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Gout - Management
What follow up is recommended after an acute attack of gout?
- Follow up the person 4–6 weeks after an acute attack of gout has resolved, and:
- Check the serum uric acid level.
- Measure their blood pressure and take blood for fasting glucose, renal function, and lipid profile.
- Identify underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or renal impairment, and assess the person's overall cardiovascular risk.
- Provide advice on risk factors such as obesity, diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and exercise.
- Consider prophylactic medication if a person is having two or more attacks of gout in a year. See Recurrent attacks of gout for more information.
- Consider providing an advance prescription of effective treatment for future attacks of gout.
In depth
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