New Classification Criteria for Gout
The definitive classification or diagnosis of gout normally relies upon the identification of MSU crystals in SF or from tophi. Where microscopic examination of SF is not available or is impractical, the best approach may differ depending upon the context. For many types of research, clinical classification criteria are necessary. The increasing prevalence of gout, advances in therapeutics and the development of international research collaborations to understand the impact, mechanisms and optimal treatment of this condition emphasize the need for accurate and uniform classification criteria for gout. Five clinical classification criteria for gout currently exist. However, none of the currently available criteria has been adequately validated. An international project is currently under way to develop new validated gout classification criteria. These criteria will be an essential step forward to advance the research agenda in the modern era of gout management.
Classification criteria are designed to mimic a gold standard in order to distinguish between disease and no disease or between different diseases. Their purpose is to ensure relative homogeneity of participants of clinical research, including clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Unbiased and reliable classification criteria are essential for research in rheumatic disease. Specific recommendations exist regarding the development and validation of classification criteria for rheumatic disease. Development requires identification of possible inclusion and exclusion criteria. A large sample of patients with and without disease should be studied to determine which criteria (or combination of criteria) best differentiate those with and without disease. The final classification criteria should then be validated in a large sample of cases and controls distinct from patients used to develop the criteria.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
The definitive classification or diagnosis of gout normally relies upon the identification of MSU crystals in SF or from tophi. Where microscopic examination of SF is not available or is impractical, the best approach may differ depending upon the context. For many types of research, clinical classification criteria are necessary. The increasing prevalence of gout, advances in therapeutics and the development of international research collaborations to understand the impact, mechanisms and optimal treatment of this condition emphasize the need for accurate and uniform classification criteria for gout. Five clinical classification criteria for gout currently exist. However, none of the currently available criteria has been adequately validated. An international project is currently under way to develop new validated gout classification criteria. These criteria will be an essential step forward to advance the research agenda in the modern era of gout management.
Introduction
Classification criteria are designed to mimic a gold standard in order to distinguish between disease and no disease or between different diseases. Their purpose is to ensure relative homogeneity of participants of clinical research, including clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Unbiased and reliable classification criteria are essential for research in rheumatic disease. Specific recommendations exist regarding the development and validation of classification criteria for rheumatic disease. Development requires identification of possible inclusion and exclusion criteria. A large sample of patients with and without disease should be studied to determine which criteria (or combination of criteria) best differentiate those with and without disease. The final classification criteria should then be validated in a large sample of cases and controls distinct from patients used to develop the criteria.