Dr. Van Dellen’s How to Keep Well X-Rays, Uric Acid Level, Best for Gout Diagnosis Whenever arthritis develops within a few hours, gout is suspected. The bout lasts from one to two weeks and subsides spontaneously. Complete comfort is the rule between attacks. Thus, gout differs from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, which begin insidiously and smolder for weeks to months. The big toe usually is affected in gout, but other joints including the spine may be involved. The siege comes so fast, the majority of victims are unprepared and, as an emergency measure, cut a hole in one shoe to ease pressure on the swollen joint. X-rays and the blood uric acid level are the best diagnosis tests. Colchicine begins to work within a few hours and by the end of the first day there is dramatic relief. Other medicines include butazolidin, ACTH and the salicylates. Gout results from a disturbance of purine metabolism. Purines are found in certain protein foods such as liver, sweetbreads, kidneys, sardines, brains, herring and anchovies. They undergo chemical changes within the blood from uric acid. The normal person eliminates 700 mg. Of urin acid daily via the kidneys. The body maintains a reserve pool of at least 1,000 mg. In solution in body fluids. In gout, not only is there overproduction of uric acid so that the amount in the pool is increased from three to 15 times normal, but excretion is decreased. This combination is responsible for a marked rise in the uric acid level in the blood stream and tissues. When some of this material is deposited in the joints as sodium urate, painful arthritis occurs. Anything that reduces the uric acid volume relieves pain. Colchine helps by stimulating the kidneys to eliminate more of the chemical. A low purine diet cuts the intake of the chemical. It was difficult to prevent recurrences prior to the discovery of probenecid. This drug is of no value in the acute stage because of its slow acting properties. But when used for a long time, it keeps uric acid at a respectable level by acting on the kidneys. ANNOUNCING A NEW COURSE APPLIED LEADERSHIP emphasizing new developments in group learning and action DO YOU WANT TO: -lead discussions successfully? -develop your leadership ability? -sharpen your understanding of human nature? -help people to understand each other? -know how to stimulate group participation and action? Open to all present and potential leaders with or without experience. BEGINNING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7:30-9:30 P.M. Eight Meetings, $5.00. ROOM 102, ORSON SPENCER HALL, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH CAMPUS Director: Dr. Oakley J. Gordon, Assistant Professor of Psychology, who has had wide experience in leadership training in business, government, industry and education. ATTEND THE INTRODUCTORY MEETING WITHOUT CHARGE! For full information and free folder, call or write UNIVERSITY OF UTAH EXTENSION DIVISION 109 Annex, Salt Lake City 12 DAvis 2-4761, Ext. 281.