[Epidemiological and clinical aspects of gout in equatorial Africa. Apropos of 60 cases followed in the Department of Rheumatology of the Teaching Hospital Center in Brazzaville].

Between December 15, 1988 and November 30, 1990, the application of Rome and New York criteria enabled the diagnosis of 60 cases of gout among patients with arthritis or hyperuricemia seen as out-patients or hospitalised in the Department of Rheumatology of the Brazzavile T.H.G. There were 57 men and 3 women, with a mean age of 51. Gout is the primary form of inflammatory arthropathy in adults in the Congo. Affecting all socio-professional groups, it is diversely associated with obesity, alcoholism, hypertension and diabetes. Initial involvement affects the big toe. Oligo and polyarticular forms predominate because of the absence or delay in specific treatment. This series included 30 per cent of cases of chronic gout. Evidence of renal impairment was found in one third of patients. However, urate lithiasis was absent. Tophi were found preferentially over the elbows. Sickle cell disease was responsible for one case of tophaceous gout. In contrast with the results of studies undertaken before the 1980s, gout is seen to be a common condition in equatorial Africa.