1.1 Introduction
Gout is a systemic disease caused by excess uric acid as the result of deficient purine metabolism. Clinically, gout is marked by peripheral arthritis and painful inflammation in joints resulting from deposition of uric acid in joint synovia as monosodium urate crystals. Although gout is the most common crystal-induced arthritis, a condition known as pseudogout can commonly be mistaken for gout in the clinic. Pseudogout results from deposition of calcium pyrophosphatase (CPP) crystals in synovial spaces, but causes nearly identical clinical presentation.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Gout is a serious condition it happens when the urate crystals deposit urate crystals in the soft tissues or joints High concentration of uric acid level in blood above a normal level is a requirement for the formation of uric acid crystals. In spite of this fact that hyperuricemia is the only the main pathogenic defect in gout, the greatest number of people with hyperuricemia do not experience gout or even form uric acid crystals. In actuality, only 5% of people with hyperuriceamia above 9 mg/dL lead to gout (Dalbeth et al., 2016). In spite of number of effective treatments are available for lowering the blood-urate level [Urate-lowering therapy (ULT)], to overcome or prevent chronic joint damage and frequent gout flares, and insubstantial dosing of ULT are widely Frequent (Sarawate et al., 2006).
Appropriately, it is also a conception that other factors such as genetic predisposition share in the incidence of gout. While environmental factors contribute to hyperuricaemia, renal and gut excretion of urate is central to regulation of serum urate, and genetic factors are important. Diuretics are also used to treat hypertension, for example, and they uplift the blood levels of uric acid and can increase the risk of gout. Stimulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and liberation of interleukin 1β have crucial roles in beginning of acute gout flares. A "Lowering serum urate by target action" approach is essential for effective management of gout; Lowering the concentration of urate in serum less than 360 μmol/L prompt to dissolution of crystals and it will lead to abolishment of flares. Gout is a inflammatory disease which impact negative effects on body. It may be lethal sometimes. An allopurinol dose-acceleration approach is very powerful for achieving treatment targets, and only a few, new urate-lowering drugs are also available At global level, rates of initiation and continuation of urate-lowering therapy are very low that is why achievement of serum urate targets is limited (Edwards et al., 2011).
Therefore, in Biochemistry of Gout where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Biochemistry of Gout.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Research has shown that Biochemistry of Gout conditions are contributors to illness, pain and disability and highly prevalent, they place a significant burden on the community. It accounts for a large number of deaths among adults especially the ageing or those whose lifestyle is sedentary.
Despite the effort made by relevant professionals like Rheumatologists, Nutritionist occupational therapists and other physicians to curb the occurrence of arthritis, higher incidence of arthritis is still observed. It becomes pertinent to ask if arthritis is obviously not avoidable or controllable. The high incidence of arthritis can be related to poor knowledge of the value of exercise or inadequate nutrition.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Biochemistry of Gout in Amakohia community, Imo State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To discuss gout arthritis and the health of the aged.
- To identify Biochemistry of Gout in Amakohia community, Imo State
- To assess the effect of gout arthritis on the aged in Amakohia community, Imo State
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does gout arthritis impact the health of the aged people?
- Is there any effect of gout arthritis on the aged people in Amakohia community, Imo State?
- What is the impact of Biochemistry of Gout in Amakohia community, Imo State?
1.6 Significance of Study
The research findings will assist Government and Non-governmental agencies in providing facilities such as recreational centers, medical aids to ameliorate disabilities and mortalities due to gout arthritis.
Finally, findings of this work will also serve as a bed-rock (framework) for further studies by being a handy and standard reference material.
1.7 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Biochemistry of Gout in residence in Amakohia community, Imo State.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Arthritis: Is an inflammation of one or more joint.
Adults: Persons who are fully grown and developed.
Effect: Is the result of an action or cause.
Disabilities: A physical or mental condition that limit a person’s movement, senses or activities.
