GOUT – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Gout is a chronic crystal-induced inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of
monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints and periarticular tissues as a result of persistent
hyperuricemia [1,2]. It is one of the most common forms of the inflammatory arthritis
worldwide and has been recognized since ancient times, with descriptions dating back to
Hippocrates [3]. Hyperuricemia is defined as a serum urate concentration exceeding the
physiological saturation threshold of approximately 6.8 mg/dL, above which urate
precipitates as crystals [4].