GOUT Integrated Clinical Practice Guideline Manual On Gout
GOUT Integrated Clinical Practice Guideline Manual On Gout
This document is intended for educational and clinical reference use only.
V. Special Populations
While it integrates peer-reviewed guidelines and best practice
Scenario PRA ACP APLAR PAFP AFP/
recommendations, it does not replace formal medical training or AAFP
individualized clinical judgment. Local availability of diagnostics, Elderly Avoid Favor Start low, go Yes Adjust all
medications, and specialist access should always be considered in colchicin steroids slow meds
decision-making. The author and contributors are not liable for the clinical e
outcomes resulting from the application of this manual without proper CKD Dose Avoid Prefer Yes Same
medical supervision. adjust NSAIDs febuxostat/l
ULT ow
allopurinol
CVD Not Not Avoid Cautious Same
discusse emphasiz febuxostat if use
d ed CV history
DM Not Not Address Yes Monitor
discusse addressed comorbidity steroid
d cluster effect
Inpatient Not IV/IM Avoid Formulary- Oral
address steroids NSAIDs guided steroids
ed preferred
Polyarticul Not No Systemic Function- Colchicin
ar address comment steroids based e less
ed effective
Tophi Start Shared Aggressive Treat Long-
ULT, <5 decision ULT aggressivel term ULT
target y
Diuretics Avoid Not Prefer Adjust Switch to
thiazides emphasiz losartan, losartan
ed CCB
Pregnancy Rare Not Avoid meds Contracepti Colchicin
covered on e C,
avoid
allopurin
ol
Palliative Not Comfort- Use steroids Symptom No ULT,
address first focus steroid
ed only
B. Medication Options
Drug PRA ACP 2016 APLAR AFP/ Philippi
Class 2008 2021 AAFP ne
Conside
rations
NSAI First-line First-line; First- First-line Widely
Ds if no no specific line; in used;
GI/renal/ preference monitor uncompli screen
CVD comorbi cated for PUD,
issues dities cases HTN,
renal
I. Expanded Overarching disease
Colchi Max 4 1.2 mg ×1, Low- 1.2/0.6 Generic
Framework cine tablets/ then 0.6 dose regimen (0.5 mg)
day (0.5 mg after 1 regimen superior widely
mg/tabl hr preferre to high- available;
Element Details et) d dose dose
Target Family and community medicine doctors, adjust
Users rural physicians, general internists, nurse Steroi Predniso Equal Preferre 30–35 Safe,
ds ne 30– efficacy to d in mg/day affordabl
prescribers (oral) 40 NSAIDs/col renal/el or e; used in
Practice RHUs, barangay health stations, Level 1–2 mg/day chicine derly tapering RHUs
Setting private hospitals, training institutions × 3–5 patients strategie
Rationale Gout remains underdiagnosed and days s
for Local undertreated in PH, with frequent NSAID Intra- For Effective Strongly Useful Requires
Adaptation overuse and delayed ULT. Education gaps articu monoart but not preferre for knee, clean
lar icular always d if 1–2 ankle techniqu
persist among clinicians regarding flare steroi large practical joint e and
prophylaxis and titration. ds joints flares local
Integrated This guideline integrates evidence from: steroid
Sources prep
PRA 2008: locally developed, but dated
ACP 2016: internationally endorsed by PAFP C. Recommended Regimens (Philippines)
APLAR 2021: regionally adapted for Asian Agent Standard Dose Dose Adjustment
comorbidities (Adult) Criteria
AFP/AAFP 2014–17: primary care synthesis from U.S. Ibuprofen 400–800 mg TID Avoid in eGFR <60;
family medicine journals | × 5–7 days assess GI risk
| Approach Summary | Two models converge: Naproxen 500 mg BID Same as above
Treat-to-symptom (ACP, PAFP): Flare-focused, Colchicine 1.2 mg stat, then If eGFR <30: 0.5 mg
cautious on overtreatment 0.6 mg after 1 once; avoid re-dosing
hour
Treat-to-target (APLAR, AFP/AAFP, PRA): Reduce SUA Prednisone 30–40 mg OD × May taper or stop
to <6 mg/dL to prevent damage |
3–5 days abruptly if <7 days
| Role of Shared Decision-Making | All guidelines now agree
IA 10–40 mg (knee), Use with aseptic
that treatment initiation, especially ULT, should involve
Triamcinolon 10–20 mg (ankle) technique; confirm
discussion of:
e diagnosis first
Flare frequency and burden
ULT risks and monitoring
Long-term joint and kidney outcomes D. Non-Pharmacologic Measures
This ensures realistic adherence, especially in Filipino cultural Rest affected joint for 1–2 days
settings where patients may fear chronic pills. | Elevate and apply cold compresses (not heat)
| Why a Filipino Synthesis is Needed | 1. Some patients get Hydrate with at least 2 liters/day (unless
steroids repeatedly but no long-term plan. contraindicated)
