<div>Clinic
visits were performed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months (study close-out) with
weekly phone calls for study duration. At the baseline visit, a questionnaire
was administered, detailing age, sex, self reported ethnic group, past medical
history (number of previous attacks in last 6 months/ ever; previous medication
use including use of thiazides, aspirin and salicylates; lifestyle factors
including current physical activity, alcohol history including type and quantity
of alcohol consumed), family history of gout. A record was made of the number
of work days missed due to gout in preceding 6 months; days with reduced family
and social activities due to gout in preceding 6 months; number of visits to a
health care professional in the 6 months prior; number of urgent health care
contacts (phone/ attendance) in 6 months prior; number of hospital admissions
in 6 months prior. A gout impact scale questionnaire was performed at baseline
and during any self reported flares. <br></div>