Navine Nasser-Ghodsi1, Leslie R Harrold. 1. Departments of Orthopedics and Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents research published over the last year examining use of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) as well as trends over time in adherence to this class of agents. Additionally, it explores factors associated with nonadherence to ULTs for chronic gout and interventions to improve chronic gout management. RECENT FINDINGS: New literature suggests prescriptions of ULTs for prevalent and incident gout patients remains lower than expected based on the burden of the disease in the population. Overall ULT adherence remains suboptimal, in part related to inadequate patient education and copayment costs; although one study demonstrated improvement in adherence over a 15-year study period. Finally, interventions that include patient education and medication titration based on laboratory results successfully lowered serum urate levels to less than 6 mg/dl in the majority of patients. SUMMARY: Gout remains a prevalent disease that is poorly managed despite effective treatments. Recent research suggests that ULTs are underutilized and even when prescribed are not well adhered to. Patient-centered interventions that focus on education about pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle modifications with medication titration have resulted in a greater proportion of patients achieving recommended serum urate levels.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents research published over the last year examining use of urate-lowering therapy (ULT) as well as trends over time in adherence to this class of agents. Additionally, it explores factors associated with nonadherence to ULTs for chronic gout and interventions to improve chronic gout management. RECENT FINDINGS: New literature suggests prescriptions of ULTs for prevalent and incident goutpatients remains lower than expected based on the burden of the disease in the population. Overall ULT adherence remains suboptimal, in part related to inadequate patient education and copayment costs; although one study demonstrated improvement in adherence over a 15-year study period. Finally, interventions that include patient education and medication titration based on laboratory results successfully lowered serum urate levels to less than 6 mg/dl in the majority of patients. SUMMARY:Gout remains a prevalent disease that is poorly managed despite effective treatments. Recent research suggests that ULTs are underutilized and even when prescribed are not well adhered to. Patient-centered interventions that focus on education about pharmacologic therapy and lifestyle modifications with medication titration have resulted in a greater proportion of patients achieving recommended serum urate levels.
Authors: Alyssa Howren; Nicole W Tsao; Hyon K Choi; Kam Shojania; Alison Kydd; Russell Friesen; J Antonio Avina-Zubieta; Mary A De Vera Journal: Clin Rheumatol Date: 2019-11-13 Impact factor: 2.980
Authors: Sharan K Rai; Hyon K Choi; Sally H J Choi; Anne F Townsend; Kam Shojania; Mary A De Vera Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford) Date: 2018-07-01 Impact factor: 7.580