New Classification Criteria and Guideline for Management of Gout / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Gout is a chronic systemic metabolic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis resulting from the precipitation of monosodium urate crystals, which has various clinical and pathological manifestations. The disease is associated with multiple comorbidities, an impaired quality of life, and a heavy economic burden. The incidence and prevalence of gout is increasing in many developed and developing countries, as in Korea. Gout is diagnosed by confirming monosodium urate crystals in the synovial fluid or affected tissue. If crystal documentation is unavailable, new gout classification criteria presented by the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) in 2015 can be applied. There are many guidelines for managing gout published in the United States, Japan, and Europe. However, there are no guidelines for the tailored management of gout for Korean patients. This review describes a new classification for the diagnosis of gout and management guidelines.