standard treatments being ineffective or inappropriate. Such patients with difficult-to-treat disease require alternative therapies. Gouty arthritis can have a major impact on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), especially in patients with difficult-to-treat disease, as revealed by recent studies comparing HR-QOL for patients with gouty arthritis with that of the general population. All studies revealed clinically significant reductions in physical functioning for individuals with gouty arthritis compared with the general population. The difference was particularly marked for patients with difficult-to-treat disease. Gouty arthritis also constitutes an important economic burden through absence from work and medical costs. Again, the burden is greater in patients with difficult-to-treat disease. The development of difficult-to-treat disease reflects the short-comings of current standard treatments in a growing number of gouty arthritis patients. This has been recognized by the pharmaceutical industry and has promoted the development of innovative therapies. An appreciation of the key role of IL-1β in inflammation in gouty arthritis has led to the development of a new class of anti-inflammatory agents that block IL-1β signal transduction. The current IL-1β blockers in trials are rilonacept and canakinumab. Canakinumab, a fully human anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody, has been shown to produce rapid and sustained pain relief from acute flares in patients with difficult-to-treat disease, and both rilonacept and canakinumab have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent flares. Promising new therapies for reducing serum urate levels are also being developed. These include the recently approved therapies pegloticase (a pegylated form of the enzyme uricase that converts urate to allantoin), inhibitors of renal urate transporter proteins, and inhibitors of purine nucleotide phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in purine metabolism. Further studies are warranted to establish the value and role of these new therapies in the management of gouty arthritis. These new options should help reduce the growing human burden associated with gouty arthritis, lowering the tophaceous burden, minimizing the risk of flares, and enabling patients to achieve rapid and effective pain relief when flares do occur.

Metabolic and crystal arthropathies: 112. Rapid Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life in Gouty Arthritis Patients Treated with Canakinumab (ACZ885) Compared to Triamcinolone Acetonide

Metabolic and crystal arthropathies: 112. Rapid Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life in Gouty Arthritis Patients Treated with Canakinumab (ACZ885) Compared to Triamcinolone Acetonide

Subclinical atherosclerosis in gouty arthritis patients: a comparative study

We evaluated the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis and associated factors in our gouty arthritis patients. We included 55 gouty arthritis patients diagnosed at our center within the last 4years. The control group included 41 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 34 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU). Atherosclerotic risk factors were determined in all subjects. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of plaques were evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography. The carotid IMT in gouty arthritis patients (0.730±0.19) was significantly higher than in AHU subjects (0.616±0.12) (P=0.004) and tended to be higher than the RA group (0.669±0.17) (P=0.1). Atheromatous plaques were significantly more frequent in gouty arthritis patients (16 cases, 29.1%) than in RA patients (5 cases, 12.2%) and AHU subjects (3 cases, 8.8%) (P values, 0.05 and 0.023). Gout patients with plaques were older (P=0.006) and tended to have tophi more frequently (P=0.06). Logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.02-1.54) and the presence of tophi (OR: 12.5, 95% CI: 1.2-140) were independent risk factors for the presence of plaques. Gouty arthritis bears a higher risk of atherosclerosis than both RA and AHU.

Canakinumab Relieves Symptoms of Acute Flares and Improves Health-Related Quality Of Life (HRQoL) in Difficult-To-Treat Gouty Arthritis Patients by Suppressing Inflammation: Results of a Randomized, Dose-Ranging Study

Canakinumab Relieves Symptoms of Acute Flares and Improves Health-Related Quality Of Life (HRQoL) in Difficult-To-Treat Gouty Arthritis Patients by Suppressing Inflammation: Results of a Randomized, Dose-Ranging Study

Bone destruction by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand-expressing T cells in chronic gouty arthritis

