A 50-year-old patient with pancreatitis revealing pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis syndrome-a case report and review of the literature.

The combination of pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis (PPP) is a rare systemic syndrome that occurs in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic malignancies. A 50-year-old male patient presented with polyarthritis increasing for 1 week and consequent inability to walk unaided. In addition, the patient had several isolated nodules on the lower extremities without any tenderness to pressure. Laboratory tests showed elevated pancreatic enzymes indicative of pancreatitis, which was thereafter confirmed by abdominal CT scan, with signs of chronic pancreatitis and concrements in the pancreatic duct. The diagnosis of panniculitis was established by dermatological consultation. Considering all these clinical features, PPP syndrome was diagnosed. In accordance with the pre-existing literature, oral glucocorticoid therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were given but failed to improve pain and polyarthritis. In the further clinical course, due to the persistent increase in lipase and amylase, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed, showing small concrements in the pancreatic duct. During the intervention, the pancreatic duct was widened, the small concrements were removed, and a pancreatic duct stent was then implanted. Following ERCP, an instant decrease in pancreatic enzymes was observed, accompanied by a clear and sustained improvement of joint swellings and pain. With the typical triad of clinical findings in mind, one should consider PPP syndrome in the context of acute or chronic pancreatitis as well as in pancreatic malignancies. All involved disciplines (gastroenterology, dermatology, and rheumatology) should be familiar with this rare but severe condition. The prognosis depends on the extent of the functional deficit of the extremities and the progression of the underlying disease.

How to plug the leaky pipeline in clinical rheumatology across Europe-lessons to be learned from experiences in business.

OBJECTIVES: While >50% of medical students and residents are women, their proportion drastically diminishes within higher ranks and leadership roles; this is known as the 'leaky pipeline'. We aimed to evaluate the leaky pipeline among rheumatologists across Europe and to assess determinants inducing rheumatologists to leave hospitals. METHODS: Experts in the field of economics developed a questionnaire with scientific focus on the leaky pipeline among rheumatologists, which was distributed electronically by national scientific societies of EULAR countries and by individual contacts. We performed common factor analysis, univariate t-tests and multivariate regression analyses to appraise our dataset. RESULTS: A total of 311 hospital-based rheumatologists from 23/45 EULAR countries (52.7% females, 47.3% males) answered the questionnaire. The presence of the leaky pipeline was evident for the entire sample. Of 64% female rheumatologists only 34.2% of departments' directors were female, with noteworthy regional differences. Female doctors reported higher intentions to leave their hospital (ß = 0.28, P < 0.05) and lower commitment towards their current organization (ß = -0.34, P < 0.05) when compared with males. Women reported lower levels of job satisfaction (ß = -0.26, P < 0.10), promotion justice (ß = -0.55, P < 0.01) and career perspectives (ß = -0.26, P < 0.10, one-tailed) than men, explaining their lower organizational commitment. CONCLUSION: Female rheumatologists perceive worse job opportunities and satisfaction than males. Many reasons for the leaky pipeline are beyond the control of organizations. Based on our results, organizations should be encouraged to reconsider and adjust their performance management practices to enable an equitable work environment.

[National consensus statement by the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology regarding the management of latent tuberculosis and the associated utilization of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDS (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs)]. / Consensus Statement der Österreichischen Gesellschaften für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation, Pneumologie, Infektiologie, Dermatologie und Gastroenterologie zum Umgang mit latenter Tuberkulose bei Therapien mit biologischen oder "targeted synthetic" DMARDs ("disease modifying antirheumatic drugs").

This nationwide Austrian consensus statement summarizes the recommendations on the management of latent tuberculosis by treatment with biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs. The essential questions with respect to screening and preventive treatment were discussed by experts from the disciplines of rheumatology, pneumology, infectious diseases, dermatology and gastroenterology, based on the available data, and then a joint consensus was formed by agreement. This involved a differentiated discussion on the various forms of treatment, and clear recommendations were formulated.

