SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF GOUT*

GOUT has received widespread publicity during the last 10 years, with most writers giving attention to all the various phases of the disease except the prevention of recurring attacks. We have in reality reached a point in the therapy of gout similar to that in diabetes if investigators in that field had continued to give their attention to the treatment of coma and not to its prevention. Significant is the fact that leading students of gout are at present at odds on the vital question as to whether the recurring attacks of gout can be prevented. Can the treatment be offensive or must it remain defensive? Besides the accepted fact that gout shortens life, the economic aspect indicates the dire need for some type of therapy to prevent loss of time and money (figure 1). An analysis of 14 patients who had suffered Average duration of disease 11 years Average loss of time from work 20 mos. Average loss in salary $3640. Average medical expense $489