Patient/caregiver was educated on complications of unresolved gout as follows:
Renal damage:
- Progressive growth of tophi deposited in the kidneys can lead to obstruction to urine flow.
- Individuals can present with episodes of pain in the loin and back on the side of involved kidney, pain during voiding, and frank blood in urine staining the urine pinkish red.
- Obstruction to urine flow can lead to reduced urine output, excessive retention of fluid and wastes in the body, and progressively compromised kidney function.
- In severe cases this could also result in chronic kidney disease and renal failure.
Damage to the support structures in & around joint:
- Support structures in and around the joints, such as, ligaments and tendons, contribute significantly to the strength and stability of the joint.
- Tophi deposition and chronic unresolved inflammatory activity in the joint can weaken & damage the support structures leading to poor stability of the joint involved.
Increased fall risk:
- Damage to the support structures around the joint from chronic inflammatory activity in the joint can result in poor stability of the joint.
- This can contribute to increased risk for falls and accidents.
