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Therapeutic challenges in the management of gout in the elderly.
Geriatrics. 2008 Jul;63(7):13-8, 20
Authors: Singh H, Torralba KD
Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in the elderly population. Management in the elderly requires special consideration. Physiologic changes associated with aging and co-morbidities make the elderly prone to adverse effects of drugs otherwise successfully used in younger counterparts. Use of colchicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and urate-lowering therapies may be restricted in those with limited renal reserve. Corticosteroids are safe alternatives for short-term use in acute gout. Elderly patients need laboratory monitoring for side effects more frequently than usual. Non-pharmacologic measures such as dietary modifications, regular exercise, and ice therapy should be considered vital adjunctive treatments. A brief review of future therapies is also discussed.
PMID: 18593209 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]