Don't Let Luck Control your

Gout & Kidney Health

Hello Gout Education,

The Gout Education Society is committed to raising awareness of gout—the most common form of inflammatory arthritis—and how to manage it for the long term. The Society offers a variety of free, unbiased resources at GoutEducation.org to help you learn more about gout and treatment options.

Every March commemorates National Kidney month, and the Society is raising awareness of the common thread between gout and the kidneys. The kidneys serve as the body's most important tool to filter waste products, including uric acid. Uric acid is the root cause of gout and a contributor to other health issues when levels are high. It is typically flushed from the body through the kidneys, so understanding the connection is important. Additionally, poor kidney health can make gout difficult to treat. Let's take a look at how gout becomes hard to treat for those with conditions, like chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Uric Acid Lowering Medication

Lowering uric acid levels in those with gout is important to managing the disease. However, common medications used to lower uric acid levels through the kidneys, such as probenecid, aren't as effective. Instead, one may have to take other options, such as allopurinol, which isn't toxic to to kidneys.

Pain Management Medication:

It's not uncommon for NSAIDs to be used as treatment for the pain associated with gout flares. For those with CKD, NSAIDs aren't an option as they can injure the kidneys further. Instead, one's doctor may prescribe colchicine.

The main takeaway? It's important to work with your primary care doctor and other specialists to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Learn more in this brochure that explains the connection between the kidneys and gout.

Have any questions or need resources? Email us: info@gouteducation.org.

From Our Partners

Michael Spigler, Vice President of Patient Support and Education, American Kidney Fund

"While gout presents as pain in your joints, managing your kidneys is just as important as managing your joints if you have gout. In fact, kidney disease can cause gout and gout can lead to kidney disease. If you have gout, it is important that you also ensure you are taking care of your kidneys through lifestyle habits like following a kidney-friendly food and fluid plan, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding or limiting alcohol, and exercising at least 30 minutes a day. You should also speak to your doctor if you regularly use NSAID medicines to manage your gout as these can cause damage to the kidneys."

Find out more on the American Kidney Fund’s website: kidneyfund.org.

Featured Cartoon

Don't press your luck when it comes to gout. Talk to your doctor to get your uric acid levels below 6.0 mg/dL.

New Blog: Breaking Down the DNA of Gout: Understanding the Role of Genetics in Gout Flares

Recently, the Gout Education Society developed a blog that dives into the connection between gout and genetics. Read more to understand how genetic factors can impact those with gout.

Clinical Trial Opportunity: Have Hyperuricemia?

LG Chem is looking for 350 participants across several different regions to try out Tigulixostat, a medication designed to stop the enzyme that metabolizes purines. Purines are the compounds that become uric acid. When built up over time, this can cause hyperuricemia, which is the root cause of gout.

Tigulixostat is classified as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, similar to allopurinol or febuxostat. The Phase 3 clinical trial intends to test the drug’s effectiveness for six months in people with hyperuricemia, versus those who are given a placebo.

Find out here if you are eligible to participate

Clinical Trial Seeks People with an Acute Gout Attack

Olatec Therapeutics is seeking participants for its Phase 2/3 clinical trial in patients with an acute gout flare. The objective of the clinical trial is to test an oral anti-inflammatory, called dapansutrile, which is an investigational drug not yet approved by FDA. The trial will assess the effectiveness of dapansutrile in treating inflammatory pain over 8 days in people with gout who are experiencing an acute gout attack versus those who are given a placebo. Rescue treatment is offered if pain remains intolerable while on study. 

The trial is seeking participants located throughout the USA and in Europe. 

To find out if you're eligible please visit clinicaltrials.gov and/or contact gout@olatec.com

Clinical Trial Seeks People Around Houston

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is seeking participants with diagnosed gout for research on treatment options for the disease. Participants must be willing to commit time for study visits at the practice's clinic in The Woodlands, Texas.

To find out if you are eligible or to sign up please contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston at (936) 681 4882

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