A recent study published in the Annales Africaines de Médecine has shed light on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of gout in patients at the Sourô SANOU University Hospital Center (CHUSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. The research, conducted from November 1, 2018, to June 30, 2024, aimed to determine the hospital frequency and describe the characteristics of gout in patients meeting the 2015 ACR/EULAR gout classification criteria. The study analyzed data from 155 patients, revealing a hospital frequency of 2.90%.
The study found that the mean age of the patients was 55.3 ± 11.9 years, with a predominance of males, represented by a male-to-female sex ratio of 4.5. The most common sites of involvement were the knee (57.8%) and the ankle (43.3%), while tophi were observed in 30.3% of patients. Hyperuricemia was found in 84.7%, and chronic kidney disease was present in 39% of the patients. The study also revealed that gout was primary in 93.6% of cases.
The researchers found that colchicine was the primary treatment for acute attacks (97.4%), and allopurinol was the most commonly prescribed uric acid-lowering medication (90.6%). A significant difference in age was observed between men and women, with women being significantly older than men (p = 0.002). Additionally, tophi were significantly more common in men (p = 0.029).
The study highlights the significance of gout as a reason for rheumatology consultations at CHUSS, primarily affecting middle-aged men who often have comorbidities. The high prevalence of tophaceous forms and chronic kidney disease suggests that diagnosis is often delayed in this setting. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening early diagnosis and access to additional diagnostic tests to improve patient care.
The research was conducted by a team of authors from various institutions, including the Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (INSSA) and the Université Joseph KI-ZERBO. The study was published in the Annales Africaines de Médecine, a journal that provides a platform for researchers to share their findings on various medical topics.
The study's results have implications for the management and treatment of gout in Burkina Faso and other sub-Saharan African countries. The findings suggest that there is a need for increased awareness and education on gout, as well as improved access to diagnostic tests and treatments. The researchers hope that their study will contribute to the development of effective strategies for managing gout in the region.
The study's authors emphasize that gout is a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, where its growing burden contrasts with the scarcity of local data. The research provides valuable insights into the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of gout in Burkina Faso, which can inform healthcare policies and practices in the region.
Key points
- Gout is a significant reason for rheumatology consultations in Burkina Faso, primarily affecting middle-aged men with comorbidities.
- The high prevalence of tophaceous forms and chronic kidney disease suggests that diagnosis is often delayed in this setting.
- Strengthening early diagnosis and access to additional diagnostic tests is crucial to improve patient care.