Educate patient to not stop allopurinol if already
2. ULT is often started without prophylaxis. taking it
3. Labs (SUA, Cr) may be delayed or unavailable.
4. Many local clinics still emphasize dietary myths over
evidence-based therapy. E. Clinical Reasoning Framework (OSCE)
5. Health literacy on urate is limited. | Question Example Answer (based on
| Clinical Outcomes Sought | - Early recognition of gout flares guideline)
without overdiagnosis What drug to NSAID if renal/GI/CVD risk low;
choose first? otherwise prednisone or colchicine
Safe acute treatment even in elderly or renal patients When do you eGFR <60, history of ulcer, on
Correct ULT initiation and titration avoid NSAIDs? anticoagulants
Long-term joint preservation, disability prevention How do you use Low-dose (1.2 + 0.6) only; avoid if
colchicine safely? eGFR <30 unless supervised; monitor
Patient self-management confidence GI symptoms
Can you use Yes, especially in elderly or
steroids alone? polyarticular gout
What if the patient Continue allopurinol during the flare;
II. Acute Gout Management is already on ULT? do not discontinue
🔎 Purpose
F. Teaching & Training Pearls
This section guides primary care providers on safe, effective ⚠ Red flag for misdiagnosis: Monoarthritis + fever
treatment of acute gout flares, with special attention to renal may be septic arthritis—aspirate if unclear.
function, drug interactions, and local accessibility. 🔄 Avoid treatment delay: Most agents work best if
given within 24 hours of symptom onset.
A. Treatment Goals During Acute Flare 🧓 In elderly with mild dementia, avoid multiple
Goal Action drugs—choose oral prednisone for safety.
Relieve pain and Initiate anti-inflammatory therapy 💊 Do not “load” colchicine: High doses increase GI
inflammation within 24 hours toxicity and have no added benefit.
Protect function Encourage early mobility once pain
subsides
Drug Dose Duration When to
Start
Colchicin 0.6 mg OD– 3–6 months Start same
e BID day as ULT
NSAID Naproxen 4–6 weeks Alternative if
250–500 (shorter) colchicine
mg BID not tolerated
Steroid Prednisone If Short-term
5–10 mg NSAID/colchicine only
OD contraindicated
III. Urate-Lowering Therapy (ULT) G. OSCE Clinical Framing: “When and How to Start ULT”
Examiner Ideal Answer from Examinee
A. Rationale for ULT Question
When to Start ULT Explanation & Guideline “Will you start Yes, if already on it; if new, wait until
Alignment allopurinol during flare settles.
After ≥2 flares/year PRA, APLAR, AFP, AAFP: Strong this flare?”
indication “What is your Colchicine 0.6 mg OD × 3–6 months
Presence of tophi, Indicates longstanding prophylaxis plan?” from ULT start.
joint damage, hyperuricemia; treat-to-target “How do you counsel Explain that ULT is long-term, flares
erosions approach recommended the patient?” may worsen initially, but adherence
Uric acid >9 mg/dL, APLAR allows ULT to prevent renal prevents damage.
even if asymptomatic complications “What labs will you SUA q4–6 weeks; Cr; LFTs if
CKD (eGFR <60) or ULT helps reduce kidney damage; monitor?” febuxostat; watch for rashes if
urate nephrolithiasis ACP supports shared decision allopurinol.