Importance of the second SARS-CoV-2 vaccination dose for achieving serological response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the kinetics of humoral response after the first and second dose of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in patients with inflammatory joint diseases compared with healthy controls (HC). To analyse factors influencing the quantity of the immune response. METHODS: We enrolled patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and seronegative spondyloarthritis (SpA), excluding those receiving B-cell depleting therapies and assessed the humoral response to mRNA vaccines after the first and the second dose of the vaccine in terms of seroconversion rate and titre. We compared the results to a HC group and analysed the influence of therapies as well as other characteristics on the humoral response. RESULTS: Samples from 53 patients with RA, 46 patients with SpA and 169 healthy participants were analysed. Seroconversion rates after the first immunisation were only 54% in patients with inflammatory arthritis compared with 98% in the HC group. However, seroconversion rates were 100% in all groups after second immunisation. Patients developed reduced antibody titres after the first vaccination compared with HC, but there was no difference after the second dose. While disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) monotherapy did not affect antibody levels, seroconversion rates as well as titre levels were reduced in patients receiving a combination of DMARDs compared with HC. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with inflammatory joint diseases under DMARD therapy show impaired humoral responses to the first vaccine dose but excellent final responses to vaccination with mRNA vaccines. Therefore, the full course of two immunisations is necessary for efficient vaccination responses in patients with inflammatory arthritis under DMARD therapy.

Response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease depends on immunosuppressive regimen: a matched, prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the humoral response to messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine of patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) and the effect of immunosuppressive medication in a matched cohort study. METHODS: Patients with SARD were enrolled and matched 1:1 for sex and age with healthy control (HC) subjects. Differences in humoral response to two doses of an mRNA vaccine in terms of seroconversion rate (SCR) and SARS-CoV-2 antibody level between the two groups and the impact of treatment within patients with SARD were assessed. RESULTS: We enrolled 82 patients with SARD and 82 matched HC. SCR after the first dose was lower among the patient group than that of HC (65% compared with 100% in HC, p<0.0001) but levelled up after the second dose (94% vs 100%). After the second dose, SCR was lower for patients on combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy compared with all other groups (81% compared with 95% for monotherapy, p=0.01; 100% for both no DMARD therapy and HC, both p<0.0001). In addition, antibody levels after both doses were lower in patients compared with HC. We found that vaccination response was determined primarily by the number of DMARDs and/or glucocorticoids received, with patients receiving combination therapy (dual and triple therapy) showing the poorest response. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SARD showed a good response after the second vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. However, the choice of immunosuppressive medication has a marked effect on both SCR and overall antibody level, and the number of different immunomodulatory therapies determines vaccination response.

Professional development is the key to securing a future rheumatology workforce. Long term evaluation of a summer school for medical students-a national scientific society's educational initiative.

Objectives: A cumulative imbalance between rheumatologic need and an inadequate number of young colleagues entering the field leads to a dearth of rheumatologists in the near future. The Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR) has been organizing an annual Rheumatology Summer School (RSS) for medical students since 2017. The aim of this study was to analyze the annual RSS evaluations, the RSS' overall effects on attracting new talent into the field and the lasting promotion of rheumatology. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed immediately after each RSS meeting. Additionally, we conducted an electronic survey among RSS participants (2017-2022) to assess their career development trajectories. Results: From 2017-2023, a total of 220 students attended the RSS. They all completed the annual evaluation. Accordingly, students' expectations were met in 80% (2017) to 97% (2023) of cases. The electronic survey was completed by 64/133 (48%) students; 49 (77%) indicated that the RSS had markedly increased their desire to specialize in rheumatology. Among the 36 graduates, 10 (28%) had already been working in the field of rheumatology and 6 (17%) were considering this specialty but had not decided yet. RSS attendees in their 6th study year were influenced to a greater extent by the RSS to choose rheumatology as their primary specialty than 4th or 5th year students. The participants indicated that they benefited most from the RSS in terms of knowledge gain, personal awareness of rheumatology, networking among fellow students as well as gaining access to RSS faculty. Conclusion: The RSS enhanced students' intention to choose rheumatology, particularly in those close to graduation, and led to increased awareness and deeper knowledge about rheumatology.

Radiological aspects of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent indications in musculoskeletal imaging because OA is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disease in developed countries. As the population becomes older and older, the need for adequate imaging techniques also increases. The various forms of osteoarthritis are associated with a high degree of illness-induced physical disability and reduced life quality. In some forms, the pathogenesis is complex and can require the discrimination of a variety of predisposing diseases. The specific forms of osteoarthritis will be highlighted in this article. In addition, the value of each imaging modality will be assessed, with special regard to the most common sites: hand, hip, and knee.

2022 update of the Austrian Society of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for patients with gout and hyperuricemia.

