Background Gout is a chronic disease that occurs with joint crises. Almost 50% of patients with gout are treated by general practitioners (GPs). Nonpharmacological treatment - proper diet and lifestyle, are held parallel with medication throughout life (1).

Objectives The aim of the study was to analyze the training of GPs on gout diet and the opportunities for educating patients with gout in general practice.

Methods A direct anonymous questionnaire among 37 GPs was performed. Seven (7) close questions with possible answers “yes” or “no” were included. Collected data were processed by alternative analysis.

Results and discussion Unfavorable relationship between alcohol (beer, spirits, wine) noted 37 of all 37 respondents (100%). Regarding the increased intake of coffee and the worsening of gout information had 19 of the 37 GPs (51.35%). Nine of 37 respondents (2.43%) believe that black tea has unfavorable effect on gout. Traditionally recommended milk and yoghurt in gout noted as useful 33 of 37 (85.19%) of GPs. About the relationship between low-fat yogurt and worsening the in serum levels of uric acid 7 of 37 respondents (18.92%) are informed. Eleven (11) of 37 GPs (29,73%) are aware on the positive effect of vit.C supplementation on the relative frequency of joint crisis, as well as 5 of 35 (13,51%) noted the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in gout.

Regularly updated recommendations and guidelines for patients with gout are very helpful in their everyday life (2). New data about this disease known since the time of Hippocrates, are accumulated in recent years especially on gout diet (3,4).

Conclusions Good medical practice requires constant upgrading of knowledge. The survey data has shown need to extend education programs for GPs about gout, focusing on diet as an essential part of the treatment.

1. Hak AE, Choi HK. Lifestyle and gout. Curr Opin Rheumatol, 2008 (20):179–86

2. Sivera F, Andres M,Carrmona I. et al. Multinational evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of gout:integrating systematic literature review and expert opinion of a broad panel of rheumatologists in the 3e initiative. Ann Rheum Dis 2014, 73(2):328–35

3. Torralba KD,De Jesus E, Rachabattula S.The interplay between diet,urate transporters and the risk for gout and hyperuricemia:current and future directions.Int J Rheum Dis. 2012 Dec,15(6):499–506.doi:10.1111<1756-185X.12010.Epub 2012 Oct 22

4. Andres M,Sivera F,Falzon I. et al.Dietary supplements for chronic gout.2014 Cochrane Database Syst Rev (10),SD010156

Disclosure of Interest None declared