“What is your SUA <6 mg/dL or <5 mg/dL if tophaceous.
goal?”
B. When NOT to Start ULT
Situation Rationale
First, self-limited gout ACP and PAFP: avoid
flare overtreatment; low recurrence
risk
H. Filipino Clinical Tips
Patient has no Rule out other arthropathies
confirmed before starting lifelong therapy Do not rush escalation: Many Filipinos experience
hyperuricemia rash when started on 300 mg allopurinol immediately.
Patient lacks ULT needs lab monitoring and Generic colchicine is affordable (₱5–10/tablet);
commitment to follow- adherence support instruct patients not to skip during ULT titration.
up Emphasize long-term control, not flare-only
treatment: patients often expect pain = disease.
C. ULT Agents Overview If HLA-B*58:01 is not available, assess rash history
Agent Role Dose & Monitoring carefully; avoid high-dose first starts.
Titration Needs
Allopurin First-line Start 50–100 SUA q4–6 weeks,
ol ULT mg/day → Cr, HLA-B*58:01
increase q2–4 (if CKD)
weeks
Febuxost Second- Start 40 SUA, LFTs,
IV. Lifestyle Modification and
at line ULT mg/day → 80 ECG/cardiac Counseling in Gout
mg if SUA not history
at target
Probene Rarely 250–500 mg SUA, urinalysis A. Purpose of Lifestyle Advice
cid used in BID (not for (risk of stones)
PH eGFR <50) Lifestyle alone cannot replace pharmacologic therapy in
moderate to severe gout, but:
It reduces flare frequency
D. Allopurinol Initiation Protocol (Philippines)
It supports medication adherence
Stepwise Schedule It addresses metabolic syndrome, common in gout
Wee Dose Recommendation Action if SUA patients
k >6 mg/dL It gives patients an active role in controlling disease
0 100 mg/day Start with
colchicine 0.6 mg Guideline Consensus: PRA, APLAR, and AFP/AAFP emphasize
OD lifestyle as adjunctive therapy. ACP de-emphasizes diet alone
2–4 Increase to 200 mg/day Continue but supports education as part of shared decision-making.
monitoring
6–8 Increase to 300 mg/day Add diet B. Core Lifestyle Recommendations
counseling
Lifestyle Specific Advice Evidence
10+ Adjust as needed to reach SUA May consider Component Level
goal <6 mg/dL (<5 mg/dL if Febuxostat if
Diet Avoid red meat, liver, sardines, Moderate
tophi) allergic
(Purines) shellfish, anchovies, bagoong,
balut
E. Prophylaxis During ULT Initiation Alcohol Avoid beer and spirits (strongly Strong
urate-producing); wine in
moderation if any
Fructose Limit sugary drinks (e.g., soda,
sweet iced tea); avoid
Strong V. Gout in Special Populations
sweetened juices
Water Aim for at least 2 L/day unless Strong A. Elderly Patients (≥65 years)
Intake fluid restricted Challenge Recommendation
Weight Recommend gradual weight Strong Higher risk of drug Prefer oral steroids over NSAIDs or
Loss loss if overweight/obese (BMI side effects colchicine for flares
>25) Polypharmacy Minimize drug interactions (e.g., avoid
Exercise Moderate activity encouraged Moderate colchicine if on clarithromycin)
between flares; avoid joint Renal decline Adjust allopurinol starting dose to 50–
strain during flares 100 mg/day
Salt & BP Avoid high sodium processed Strong Fall risk Avoid high-dose prednisone (>40 mg),
Control food; screen for hypertension NSAID-induced orthostasis
Key Point: All guidelines favor low-dose, slowly uptitrated ULT
in elderly.
