subject: Rilonacept May Help Chronic Gout Patients, According to Study [print this page] Rilonacept May Help Chronic Gout Patients, According to Study
Rilonacept (IL-1 Trap) may substantially decrease disease activity and pain in patients with chronic active gout, according to Phase III study results presented at the 2007 American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting.
Rilonacept is a potential new treatment being tested for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Rilonacept works by preventing interleukin-1 from attaching to cell-surface receptors. Interleukin-1 is a protein that is secreted by many cells in the body. When present in excess, interleukin-1 can trigger gout activity.
There were 10 study participants who had gout for an average of 13 years and suffered from chronic gout. The participants, who averaged 62 years of age, received twice-weekly subcutaneous injections of placebo and then 6 weekly injections of rilonacept. In the 2nd through 8th week, 70 percent of study participants experienced at least a 50 percent improvement in pain. Sixty percent of participants had 75 percent or more improvement in pain. No one receiving placebo improved. The level of inflammation detected in blood samples decreased 59 percent by the 8th week of rilonacept treatment. The research supports the theory that blocking interleukin-1 may be therapeutically beneficial for some gout patients.
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Diuretic Drugs Increase Risk of Recurrent Gout Attacks
Gout is considered one of the most intensely painful types of arthritis. Gout develops from an accumulation of excess uric acid in the body which causes uric acid crystals to deposit in the joints. During an acute episode of gout, the patient may be startled by the suddenness and severity of joint pain and swelling.
Diuretic drugs, also known as water pills, are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, edema, and congestive heart failure. Study results reported in the July 2006 issue of Journal of Rheumatology indicate that taking diuretic drugs more than triple the risk of recurrent gout attacks.
The study involved 197 patients, mostly male, who had experienced a gout attack within the last year and had recently been treated with diuretic drugs. Researchers concluded that, if other treatment options are possible, it may be best for people who are are susceptible to gout attacks to avoid using diuretics.