BACKGROUND: Gout is the most frequent inflammatory joint disease in the western world and has a proven genetic background. Additionally, lifestyle factors like increasing life span and wealth, sufficient to excess nutritional status and a growing prevalence of obesity in the population, as well as e.g. alcohol consumption contribute to the rising incidence of hyperuricemia and gout. Apart from an adequate medication, medical advice on nutrition and lifestyle is an essential part of the management of gout patients, being at high risk of internal comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: In 2015, the ÖGR (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation) working group for osteoarthritis and crystal arthropathies already published nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for patients with gout and hyperuricemia. Since then, a multitude of literature has been published addressing this topic, what required an update. METHODS: First, the authors performed a hierarchical literature search to screen the meanwhile published literature. Also considering references of the first publication, the relevant literature was selected, and the 2015 recommendations were either kept as published, reformulated or newly produced. Finally, the evidence level and the level of agreement with each recommendation were added. RESULTS: Following this process, ten recommendations were generated instead of the initial nine. Like in the original publication, a colored icon presentation was provided to complement the written text. CONCLUSION: The Austrian nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for patients with gout and hyperuricemia were updated incorporating the most recent relevant literature, serving as education material for patients and updated information for physicians.

National consensus statement by the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology regarding the management of latent tuberculosis and the associated utilization of biologic and targeted synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

This publication provides a thorough analysis of the most relevant topics concerning the management of latent tuberculosis when using biologic and targeted synthetic Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) by a multidisciplinary, select committee of Austrian physicians. The committee includes members of the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology. Consensus was reached on issues regarding screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis and includes separate recommendations for each biologic and targeted synthetic DMARD.

Rheumatological care in rural areas : The Rheuma-Bus project 2018.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the medical care of individuals in rural areas during a public health awareness project on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). METHODS: A tour bus was adapted to accommodate rheumatological consultations at widely accessible sites in 16 towns, providing individual medical advice with respect to MSD. The participating rheumatologists assessed the nature (e.g. inflammatory/non inflammatory), extent and duration of MSD and, where possible, made a tentative diagnosis and gave further advice on the course of action. In addition, age, sex and pre-existing care were recorded. All individuals were asked to assess their own severity of pain using a numeric ordinal scale from "no" (0) to "extreme" (10). RESULTS: A total of 647 individuals visited the service. Median current pain intensity was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-6), mean 4.9 (standard deviation [SD] 2.3). Osteoarthritis was suspected in 381 clients (59.6%), inflammatory rheumatic disease in 247 (38.7%), and in 104 (16.3%) other diseases. 307 (50%) were treated by a GP, 95 (15.5%) were under orthopaedic care, 204 (33.2%) under rheumatological care and 81 (13.1%) under supervision of other specialists. 104 clients (17%) had never consulted a physician for their MSD symptoms before. 27 (4.2%) of all the clients had a newly detected inflammatory rheumatic disease and 62 (9.6%) patients with suspected inflammatory rheumatic disease were not under previous rheumatological care. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that there is still a lot of negligence in awareness and knowledge of rheumatic diseases, at least in rural areas.

Improving the measurement of oral health-related quality of life: Rasch model of the oral health impact profile-14.

OBJECTIVES: The 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) is the most frequently used instrument to measure oral health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) in adults. Despite its popularity, its psychometric properties have been predominantly investigated based on the classical test theory while the fundamental principles of measurement have not been fully assessed. Therefore, our aim was to investigate to what extent the OHIP-14 meets the fundamental requirments of measurements. METHODS: We used the Rasch model to explore person-item-targeting, unidimensionality, local independence of items, invariance (differential-item-functioning, DIF), and the order of thresholds between response-options in the German version OHIP-14. We used data from osteoarthritis patients because hand disabilities and joint pain might influence oral hygiene. Furthermore, osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular-joint directly affects oral functioning. RESULTS: Five-hundred sixteen patients were included (mean age 66.5 years [±10.2; ranging from 34 to 89]; 71.3% [368] females). The OHIP-14 median total score was 0 (interquartile-range from 0 to 4), indicating a right-skewed distribution because many patients reported good OHRQoL. The instrument was found unidimensional. However, there was strong evidence of local dependency, disordered thresholds between response-options, and age-related DIF for item 5. A revised scoring scheme with three instead of five answer-options in all items and eliminating two items resolving local dependency, the newly adapted OHIP-12, showed better reliability and item-fit to the Rasch model than the original OHIP-14. CONCLUSIONS: This study assesses, for the first time, the OHIP-14 in terms of fundamental principles of measurement and proposes an item-reduced OHIP-12 as a psychometrically more accurate version of the instrument. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Rasch model is essential to ensure instruments' precision and clinical meaningfulness when measuring OHRQoL in clinical practice and research. The OHIP-12, derived from the OHIP-14 by deleting two items due to local dependency, with a revised scoring scheme for all items distinguishing three answer-options instead of five, represents a psychometrically improved version of the instrument.

Compliance of Primary Care Providers With Gout Treatment Recommendations-Lessons to Learn: Results of a Nationwide Survey.

