Can Blood Cleansing Machines Help Lower Uric Acid in Gout Patients?

Q: Can Blood Cleansing Machines Help Lower Uric Acid in Gout Patients?

Hello： 1. <br>Uric acid cannot be completely eliminated through dialysis; moreover, it can be effectively lowered with medication, so there is no need for excessive measures. <br>2. <br>Gout typically resolves within a week, but if the wrong medication is used, the diagnosis is i

Gout

1.
Can gout patients use "extracorporeal machines" to cleanse their blood in order to lower uric acid levels? I have been diagnosed by my physician with gout-induced arthritis, but I still have residual pain after two weeks.
Is it possible that it is not gout? Can gout cause pain for this long?
2.
Can acidosis be reduced through blood purification methods (similar to dialysis) to lower uric acid levels?
3.
Does donating blood help lower uric acid levels? Thank you.

Abu Ersi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/06/20

Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine

Hello: 1.
Uric acid cannot be completely eliminated through dialysis; moreover, it can be effectively lowered with medication, so there is no need for excessive measures.
2.
Gout typically resolves within a week, but if the wrong medication is used, the diagnosis is incorrect, or there is insufficient rest, or in cases of chronic tophaceous gout, the pain may last for more than two weeks.
3.
Blood donation or dialysis cannot completely remove uric acid; a combination of dietary changes and medication is necessary for complete control.
This message is on behalf of Dr.
Tseng Kuo-Sen from the Department of Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2006/06/20

More Info

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by high levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. The management of gout primarily focuses on lowering uric acid levels and alleviating symptoms during acute attacks. The question of whether blood cleansing machines can help lower uric acid levels in gout patients is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of both gout pathology and the mechanisms of blood purification techniques.

1. Blood Cleansing and Uric Acid Levels: Blood cleansing machines, such as dialysis, are primarily used for patients with kidney failure or severe electrolyte imbalances. While these machines can remove certain waste products from the blood, they are not specifically designed to target uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism, and while some of it can be removed through dialysis, the process is not efficient enough to significantly lower uric acid levels in gout patients. Instead, the management of gout typically involves medications such as allopurinol or febuxostat, which inhibit uric acid production, and probenecid, which enhances uric acid excretion through the kidneys.

2. Duration of Gout Symptoms: Regarding the duration of pain, it is indeed possible for gout attacks to last longer than the typical duration of a week, especially if the patient is not receiving appropriate treatment or if there are complications such as chronic tophaceous gout. If a patient has been experiencing pain for two weeks, it is essential to reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan. Other conditions, such as pseudogout or septic arthritis, could mimic gout symptoms and should be considered if the pain persists.

3. Blood Donation and Uric Acid Levels: Donating blood does not have a significant impact on lowering uric acid levels. While the act of donating blood may temporarily reduce the volume of blood and potentially lower the concentration of uric acid, it is not a viable or effective long-term strategy for managing gout. The primary approach should focus on dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and pharmacological interventions.

In conclusion, while blood cleansing machines may have their place in treating certain medical conditions, they are not an effective method for lowering uric acid levels in gout patients. The best approach to managing gout involves a combination of medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. If a patient is experiencing prolonged symptoms, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment adjustments.

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