Gout, the most common of the crystal arthritides is a result of disturbed uric acid metabolism and precipitation of urate crystals in extra cellular space of joints, periarticular tissue, bones and other organs.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed this guideline to present the evidence and provide clinical recommendations on the management of gout
Gout is characterized by painful joint inflammation, most commonly in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, resulting from precipitation of monosodium urate crystals in a joint space. Gout is typically diagnosed using clinical criteria from the American College of Rheumatology. Diagnosis may be confirmed by identification of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid of the affected joint.