Effect of weather conditions on acute gouty arthritis.

82 patients were retrospectively evaluated for the effects of maximal and minimal temperatures, barometric pressure, wet and dry temperatures and heat stress on the five consecutive days preceding an acute gouty attack. Maximal temperature on day four preceding the attack was higher than the monthly mean [p < 0.01], the fifth day's lower than the monthly mean minimal temperature [p < 0.05], and the mean barometric pressure of the fifth day before the attack higher then the monthly mean [p < 0.02]. On day four before the acute gouty arthritic attack heat stress was significantly higher than the mean monthly heat stress [p < 0.03]. The same findings were noted between the difference of the fifth night wet and fourth night dry temperatures, which were higher than those on the day of the attack [p < 0.05 and p < 0.03 respectively]. These weather changes were not specific to a certain month. Weather changes which occur four to five days before an acute gouty attack may play a significant role in precipitating the attack.