Gout is the formation of crystals in joint fluid and tissue. Many new drugs and treatments are being tested for gout and many have been approved by the FDA. The new classification system for gout will better help enroll people in appropriate treatment and trials.
The classification system was developed using a multi-step process. This multi-step process consisted of reviewing literature on advanced imaging for gout, conducting a study where the standard to identify gout was the presence of monosodium urate crystals, and using a decision analysis scientific approach to come up with a complete criteria around numerous domains to guide the classification of gout.
The new classification system is easy to follow and is comprised of clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters. A key component of the new classification system is negative scoring for the removal of certain criteria.
Lead investigator Tuhina Neogi said, “The implications of this new classification are significant as it provides a means for clinical researchers to use validated criteria for enrollment of subjects with gout into studies. This is particularly important for clinical trials which will use these criteria moving forward, and it is anticipated that these will become the standard expected by the FDA and EMA when evaluating gout clinical trials.”
The findings will be published in two journals, Annals of Rheumatologic Disease and Arthritis and Rheumatology.
Also read: Natural remedies for gout