Gout and its comorbidities: implications for therapy

Gout is a common form of arthritis. It is associated with a number of comorbidities, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidaemia and frequently in a combination known as the metabolic syndrome. These comorbidities and their treatment may have an effect on the development of gout and on the choice of therapeutic agent. Treatment of acute gout with short-term corticosteroids may be a safer option than either NSAIDs or colchicine in patients with significant renal and/or cardiac impairment. Sustained reduction of serum urate