Randomised double blind trial of prednisone and naproxen in treatment of crystal proven acute gout.

The primary objective of this study. We want try to assess the efficacy and safety of a short course oral prednisone in the treatment of (crystal proven) acute gout. Naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is prescribed frequently for acute gout with proven effect, will be used as index therapy.

Possible benefit of the study. In literature we could not find important side effects and contra-indications from a short course with prednisone. If prednisone should be equal to naproxen in our study, a cheap drug occurs, to treat acute gout, as alternative to NSAIDs. NSAIDs have well known side effects and contra-indications (gastro-intestinal, cardiologic, nephrolpogic), especially in middle aged and older people. Gout patients are mostly middle aged or older, and are often suffering from cardiologic and nephrologic problems. Hence, they could have benefits from prednison, as an alternative to NSAIDs.

Participants of our study are gout patients referred by family physicians, who diagnose and treat the most gout patients in normal medical practice.

Active treatment of acute gouty arthritis by a short course of oral prednisone or naproxen are equal.

N/A

Five days, by oral administration, either prednisolon 35mg (= 30mg prednisone) once a day or naproxen at a dose of 500 mg twice a day. Patients received blind capsules containing active prednisolon and placebo naproxen, or active naproxen and placebo prednisolon.