The main goal of gout flare management therapy would be the safe and timely termination of disability and pain. The typical gout symptoms might resolve without the involvement of therapy within a time frame of several days to a few weeks. The administration of suitable anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve the symptoms quickly and more effectively.
Necessity Of Timely Intervention
During the incidence of gout flares, timely intervention with appropriate drugs plays a pivotal role not just in ensuring better symptom management, but also in ensuring a complete resolution of symptoms. Introducing a treatment regimen involving the use of urate-lowering pharmacotherapies may not be beneficial in treating the gout flare. However, patients already undergoing such therapy should not be taken off of the same owing to the incidence of flares.
The factors governing the choice of a specific gout flare therapy would be assessed correctly before finalizing the option that is best suited for the particular patient. The age of the patient along with their comorbidities and medical therapies associated with the treatment would be important decision-making factors. Also relevant are the characteristics of the gout flares experienced by the patient and the past response to any specific therapies. Other factors that play a role in the decision-making process are the number of joints affected by the condition, and the accessibility of the patient to arthrocentesis and injection, combined with their preferences as well as that of the clinician.
The Principal Gout Therapeutic Options
Oral glucocorticoids, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and colchicine are recommended for patients who can take oral medications to manage their gout flares. While all these agents are found effective in the treatment of gout flares, the choice depends upon varying individual factors including the aforementioned ones. Arthrocentesis or intraarticular injection of glucocorticoids is recommended for those who are unable to have their medication orally. This treatment option is also ideal for those who have only one or two infected joints, with any chance of infection ruled out.
Systemic administering of intravenous glucocorticoids is suggested for patients with the polyarticular movement who are unable to take medications orally. The ones who have existing intravenous access or those patients in whom intravenous access can be easily established are better suited for this therapy option.
The treatment options for gout flares in patients who are on anticoagulants or those with existing kidney disease need to be chosen based on the extent and seriousness of their condition, with therapeutic medicines and measures that are most appropriate for patients in that condition.
