Gout has long been recognized as being among the most common chronic
inflammatory joint diseases. It is also well established that men are
far more likely than women to develop gout,2 which is
characterized by elevated serum uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), with
values as high as
6.8 mg/dl. Urate crystals are formed as a result of rising blood uric
acid levels, which also increases the risk of kidney stone development.
Gout can occasionally be accompanied by tophi, which can eventually
cause gouty
arthritis.3 Along
with a few other symptoms, acute gout can cause intense pain, swelling,
and discomfort around the joints. Inter-critical gout refers to the
asymptomatic intervals between gout attacks. The word ”podagra,” which
describes a condition wherein the first metatarsophalangeal joints are
impacted by urate crystals—causing severe pain—is commonly used to
describe acute gout. Additionally, clearly apparent indicators of
flare-ups accompany severe gout
symptoms.3 This
includes severe inflammation that causes discomfort and pain that lasts
for around 5–10 days. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia, however, persists for
years in association with intermittent flare-ups. On the other hand, the
crystals can show signs of proliferation coupled with inflammation and
excruciating pain, which finally enters a stage when
tophi and chronic gout will occur. Tophi can be seen in a variety of
body sites, including articular spaces, cutaneous tissues, and
bones.4, 5 People with gout may have
discomfort that interferes with daily tasks, with mobility impairments
that may be temporary or permanent. Quality of life is thereby
significantly impacted. Stroke, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and
hypertension, among other conditions, are highly associated with
gout.7 The incidence and prevalence of gout have been
rising at increasingly rapid rates over the past several
years.8 Further research is needed to determine the
incidence of the condition and how it varies geographically in relation
to other risk factors, particularly in emerging nations. Previous
research has shown that patients often receive minimal instruction on
modifying their lifestyles and adhering to their
medication.9, 10 This study examined
gout with the goal of assessing the knowledge of gout among patients in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Recent literature searches revealed no
published studies of this nature. According to the research, a sizable
portion of patients is unaware of the disease’s fundamentals, including
the value of medication adherence and lifestyle changes. A greater
understanding of these concerns will facilitate efforts to improve
gout-related knowledge and quality of life among patients.