Question
My brother is suffering from Chronic tophaceous gout. His fingers, elbows and knees look swollen and bumpy and he’s only in his early 30’s. Is there any cure for this type of gout? He’s had a few surgeries but the euric acid looks like it built up again. My brother has been seing a Rheumatologist, but because there was hardly any improvements it seems he got discouraged. Do you have any suggestions? Is there a doctor you know of that totally specializes in chronic tophaceous gout? I’m concerned that if doesn’t treat this he’ll be disabled for life.
Answer
He needs to be on a uric acid lowering agent such as allopurinol or probenecid. A new drug febuxostat will be available soon. Treatment can take years to see much effect. Non compliance with visits and medications is the biggest problem.