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to analyze the cellular expressions of pro-resorptive cytokines in gouty tophus tissues, to determine the capacity of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals to induce these cytokines, and to understand the mechanisms of bone destruction in chronic gout.MethodsFourteen fixed, paraffin-embedded, uninfected tophus samples were analyzed immunohistochemically. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured in vitro with MSU crystals, and gene expression was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In vitro osteoclastogenesis was performed using PBMCs and synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs).ResultsCD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD20+ B cells and mast cells infiltrated tophus tissues. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+ osteoclasts were present around tophi and in osteolytic lesions. Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were produced from infiltrated mononuclear cells, whereas receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) was strongly expressed in T cells. However, osteoprotegerin (OPG) was not or was weakly expressed in tophus tissues. MSU crystals induced the expressions of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha and RANKL in PBMCs, but inhibited OPG expression. In addition, the pro-resorptive cytokines were highly expressed in SFMCs of gouty arthritis patients. Furthermore, in vitro osteoclastogenesis was enhanced in SFMC cultures, but inhibited in T cell-depleted SFMC cultures.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that RANKL-expressing T cells and TRAP+ osteoclasts are present within gouty tophus tissues, and that infiltrating cells express pro-resorptive cytokines. Furthermore, our data show that MSU crystals have the potential to induce pro-resorptive cytokines, and T cells are involved in osteoclastogenesis in chronic gout.

Canakinumab rapidly improves QOL in gouty arthritis patients

Canakinumab rapidly improves QOL in gouty arthritis patients

Study of syndrome differentiation factor of gouty arthritis with blood stasis syndrome based on connection number

To find the related syndrome factors of gouty arthritis with blood stasis syndrome by mathematical methods of set pair analysis and connection number so as to guide the diagnosis. Seventy gouty arthritis patients diagnosed with blood stasis syndrome were analyzed according to priority by the method of connection number. Syndrome factors of gouty arthritis with blood stasis syndrome were selected according to the numerical values of dialectics connection value (DCV). In the nine observed items, the DCVs of five syndrome factors were above 0.5. These five factors were pain (0.858 0), sublingual varices and positive signs (varices and dark purple color) for palatal mucosa (0.773 1), tophus (0.723 0), varicose veins and telangiectasis (0.700 9), and squamous and dry skin (0.612 3). The DCVs of the other factors were below 0.5. The main factor 1 is pain; factor 2 is sublingual varices and positive signs (varices and dark purple color) for palatal mucosa; factor 3 is tophus; factor 4 is varicose veins and telangiectasis; factor 5 is dry skin. The others are secondary factors.

Does prolonged systemic glucocorticoid use increase risk of tophus formation among gouty arthritis patients?

To determine the relationship of steroid use with tophus formation and other comorbid conditions among male gout patients. Review of medical records of Filipino gout patients under the care of rheumatologists was conducted. Univariate analysis (chi-square, Student's t-test) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to establish the risk for tophus formation among glucocorticoid users. Bivariate analysis was separately done to determine the confounding effect of steroid use in the association of comorbidities and tophi formation. There were 295 Filipino men with a mean age of 56 years and a mean duration of 12 years of gouty arthritis who were included in the study. Multivariate analysis showed a five times higher likelihood (OR 4.81 95% CI 1.92-12.04, P < 0.001) for tophus formation among prolonged steroid users. Confounders identified were disease duration of gout (> or = 10 years), presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and elevated serum creatinine level (SCr). Bivariate analysis of comorbidities showed that steroid use introduced a considerable bias in the relationship of hypertension, elevated SCr, CKD and dyslipidemia. Patients with equivalent prednisone intake of at least 15 mg/week for > or = 3 months is associated with tophi formation. In the presence of hypertension, renal impairment, and elevated serum creatinine level, use of steroids confounds the individual risk that each factor carries.

The results of purified protein derivative test in ankylosing spondylitis patients: clinical features, HRCT results and relationship with TNF-blocker usage

In this study, we evaluated the clinical features, treatment modalities, including TNF-blockers, purified protein derivative (PPD) test, chest X-ray and HRCT results in our AS patients. We evaluated the clinical features, disease activity and PPD results in 88 AS patients (72 males, 16 females, mean age: 38.3+/-10) diagnosed at our center. 119 RA, 28 SLE and 27 gouty arthritis patients followed up at the same time period were taken as the control group. The mean disease duration in AS patients was 12.6+/-8.3 years. The frequency of PPD positivity in AS patients (77.3%) was similar to that in gouty arthritis (70.4%) patients; and significantly higher than the frequency in SLE (21.4%) and RA (35.3%) patients (P values<0.001). There was a chest X-ray abnormality in 20 AS patients (22.7%). When subjects (11 patients, 12.5%) with apical fibrosis, aspergillosis, previous or active TB on chest X-ray and/or HRCT were compared to others; it was observed that they were older (P<0.001), had longer disease duration (P=0.006); and less chest expansion (P=0.01). Fifty patients were administered TNF-blockers. The PPD test was positive in 38 of patients (76%) using TNF-blockers. All of these patients were given isoniazid prophylaxis. After a median follow up of 18 months, TB did not develop. In Turkey which is a country with a relatively high incidence of TB, in spite of a higher frequency of PPD positivity in AS patients compared to RA and SLE patients, TNF-blockers did not result in any TB with suitable prophylaxis.

