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gout, condition that manifests itself as recurrent attacks of acute arthritis, which may become chronic and deforming. About 95% of patients with this disorder are men, usually over 30. It is not caused by alcohol or dietary excesses as was once thought, but there is an association with obesity and a hereditary factor in some cases. The presence of increased uric acid (a breakdown product of DNA) in the body distinguishes gout from other forms of arthritis, although hyperuricemia alone, which often occurs in complete absence of gout, is not thought to be the sole causative factor.
Gout usually begins with an acute attack of pain, inflammation, extreme tenderness, and redness in the affected joint : often the big toe and sometimes the ankle or knee. After repeated attacks the disease can cause the deposition of sodium urate crystals in the tissues about the joints, causing stiffness and deformity. The aim of treatment is to minimize the formation of uric acid crystals. A high liquid intake that increases daily urine output is usually recommended. Colchicine, a preparation of the meadow saffron, used since 1763 for gout, is still the treatment of choice, accompanied by anti-inflammitory drugs such as indomethecine.
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