Gout: an experience from Zimbabwe.

Twenty three patients with gout treated and followed up in Zimbabwe over a five year period were analysed. Men were afflicted 6.7 times more than women. Their mean age at diagnosis was 44 +/- 8 years and the mean serum uric acid level was 588 +/- 138 mumol/l. The disease was diagnosed late with 30.4 pc of all patients presenting with tophi. Associated alcohol excess was universal and the shoulder, a proximal big joint, was also affected in 21.7 pc of all patients. There is a need for serum uric acid levels for the different localities in Africa to be mapped out and alcohol excess to be curtailed.