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Dsseldorf/Berlin The German Society for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (DGRh) has published an evidence-based S3 guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gout for the first time. It is intended to set standards to prevent gout attacks and joint damage caused by this widespread disease.

Gout is a widespread metabolic disease that is primarily characterized by inflammation in the joints and, if left untreated, can lead to severe joint damage and an increased cardiovascular risk.

Despite its frequency, gout is often not diagnosed and treated appropriately, explained Uta Kiltz, senior physician at the Rheumatology Center Ruhrgebiet Herne and coordinator of guideline development, in the run-up to the Rheumatology Congress, where she will present the guideline on September 18 in Dusseldorf.

An early diagnosis of gout is crucial in order to be able to start effective treatment quickly. This underlines the importance of the new guideline, which seven scientific societies were involved in drawing up, says Kiltz.

The new S3 guideline brings together existing guidelines for the treatment of gout, is based on close cooperation between various scientific societies and aims at the active participation of patient representatives as well as general practitioners and specialists.

In order to improve the acceptance of treatment, the new guideline recommends, for example, discussing all treatment options with patients at the first gout attack. © hil/aerzteblatt.de