Objectives: Gout is generally managed in the primary health care sector. Compliance of primary care physicians with gout management recommendations has been shown to be insufficient in the past. The primary aims of this study were to assess primary care providers' knowledge regarding gout and to determine if their treatment decisions are influenced by recommendations. Facing considerable variations in postgraduate training options in Austria, we secondly looked for possible knowledge differences between urban and rural areas and eastern and western parts of Austria. Methods: We conducted a survey among 343 primary care physicians in Austria, using a questionnaire consisting of 10 questions on acute, intercritical and general gout management. Gout treatment recommendations served as the therapeutic gold standard. Results: Of the 343 physicians surveyed, 336 completed the questionnaire, leading to a very high return rate of 98%. 289 (86%) physicians were aware of the agreed-upon SUA target (<6 mg/dl). 323 (96.1%) reported change of therapy in case of missing this target. 112 (33.3%) physicians voted for long term ULT. No geographical differences in knowledge regarding gout or its management were revealed, except that colchicine was rated as being a safe medication significantly more often in rural areas (p = 0.035) and in western Austria (p = 0.014). Conclusion: As opposed to former studies, gout knowledge among primary care physicians has improved - however, treatment patterns are still not fully concordant with gout recommendations. Our findings may help to better tailor future postgraduate training to improve primary care physicians' education in gout.

Depression: a common comorbidity in women with rheumatoid arthritis-results from an Austrian cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Previous research showed that depression is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the prevalence very much depends on different assessment tools and sociocultural differences, respectively. The main study aim and research question was to investigate the proportion of depressive symptoms in Austrian female patients with RA. SETTING: A nationwide multicentre study with seven secondary care centres all over Austria (hospital-based rheumatological outpatient clinics and private practices). PARTICIPANTS: 319 patients with RA and 306 healthy controls (HCO), all female Caucasians, were asked to complete a Beck's Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS). Patients and HCO were ≥18 years. Patients had to fulfil the 2010 classification criteria for RA. In addition, disease activity, disability, medication, drinking of alcoholic beverages, smoking and occupational status were evaluated. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: A BDI-FS cut-off value of ≥4, per definition, indicates the presence of a depressive symptomatology. RESULTS: The return rate of questionnaires was high: 235/319 (73.7%) in patients with RA and 180/306 (58.8%), ending up with 392 complete questionnaires from 223 patients with RA (69.9%) and 169 HCO (55.2%). The BDI-FS was significantly higher in patients with RA (median BDI-FS 2 (IQR 0-4) vs median 1 (IQR 0-2) in HCO, p<0.001). BDI-FS scores from ≥4, which by definition indicate depression, were found in 29.6% of patients with RA and 12.4% of HCO (p<0.001). Depressive symptoms were strongly associated with disease activity (Clinical Disease Activity Index, p<0.001) and disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire, p<0.005). No association of depressive symptoms with age, alcohol consumption, smoking, occupational status or use of medication was found. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of female patients with RA showed depressive symptoms. Depression was significantly higher in female patients with RA than in female HCO and was strongly associated with disease activity and disability. It would be of interest to address the same question in male participants.

High Burden of Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on impairing women's sexuality regarding motivation, activity, and satisfaction, and to assess the correlation of disease-related physical impairment within sexual functioning. METHODS: An anonymous survey among women with RA and healthy controls (HC) using standardized questionnaires, predominantly the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-short form (CSFQ-14). In addition, disease activity, depression, and disability were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 319 questionnaires distributed to patients and 306 to HC. Of these, 235 patient questionnaires (73.7%) and 180 HC questionnaires (58.8%) were returned, of which 203 and 169 were completed, respectively. Of the patients with RA, 47.8% had a total CSFQ-14 score of ≤ 41, indicating female sexual dysfunction (FSD), as compared to 14.2% of HC (p < 0.0001). The median CSFQ-14 score was lower in patients with RA [42 points, interquartile range (IQR) 36-48] than in HC (49 points, IQR 44-54; p < 0.0001), resulting in an OR of 5.53 (95% CI 3.19-9.57; p < 0.0001). After adjustment for confounders, given a higher mean age of patients (55.2 ± 11.3 yrs) than HC (47.4 ± 11.8 yrs; p < 0.0001), the OR for FSD in patients with RA was still 3.04 (95% CI 1.61-5.75; p = 0.001). Neither the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index nor the Clinical Disease Activity Index was associated with FSD after adjustment. CONCLUSION: FSD apparently is highly prevalent in female patients with RA, affects all subdomains of sexual function, and is most likely underestimated in daily clinical practice. Of note, FSD could not be linked to disability or RA disease activity.

