Allergic reaction to gemfibrozil manifesting as eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare condition of unknown etiology characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Previous associations with a drug or food allergy, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and elevated IgE levels suggest an atopic predisposition in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Diagnostic criteria are GI symptoms, eosinophilic infiltration proven by biopsy of the GI tract, and absence of parasitic infection. We describe a case of EGE manifested as an allergy to gemfibrozil.

Variability of treatment for gouty arthritis between rheumatologists and primary care physicians.

Wide variability exists in the treatment of gout. We compared the treatment practices of rheumatologists with those of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the management of gout. Pharmacy records were reviewed to identify patients treated with colchicine, allopurinol, probenecid, or sulfinpyrazone. Forty PCP patients were compared with 33 patients followed by rheumatologists. Rheumatologists were three times more likely to confirm the diagnosis with joint aspiration and guide therapy with 24-h urine uric acid collections than were PCPs. Rheumatologists were more likely to use prophylaxis in acute gout before initiating uric acid-lowering therapy than were PCPs. All PCP patients were treated with allopurinol compared with 65% of rheumatology patients. Mean posttreatment uric acid levels were lower for rheumatology patients (5.0 mg/dL) compared with PCP patients (6.0 mg/dL). Previous studies have reported poor symptom control and increased toxicity in gouty patients with suboptimal treatment. With the vast majority of patients being treated by PCPs in a man-aged care setting, further studies will be necessary to determine whether treatment variability affects outcome between the two groups.