Therapeutic challenges in the management of gout in the elderly

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in the elderly population. Management in the elderly requires special consideration. Physiologic changes associated with aging and co-morbidities make the elderly prone to adverse effects of drugs otherwise successfully used in younger counterparts. Use...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGeriatrics Vol. 63; no. 7; p. 13
Main Authors Singh, Harinder, Torralba, Karina D
Format Magazine Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.2008
Subjects
Aged
Female
Geriatrics
Gout - classification
Gout - diagnosis
Gout - drug therapy
Gout Suppressants - adverse effects
Gout Suppressants - therapeutic use
Humans
Male
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Summary:Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in the elderly population. Management in the elderly requires special consideration. Physiologic changes associated with aging and co-morbidities make the elderly prone to adverse effects of drugs otherwise successfully used in younger counterparts. Use of colchicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and urate-lowering therapies may be restricted in those with limited renal reserve. Corticosteroids are safe alternatives for short-term use in acute gout. Elderly patients need laboratory monitoring for side effects more frequently than usual. Non-pharmacologic measures such as dietary modifications, regular exercise, and ice therapy should be considered vital adjunctive treatments. A brief review of future therapies is also discussed.
ISSN:1936-5764