C. Cultural Adaptation: Common Filipino Foods to Watch
Avoid Often Limit Encouraged
Occasionally Choices B. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Sardinas, dilis, Chicken liver, Fresh vegetables, CKD Acute Flare ULT Consideration
tuyo beef tofu, legumes Stage Management
Bagoong, isaw, Crab, shrimp Eggs, low-fat milk, eGFR NSAIDs still possible Start allopurinol 100
balut whole grains 60–89 short-term mg/day
Lechon, Red meat in small Banana, pineapple, eGFR Avoid NSAIDs; use Allopurinol 50–100
chicharon, portions watermelon 30–59 prednisone or IA mg/day; uptitrate q4wk
longganisa eGFR Colchicine: max 0.6 Allopurinol ≤50 mg/day
Beer, gin, 1–2 glasses Water, buko juice <30 mg/day ×1 only or use febuxostat
lambanog wine/week (max) (unsweetened) On Avoid colchicine & Allopurinol may still be
Sweetened iced Fruit shakes with Plain water with dialysis NSAIDs used (specialist input)
tea, soda added sugar lemon HLA-B*58:01 testing is strongly advised in CKD before
allopurinol in Asian populations (APLAR, AFP). Limited
availability in PH.
D. Suggested Counseling Script (English–Tagalog Blend)
2.
Febuxostat
Parameter Details
Indication Second-line if allopurinol-intolerant or
ineffective
Formulation 40 mg, 80 mg tablets (limited availability
in PH; expensive)
Dosing Start at 40 mg/day → 80 mg if target SUA
not reached
Renal None needed; safe in CKD
Adjustment
VI. Drug Profiles for Gout Treatment CVD Caution Avoid in patients with prior MI/stroke (per
CARES study)
A. Acute Flare Medications Common AEs Elevated LFTs, nausea, rash
Monitoring SUA, LFTs, ECG if cardiac history
1. Colchicine Teaching Ideal if patient has CKD and cannot
Parameter Details Pearl tolerate allopurinol
Indication Acute gout flare (early use), flare prophylaxis
during ULT 3.
Formulatio Tablet 0.5 mg (generic widely available in Probenecid
n PH) (Rarely Used)
Dosing Flare: 1.2 mg stat, then 0.6 mg in 1 hr (max Parameter Details
1.8 mg/day)Prophylaxis: 0.6 mg OD–BID Indication Alternative ULT in underexcretors of uric
Renal If eGFR <30, single 0.6 mg dose only; avoid acid
Caution repeated use Formulation Not widely available in PH; compounded
Common Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, myopathy or imported
AEs (esp. with statins) Dosing 250–500 mg BID
Drug CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin), P-gp Renal Caution Ineffective if eGFR <50
Interaction inhibitors, statins Contraindicati Urolithiasis, G6PD deficiency
ons
Teaching Requires high fluid intake to prevent stone
Pearl formation E. Common Monitoring Pitfalls in Philippine Practice
Issue Prevention Tip
No SUA done after ULT Emphasize that goal is not pain
C. Comparison Chart for Quick Teaching start relief alone but urate reduction
Drug Acute Safe in Risk in Needs Cost/Access
or ULT CKD Elderly Monitoring (PH) ULT titrated based on Always base titration on SUA
Colchicin Acute Low GI/muscle Minimal ₱5–10/tablet flares, not SUA level—not just symptoms
e dose toxicity
only
Patient stopped meds Educate that gout is a chronic
NSAIDs Acute Avoid Yes Creatinine, ₱5–15/tablet after first improvement metabolic disease
BP No renal function check Check Cr at baseline and every
Steroids Acute Yes Safer Glucose, BP ₱10–30/
tablet
during allopurinol use 6–12 months, esp. elderly
Allopurin ULT Yes AHS risk SUA, Cr, ₱7–20/tablet
ol (start rash
low) F. Patient Self-Monitoring Tools (Training Use)
Febuxost ULT Yes CVD SUA, LFTs ₱50–80/
at caution tablet
Tool Use in Clinic and Teaching
Probeneci ULT No (<50 GI, uric SUA, urine Not standard SUA Tracker Patients record their own uric acid results
d eGFR) stones pH Card on a foldable wallet card
Flare Diary Checklist of symptoms, triggers, and
medication intake during attacks
Lifestyle Patients sign a 3-month diet and hydration
Pledge Sheet commitment form
VII. 🧪 Expanded Section: Laboratory Medication
Calendar
Monthly refill and dose chart to track ULT
and prophylaxis adherence
Monitoring and Clinical Follow-Up
G. OSCE Integration and Clinical Teaching Prompts
A. Monitoring Goals Examiner Prompt Ideal Trainee Response
Objective Why It Matters “When will you repeat SUA At 6–8 weeks or after titration
Confirm response Ensure SUA reduction to target levels after starting allopurinol?”