Immunosuppressives and biologics during pregnancy and lactation : A consensus report issued by the Austrian Societies of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Rheumatology and Rehabilitation.

An increasing and early-onset use of immunosuppressives and biologics has become more frequently seen among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and rheumatic disorders. Many women in their childbearing years currently receive such medications, and some of them in an interdisciplinary setting. Many questions arise in women already pregnant or wishing to conceive with respect to continuing or discontinuing treatment, the risks borne by the newborns and their mothers and long-term safety. Together with the Austrian Society of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, the IBD working group of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology has elaborated consensus statements on the use of immunosuppressives and biologics in pregnancy and lactation. This is the first Austrian interdisciplinary consensus on this topic. It is intended to serve as a basis and support for providing advice to our patients and their treating physicians.

Intravenous application of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The ORA-1 trial. An open pilot study.

The objective of this work was to assess the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of intravenously applied n-3-PUFA in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty-four patients with active RA [identified as having a DAS28 (disease activity score including a 28 joint count) > 4.0] were enrolled into this 5-wk open pilot study (one group design). From the time of screening (visit 0, or V0), background therapy had to remain unchanged. Patients received 2 mL/kg (= 0.1-0.2 g fish oil/kg) fish oil emulsion intravenously on 7 consecutive days (Visit 1-Visit 2, or V1-V2) in addition to their background therapy. A decrease of the DAS28 > 0.6 at day 8 (Visit 2) was the primary efficacy measure. Moreover, the DAS28 at day 35 (Visit 3, or V3), the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria (V2, V3) and the Short Form-36 (V3) were assessed. Thirty-three patients completed the trial. The mean DAS28 at V1 was 5.45;at V2, 4.51 (P < .001 V1-V2) and at V3, 4.73 (P < .001 V1-V3; V2-V3, not significantly different). Of the 34 patients, 56% achieved a reduction of the DAS28 > 0.6 at V2 (mean 1.52); 27% > 1.2. At V3, 41% of the patients showed a DAS28 reduction > 0.6 (mean 1.06), and 36% > 1.2. ACR 20 and 50% responses at V2 were seen in 29 and 12% of patients, respectively; at V3, the comparable values were 18 and 9%, respectively. Overall tolerability was excellent. Intravenous application of n-3-PUFA (as an add-on therapy) was considerably well tolerated and led to improvement of the disease activity status in a reasonable number of RA patients. Future trials are warranted to answer whether the intravenous application of n-3-PUFA constitutes a therapeutic option in RA patients.

Leflunomide/chloroquin combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of leflunomide (LEF) and chloroquin (ChL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fifteen female RA patients (46-80 years, mean disease duration 100.7 months, ten patients RF+) were enrolled into this open trial. Patients were either treatment failures or partial responders to LEF (n=6) or ChL (n=9). At week 8 and 16, DAS28 and morning stiffness (MST) were evaluated. Moreover, safety was assessed by reporting of side effects, laboratory examinations, and blood pressure measurement. Baseline mean disease activity Index including a 28-joint count (DAS28) amounted to 5.61 and decreased to 4.54 at week 8 (p=0.023) and to 3.79 (p=0.00031) at week 16. MST remained unchanged. DAS28 values significantly decreased statistically in originally ChL-treated patients with additional LEF but did not in LEF patients with additional ChL (DAS28: 1.48; 2.29 vs 0.60; 0.87). Adverse reactions were observed in four patients. Three patients had to be withdrawn from the study. Combination therapy with LEF and ChL was effective and reasonably tolerated. The far higher treatment response could be observed in originally ChL-treated patients after initiation of LEF.

[Austrian 3e-recommendations for diagnosis and management of gout 2013]. / Österreichische 3e-Empfehlungen zu Diagnose und Management von Gicht 2013.

BACKGROUND: Gout is the most common inflammatory joint disease in the Western world, with increasing prevalence. Like former 3e-initiatives (Experts-Evidence-Education) dealing with other rheumatological problems, this initiative aimed at the development of international recommendations for the diagnosis and management of gout and hyperuricemia based on a systematic literature research. METHODS: In the participating countries 10 national questions were generated via a Delphi-process. These questions were collected and out of this pool 10 international questions were formulated. Afterwards a systematic literature research was performed. On that basis again first national and afterwards international recommendations were generated. RESULTS: On the basis of the available literature an Austrian expert panel developed 10 recommendations on diagnosis and management of gout and hyperuricemia. After publication of the international 3e-recommendations we hereby present the national Austrian questions and expert-recommendations for diagnosis and management of gout 2013 followed by a comparison of the Austrian and the international recommendations.