Study uncovers factors linked to persistent pain in gout

Although gout is typically correlated with intermittent joint pain patterns, some patients may experience more continuous pain patterns. However, the factors associated with constant gout pain are little understood.

In a cross-sectional study published in ACR Open Rheumatology, the investigators examined consistencies among 90 patients with physician-diagnosed gout who reported either constant or intermittent pain.

The investigators found that the more than one-third of patients who experienced a constant joint pain pattern were more likely to have an earlier onset of the disease, greater functional limitations and co-existing anxiety or depression. Further, those with constant pain patterns presented with higher serum urate levels, longer gout duration, poorer sleep quality with current sleep apnea and greater levels of pain — factors that were not independently associated with this pain pattern after multivariable adjustment.

As a result of the findings, the investigators indicated the need for more personalized strategies to help patients with persistent gout pain manage the disease.

Read more: ACR Open Rheumatology

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