Breaking Down Gout Myths

Hello Gout Education,

The Gout Education Society is committed to raising awareness of gout—the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. The Society arms healthcare professionals, like you, with resources to share with patients and staff—and provides you with access to the most up-to-date research and information about gout and treatment options through GoutEducation.org.

Gout sufferers are constantly faced with misinformation surrounding gout treatment. It is essential to address common misconceptions and myths that may hinder the treatment journey for those living with gout. The Gout Education Society education page provides valuable insights into prevalent myths and evidence-based information that can help medical professionals as they have discussions with patients. This month, the Society is raising awareness of common myths.

Gout Is Self-Inflicted

There is an unfortunate belief among many with gout that they brought the disease on themselves. The truth is that hyperuricemia is genetic, and some are more prone than others to developing the disease. As a medical professional, it's important to help those with disease understand that while overindulgence didn't cause the disease, it—along with other factors—can worsen symptoms. In addressing the myth that gout is self-caused, the stigma that surrounds gout can improve.

The Gout Diet Myth

One myth is the idea of a rigid "gout diet" and the ability to manage the disease through dietary changes alone. Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a one-size-fits-all dietary regimen for the management of serum uric acid levels. For most people with gout, dietary changes alone won't reduce uric acid levels to the target of 6.0 mg/dL or below—and they will still require daily urate-lowering therapies.

One helpful way to frame this to those with gout is to separate serum urate control from diet and instead focus on how dietary and lifestyle changes can benefit overall health. Many of those with gout have comorbid conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes or kidney health issues. Diet (including staying hydrated!) can play a role in the management of these conditions and improve one's overall quality of life.

As healthcare professionals, it is necessary to continue to educate patients, debunk myths and promote evidence-based practices in gout management.

To order educational resources to share with your patients, visit the Contact Us page on the Society's website.

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

New Blog:

High Uric Acid: It's A Lot More Than Gout Flares

Recently, Gout Education Society Board Member, Joan McTigue, MS, PA-C looked at the impact of uric acid on the body, specifically, its role in increasing risk to develop over a dozen heart diseases. Check out the blog today to learn more about the dangers of uric acid beyond just gout.

Help Patients Find Gout Treatment Faster!

Are you a part of our Gout Specialists Network (GSN)?

Joining is easy:

1. To sign up, visit GoutSpecialistsNetwork.org.
2. After you register free of charge, update your profile page with information about yourself and your practice.
3. Enjoy ongoing access to the latest gout information, research and continuing education.

As a member, you can choose to make your practice and professional information available to patients through a medical professional locator—helping those with gout find qualified medical professionals in their area.

Clinical Trial Seeks People with Hyperuricemia

Tigulixostat, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, will be studied in a clinical trial. LG Chem is looking for participants from several different regions.

The Phase 3 clinical trial intends to test the drug’s effectiveness for twelve months in people with hyperuricemia versus those who are given a placebo.

Find out who is eligible and how patients can sign up on clinicaltrials.gov

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 who is eligible and how patients can sign up 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 who is eligible and how patients can sign up please contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston at (936) 681 4882

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