THE prevalence of gout is increasing worldwide. It has become the most common cause of inflammatory arthritis in men, and its prevalence in postmenopausal women continues to rise.This is due to changes in diet and lifestyle, increased use of diuretics and increasing obesity.Developed countries have a higher burden of gout than developing ones. But in the developing world — particularly in Africa — where countries have experienced a rapid epidemiological transition and increases in noncommunicable chronic conditions such as obesity, there is an increasing risk.Gout is a form of arthritis that happens when too little uric acid is excreted from the body and then forms crystals in and around joints in the body.Uric acid forms when proteins called purines break down in the body. Although essential for a normal metabolism, excess uric acid is excreted from the body mainly via the kidneys into urine.Many patients with gout struggle to control the disease. The crystals cause acute attacks o...
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