Hyperuricemia and gout. A modern approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of gout by crystal identification in synovial fluid is simple and definitive. To treat gout effectively, the physician must determine whether overproduction or underexcretion of uric acid is the underlying mechanism. The acute attack is treated initially with antiinflammatory agents. After the acute phase is controlled, lifelong definitive therapy for hyperuricemia is begun.