Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis which falls under arthropathies known as ‘crystalline arthropaties’. It is characterized by intermittent attacks of tender, red, hot and swollen joint. This condition is a result of strong inflammatory response to increased uric acid levels in the blood. The increased uric acid super saturates and forms crystals that get accumulated and deposited in the tissues and joints to which the body’s immune system reacts. Uric acid tophi that occurs in tophaceou gout seems like hard nodules formed under the skin and can result in significant discomfort and destruction. Once affected by gout, the pain usually shows as fast as in less than twelve hours. Overall, in more than half of the gout cases, the joint situated at the base of the big toe is affected. Gout may also lead to kidney stones, tophi or urate nephropathy. This condition happens because of a combination of genetic factors as well as diet. Gout is more common in individuals who are frequent meat eaters, consume a lot of beer, and are obese. When uric acid levels reach higher, they crystallize and get deposited in the joints, tissues as well as the tendons associated around, which leads to a gout attack. Gout is mostly diagnosed by witnessing crystals in tophus or joint fluids. The link between uric acid and gout has been recognized ever since 19th century, however it is the crucial findings in our knowledge of careful uric acid homeostasis which has resulted in effective therapy meant for gout. In present day, gout is one of the most treatable types of arthritis.
The most commonly involved and affected joint in gout is the first the big toe, i.e., metatarsophalangeal, and it is termed podagra. Nevertheless, any joint in the body might get affected by a gout attack, in fact sometimes there can be multiple joint which are affected. The most common areas are ankles, feet, elbows, and knees. It has been observed that an acute gout attack will usually touch its peak almost 12 to 24 hours after the oncoming, and then will gradually start to settle without treatment. Medical care professionals say that a complete recovery from a gout attack takes nearly 7 to 14 days in total depending upon an individual’s body.
Therapeutics meant for Gout
The primary objective at the time of a gout attack is controlling the pain and restraining the inflammation. One must keep in mind that if a patient is suffering from gout but is not under any kind of uric acid lowering therapy during the acute gout attack, no other therapy must be initiated.
The treatment options involve use of colchicines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroids (intra-articular or systemic). Medical professionals select the choice of treatment which is to be prescribed to patients depending upon their general medications, co-morbid medical conditions, and side effect profile.
• Colchicines – this drug if administered intravenously is linked with severe toxicities and side effects. Hence, it is prescribed for oral formulation only. Lower dosage of colchicines is much better tolerated and received in combination with NSAIDs as compared to higher levels of doses.
• NSAIDS – indomethacin 25 to 50 mg or 800 mf of ibuprofen three o four times per day are the two most common NSAIDs given during an acute gout attack.
• Corticosteroids – these are injections that can be directly administered to the affected joint or rendered systemically in the form of medrol or prednisone.
Five major market drivers of the gout therapeutics market –
• Demand and popularity of many O-T-C drugs
• Innovation of many urate lowering agents
• Biologics approved for reducing the inflammation of joints
• Increased inclination on regenerative medicines
• More preference given to combination therapies
Crystal Market Research published a report on “Gout Therapeutics Market by Product Type and Disease Condition - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2025 ” released and accessible at http://www.crystalmarketresearch.com/report/gout-therapeutics-market