In an article published in HCP Live, Brian LaMoreaux, MD, MS, Senior Medical Director at Horizon Therapeutics, revealed that many individuals with gout may be undertreated, misdiagnosed, or undiagnosed—and argued that the disease needs be taken more seriously. Dr. LaMoreaux estimated that 9.2 million patients in the United States have gout—characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystal in the joints and skin, joint inflammation and permanent damage, and severe pain—but only 33% of them take urate-lowering medication. Additionally, gout-related hospitalizations have increased by 400% since the early 2000s. Dr. LaMoreaux explained that the disease is often misunderstood or thought to be the result of unhealthy habits, especially in popular culture references—however, this line of thinking may contribute to a lower rate of biologic prescriptions from rheumatologists who may hold their patients responsible for the disease. He proposed that to overcome the stigmas associated with gout and help patients manage their condition, physicians should receive educational materials on the disease and its severity, undergo trainings on diagnostic methods such as negatively birefringent monosodium urate crystal detection and ultrasounds, increase screenings and specialist referrals, and make unbiased decisions regarding prescriptions. Dr. LaMoreaux highlighted that once these standards are in place, physicians can help patients with gout improve their quality of life.
May 01, 2023