to ULT “When do you stop If no flares in 3–6 months and
Detect drug Prevent complications from colchicine, colchicine prophylaxis?” SUA is <6
toxicity early allopurinol, febuxostat “What labs do you monitor SUA, LFTs (ALT), renal if elderly
Reinforce Frequent visits improve counseling, in febuxostat?”
adherence especially in rural areas “Should SUA be done No, levels may be falsely low
Adjust dose Titrate ULT based on lab and symptom during an acute flare?” during flares
safely changes “What if SUA is 3.2 but Consider maintaining dose or
patient is well?” lowering slightly; monitor
closely
B. Target SUA Goals (Per Risk Group)
Patient Type Target SUA Guideline
Source
Typical gout, no <6.0 mg/dL ACP, APLAR, PRA
tophi VIII. Patient Education and
Tophi, erosive <5.0 mg/dL APLAR, PRA
disease
Counseling Techniques
CKD, frail elderly <6.0 mg/dL, ACP (shared
cautiously decision) A. Core Educational Goals
Goal Target Outcome
C. Recommended Monitoring Schedule Improve disease Patient can explain what gout is and
Visi Timeframe Labs Action Point understanding what triggers it
t from ULT Ordered Support adherence Patient understands why uric acid
No. Start to ULT needs to be controlled even without
V1 Day 0 SUA, Cr, ALT Start ULT + pain
(baseline) prophylaxis Promote lifestyle Patient reduces intake of high-purine
V2 2–4 weeks None Assess flare modification food, alcohol, sugary drinks
(symptom frequency, Prevent medication Patient avoids stopping ULT during
check) tolerability misuse flares or overdosing colchicine
V3 6–8 weeks SUA, Cr Adjust ULT if SUA Key Teaching Principle (PRA, APLAR, AFP): “Gout is a
>6 chronic disease, not just a flare problem.”
V4 3 months SUA, Cr, ALT Confirm downward
(if febuxostat) trend; reinforce B. Bilingual Teaching Script for Lay Patients (English–
adherence Tagalog Blend)
V5 6 months SUA Stop prophylaxis if
no flares in past 3 Intro (First diagnosis):
months
V6 Annually SUA, Cr, ALT Continue “Doc, bakit po ako nagka-gout?”
(if high dose maintenance, adjust Response:
or elderly) for age/weight “Ang gout ay sakit na dahil sa labis na uric acid sa dugo. Kapag
changes ito ay naiipon, nagiging parang buhangin sa kasukasuan. ‘Pag
If SUA <6 but patient still flaring, assess for nonadherence, dumami ito, sumasakit—lalo sa gabi. Hindi lang ito ‘trangkaso
tophi dissolution, or other diagnoses. ng kasukasuan’. Maaaring maulit kung hindi maagapan.”
F. Adherence Checklist for Follow-Up Visits C. Red Flags – Urgent Evaluation Required
Red Flag Consider/Action
✅ Takes ULT daily even when asymptomatic
Monoarthritis with fever Rule out septic arthritis;
✅ Knows SUA target level
aspirate joint
✅ Able to name 3 foods to avoid
Rapidly progressive Joint aspiration or imaging
✅ Knows when to stop colchicine prophylaxis
swelling and pain
✅ Knows not to stop ULT during flare
Joint involvement atypical Shoulder, spine → consider
✅ Has SUA tracker or flare diary
for gout alternative dx
A patient who scores 5–6/6 on this checklist is considered well- Systemic symptoms Evaluate for malignancy, TB,
educated on gout self-management. (weight loss, anemia) autoimmune
Unexplained polyarthritis Refer to Rheumatology (rule
out RA, SLE, CPPD)
G. OSCE Teaching Prompts ACP cautions against attributing every joint pain in older
Examiner Question Ideal Answer patients to gout—avoid misdiagnosis.
“How do you explain “It’s not for pain, it’s to prevent
allopurinol to a farmer?” crystals from building up again.”