Colchicine myoneuropathy in chronic renal failure patients with gout (Case Report)

Colchicine myoneuropathy is a rare and often underdiagnosed disease. It often presents as painless subacute muscle weakness. We present a case of painful colchicine myoneuropathy in a 76-year-old man with chronic renal failure and gout. Published work about clinical presentations of colchicine myoneuropathy in gouty arthritis patients are reviewed. During the previous year, the patient had a drug regimen of colchicine 0.5 mg three times per day for a 3 day course each month. He developed bilateral lower leg weakness and severe myalgia. His serum creatinine level was 680.7 micromol/L and creatinine kinase was 959 IU/L on admission. Laboratory findings included decreasing amplitude of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity and an electromyogram showed small amplitude, short duration polyphasic waves over the right biceps. A muscle biopsy disclosed vacuolar changes in the cytoplasm. These results all supported a diagnosis of colchicine myoneuropathy. After cessation of colchicine, the creatinine kinase level decreased approximately 50% in 6 days, myalgia subsided and his muscle weakness improved gradually over the next 2 weeks.

Effects of Rebixiao granules on blood uric acid in patients with repeatedly attacking acute gouty arthritis

To observe the clinical effect of Rebixiao granule (RBXG) in treating repeatedly attacking acute gouty arthritis and through experimental study on blood uric acid to explore RBXG's therapeutic mechanism. Ninety repeatedly attacking acute gouty arthritis patients were divided into the treated group (n = 60) and control group (n = 30). The treated group was treated with RBXG, and the control group was treated with Futalin tablets (diclofenac sodium). The baseline treatment including good rest, low purine diet, sufficient water drinking and urine alkalization, etc. was then given to both groups. Hypoxanthine 600 mg/kg and niacin 100 mg/kg was applied to hyperuricemic mice by gastrogavage to establish the animal models. The clinical effective rate of the treated group was 95.0% and that of the control 90.0%. Good therapeutic effects were won, insignificant difference (P > 0.05)was shown between the two groups. However, the cure rate of the treated group was 26.7% while that of the control group was 10.0%, with significant difference (P < 0.01) shown between them. The treated group had its blood uric acid lowered, which was significantly different (P < 0.05) from that of the control group. The animal experiment indicated that all the three groups treated with different dosages of RBXG, as well as the Ash bark and Smilax glabra rhizome groups had their blood uric acid content reduced in the hyperuricemic mice. RBXG has a quicker initiation and better treatment effects than sole anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents on the treatment of repeatedly attacking acute gouty arthritis, showing no obvious toxic or adverse reactions and therefore good for long-term administration and likely to be a safe TCM preparation to control the symptoms and reduce the onsets of repeatedly attacking of acute gouty arthritis. The animal experiment shows that both the compound preparation and part of the single ingredients in the recipe have the function of reducing blood uric acid. However, the compound recipe has better therapeutic effects, proving to be superior to single drugs.

Isotopic uric acid in gouty and rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with probenecid and phenylbutazone.

ConclusionNeither phenylbutazone nor probenecid caused a statistically significant uricosuria in 2 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, even though these drugs decreased the pool size of uric acid, increased the turnover rate, and decreased the serum urate level. In 3 gouty patients and 1 rheumatoid arthritis patient with an elevated serum urate concentration the drugs caused statistically significant uricosuria but variable effects on the pool size, turnover rate and serum urate concentration. In 1 patient with rheumatoid arthritis the results were equivocal. In 4 of these 5 cases the uricosuric effect of probenecid was statistically greater than that of phenylbutazone. It is postulated that the uricosuric drugs such as phenylbutazone and probenecid will produce statistically significant uricosuria only in those cases in which increased body stores of uric acid are present. The present studies are based on experimental periods of 1-2 weeks for each regimen and the data do not indicate what happens in the ...