GOUT—NOW AMENABLE TO CONTROL

Abstract

Experience with benemid (p-(dipropyl-sulfamyl) - benzoic acid) indicated it has an important place in the therapy of gout since now this disease in most cases is amenable to control, resulting in prevention of attacks and relief of joint pains in patients with tophaceous gout. By carefully administered, individualized doses of benemid, the serum uric acid level can be maintained at normal and with this, recurring attacks are usually prevented. High fluid intake and alkalinization of the urine seem advisable during the early phase of benemid therapy. Further time will be required to prove whether tophi will be substantially decreased in size under benemid treatment, and whether the bone damage of gout is reversible. Our studies are inconclusive on this point; tophi have stopped discharging and the visible tophi have decreased slightly in size, but objective bone deformity and retrogressive bone changes have not as yet been observed roentgenographically.