The gout trifecta

9 July 2013

The gout trifecta

New Zealand leads the world in a condition that is debilitating and incredibly painful – Gout! The incidence of gout is much higher among Māori and Pasifika men, who are also usually younger when gout first strikes.

Gout often occurs alongside other chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease making it – the trifecta. Unfortunately for the people, who get this trifecta the return is pain, loss of mobility, inability to work and poor health.

A major factor in the high incidence of gout in Māori and Pasifika people is inherently higher levels of uric acid in the blood due to genetic and environmental factors. Gout has a major impact on overall health, and is a frequent reason for work absences with reduced income and loss of job security, and giving up sport. It is estimated that 14% of Māori and Pasifika males have gout. Fortunately, once it is recognised gout is a form of arthritis, it can be well managed with effective medication and lifestyle changes.

Two thirds of patients are untreated, undertreated or mistreated. Arthritis New Zealand is calling on GPs to look for gout as part of diabetes and heart disease testing.

Gout and its partners diabetes and heart disease are major contributors to the shortening of life.

This evening Hon Michael Woodhouse, as Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Arthritis Group, will host a function to raise awareness of gout and its impact on the health of New Zealanders and raise the question of why gout does not appear in policy documents. Primary care initiatives are not giving it the attention it deserves.

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