Colchicine - What is its place in the management of acute gout?

Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis resulting from the crystallisation of uric acid within joints. It is often, but not always, associated with hyperuricaemia. It is common, affecting around 2% of men aged over 30 years and women aged over 50 years, and its prevalence appears to be increasing.1 In Australian general practice, it is in the top 20 of chronic diseases managed and is seen at a rate of six per 1000 general practitioner encounters.2