Diagnosis and Management of Gout course for GPs

This session covers the diagnosis and management of gout, and how to differentiate gout from other acute arthropathies, including septic arthritis. It also covers treatments for both acute and chronic gout.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in February 2020.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe how gout commonly presents, including sites that are commonly affected
• Differentiate gout from other acute arthropathies, including septic arthritis, and recognise the limitations of blood tests in acute gout
• List the common medications that may reduce hyperuricaemia
• Identify effective treatments for both acute and chronic gout
• Prescribe dietary and lifestyle advice for people with gout

Gout is derived from the Latin word 'gutta', meaning 'a drop', and reflects the belief that the condition was caused by fluid dropping into a weakened joint. The condition used to be known as the disease of kings and aristocracy.