Clinical manifestations of gout in Korea / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gout in Korea seems to be increasing but previous studies were outdated and small in number of cases. We enrolled relatively large number of patients and compared our data with previous studies to provide a better understanding of clinical manifestations of gout in Korean. METHODS: From 1994 to 2000, 372 patients, visited Samsung medical center for gout, were reviewed retrospectively. Age, sex, duration of disease, body mass index, 24 hour urine uric acid level, involved joints, frequency of tophi, bone changes on simple X-ray, associated diseases and complications of treatments were investigated. RESULTS: In 372 patients reviewed, 361 patients were male (97%) and only 11 patients (3%) were female. Age of onset was 46.4 +/- 13.3 years. Most frequently affected joint in first attack was 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (62.2%). Tophi were observed in 20.4% and bony erosions were detected in 34.6% of patients. The most commonly accompanied disease was hypertension (41.1%) and overweight and obesity were noted in 60.7% of patients. Liver function abnormalities associated with allopurinol were noted in 37.7% of patients and after cessation of drug, most of them showed complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Clinical features were similar to those of western countries. It may be due to changes in life style and usage of drugs that affect serum level of uric acid. So more emphasis on life style modification and control of chronic illness will be needed.