D. When to Refer for Joint Aspiration
“Can you counsel a Yes; use simple analogies (“asin
patient in Filipino?” sa kasukasuan”) Indication Practical Tip
“What tools can you give Uric acid card, food pyramid, Suspected septic arthritis Fever, leukocytosis, joint
a patient?” flare diary warmth
“What myths need to be Gout is not just from food; ULT is First flare with no Consider CPPD or trauma
corrected?” not only for attacks hyperuricemia
Nonresponse to typical Confirm diagnosis before
gout treatment escalating therapy
Primary care doctors should refer to facilities with joint
aspiration capacity rather than empirically treating all
monoarthritis as gout.
OSCE Prompt:
F. OSCE and Clinical Decision Prompts
“What features suggest infection over gout?”
Examiner Question Ideal Answer
“When should you refer Refractory SUA, drug reactions,
gout to IM?” CKD or tophaceous burden E. Case 5 – Patient Education in Rural Clinic
“What red flags suggest Fever, monoarthritis, warmth,
septic arthritis?” WBC elevation Setting: 58-year-old farmer with known gout, not on ULT,
“How do you distinguish Older age, wrist/knee believes “sardinas lang talaga problema”
CPPD from gout?” involvement, normal SUA Language: Bicol-Tagalog mixed
“Should you refer all Yes, especially if progressive or Complaint: Wants only “gamot sa sakit” during flares
tophaceous cases?” affecting function
Teaching Points:
X. 🩺 Clinical Case Scenarios and Explain uric acid as root cause in lay terms
ULT is not for pain; emphasize long-term prevention
OSCE Training Sets Demonstrate use of Gout Diet Card (Filipino-adapted)
Address food myths without shaming
A. Case 1 – Classic Acute Monoarthritis (First Flare)
OSCE Prompt:
Setting: 54-year-old tricycle driver, presents with sudden “How would you explain urate-lowering therapy in simple
painful swelling in left MTP joint (big toe) Filipino?”
Exam: Erythema, warmth, severe tenderness, no trauma
Vitals: T 37.2, BP 130/80 F. Case 6 – Inpatient Flare While on Maintenance
Labs: SUA 8.9 mg/dL, Cr 1.0, ESR 25 Allopurinol
Key Teaching Points: Setting: 71-year-old diabetic, admitted for pneumonia;
Most likely gout; typical joint and age developed left ankle pain on Day 3
NSAIDs or colchicine can be given History: On allopurinol 100 mg/day for 2 years
No ULT yet (ACP: don’t start after first flare unless high Vitals: T 37.8°C; Cr 1.5, SUA unknown
risk)
Lifestyle advice begins now Teaching Points:
Continue ULT during flares (do not stop allopurinol)
OSCE Prompt: Treat flare with prednisone (avoid colchicine/NSAIDs if
“How would you confirm gout and manage this patient?” unstable)
Screen for drug interaction before adding new meds
B. Case 2 – Recurrent Gout with CKD
OSCE Prompt:
Setting: 62-year-old male with DM and CKD stage 3b “Should ULT be stopped during an inpatient flare?”
History: ≥3 flares/year, on self-medicated colchicine
Labs: SUA 10.1 mg/dL, eGFR 38, Cr 1.8
Medication: Irregular allopurinol intake 300 mg PRN G. Quick Recap Table: OSCE Key Themes
Theme What Examinee Should Show
Teaching Points: Diagnosis Can identify gout vs. mimics using history &
Allopurinol PRN is incorrect; ULT must be daily exam
Start at 50 mg/day, slow titration (renal-adjusted) Initial Chooses correct med and route (e.g., avoid
Colchicine max 0.6 mg ONCE per flare in eGFR <30 treatment NSAIDs in CKD)
Start colchicine prophylaxis with new ULT plan ULT timing Understands when to start and how to
titrate
OSCE Prompt: Patient Explains gout mechanism and long-term
“Patient is using allopurinol incorrectly. How do you fix this education control well
plan?” Referral Knows when to refer to IM or Rheum
decisions
Setting: 45-year-old with prior rash on allopurinol (AHS ruled XI. 🧊 Expanded Section:
out), persistent SUA 9.2
History: 2 tophaceous flares; hesitant to restart treatment Management of Tophaceous Gout
Exam: No current flare, stable vitals, normal LFTs
eGFR: 60, ECG normal
and Advanced ULT
Teaching Points: A. What Are Tophi?
