An Update on the Pathology and Clinical Management of Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis is an inflammatory disease initially triggered by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals into the joint space, developing into an inflammatory cascade resulting in the secretion of several proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil recruitment into the joint. It is associated with debilitating clinical symptoms, functional impairments, and a substantial impact on quality-of-life. Currently available agents are generally effective but associated with a number of adverse events and contraindications that complicate their use. Increased understanding of the inflammatory pathogenesis of gouty arthritis has paved the way for development of several new agents that may provide increased efficacy and reduced toxicity.