Safe to initiate febuxostat 40 mg/day Feature Description
Counsel on long-term need; use flare prophylaxis Composition
Deposits of monosodium urate crystals with
(colchicine) granulomatous inflammation
Avoid in prior MI/stroke patients per APLAR, ACP Common Olecranon, pinna of ear, Achilles tendon,
Locations fingers, toes, joints
OSCE Prompt: Long-standing hyperuricemia, delayed ULT,
“How do you start febuxostat safely?” Risk Factors
poor adherence, CKD
Diagnostic Clinical exam, x-ray (erosions), dual-energy
D. Case 4 – Gout vs. Septic Arthritis Red Flag Tools CT (DECT) if available
In Philippine practice, clinical diagnosis of tophi is accepted.
Setting: 68-year-old male, history of gout, now with left knee Imaging is optional unless diagnosis is unclear.
swelling + fever
Vitals: T 38.5°C, WBC 16,000 B. Goals of Treatment in Tophaceous Gout
Exam: Warm, red, effused joint; unresponsive to prior colchicine Treatment Goal Rationale
Dissolve tophi (urate Prevent joint deformity and
Teaching Points:
crystal burden) improve function
Septic arthritis must be ruled out → aspirate joint Prevent new tophus Maintain SUA <5.0 mg/dL
Empiric antibiotics may be started pending aspirate formation
Control flares Use prophylaxis during ULT
titration Take regular photos or hand-drawn maps of tophi to
Avoid adverse drug CKD, elderly at risk during document changes
effects aggressive therapy
J. OSCE Teaching Prompts
C. Pharmacologic Strategy Examiner Question Ideal Answer
Strategy Details “What SUA target is needed in <5.0 mg/dL
Aggressive Start allopurinol 100 mg/day → titrate tophaceous gout?”
ULT every 2–4 weeks until SUA <5 “Can we use febuxostat in Yes, if no CVD history
Combination May use allopurinol + probenecid (rare in patients with CKD and tophi?”
Therapy PH) or allopurinol + febuxostat under “When is surgery considered?” If tophi cause deformity,
Rheum supervision ulceration, or severe pain
Target SUA <5.0 mg/dL to facilitate tophus dissolution “Is tophus resolution No, takes months to years
Monitor SUA Reassess and adjust ULT dose accordingly immediate?” even with optimal therapy
q4–8 weeks
Sweis, N., Smith, J., & Menon, S. (2021). Bridging the health literacy gap in
D. Medication Summary Table
gout: The role of visual and culturally adapted tools. BMJ Open
Drug Use Dose Caution Cost Rheumatology, 9(1), e000844. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjrh-2020-
(initiation) (PH 000844
est.)
Colchicin Flare, 0.6 mg OD–BID CKD, elderly ₱5–10/
e prophyla tab
xis
Allopurin ULT 100 mg/day AHS risk, ₱7–20/
ol (start low) renal dosing tab
Febuxost ULT 40 mg → 80 CV history, ₱50–
at mg/day LFTs 80/tab
Naproxen Flare 500 mg BID GI, BP, Cr ₱5–15/
tab
Predniso Flare 30–40 mg/day x DM, BP, ₱10–
ne 3–5 days mood 30/tab
Paano gamutin?
Hindi sapat ang gamot sa sakit lang. May gamot na pangbaba
ng uric acid (tulad ng allopurinol). Kailangan inumin araw-araw
kahit walang nararamdaman.
XIII. References
Philippine-Based Sources
International Guidelines
Stamp, L. K., Dalbeth, N., & Barclay, M. (2017). Allopurinol dose escalation
to achieve target serum urate: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Rheumatology (Oxford), 56(5), 679–689.
https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kew474
White, W. B., Saag, K. G., Becker, M. A., Borer, J. S., Gorelick, P. B.,
Whelton, A., … & CARES Investigators. (2018). Cardiovascular safety of