Health Care Use Among Patients Presenting to Emergency Department for Gout Flares in Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Health Systems Analysis - Report - MDSpire

Utilization of Emergency Services by Gout Patients in Ontario: A Comprehensive Analysis of Health System Data

  • By

  • Timothy S. H. Kwok

  • Samantha Morais

  • William K. Silverstein

  • Clare L. Atzema

  • Gregory Choy

  • Priyanka Chandratre

  • Ping Li

  • Jessica Widdifield

  • May 24, 2026

Share

Clinical Report: Utilization of Emergency Services by Gout Patients in Ontario

Background

Gout is a prevalent condition that can lead to acute pain and emergency care visits. Understanding the patterns of emergency department utilization among gout patients is crucial.

Data Highlights

This study conducted a population-based retrospective analysis of gout-related emergency department visits in Ontario from 2014 to 2023.

Key Findings

  • 16% of older adults with gout had at least one ED visit before starting urate-lowering therapy.
  • 30% of patients discharged from the ED for gout returned to an acute care setting within 90 days.
  • Low rates of follow-up care and excessive opioid prescriptions were noted post-ED discharge.
  • Gout disproportionately affects older men with comorbidities.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the high rates of emergency visits among gout patients and the need for improved follow-up care. Addressing gaps in outpatient management may help reduce the frequency of acute care visits.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the significant burden of gout on emergency services and the necessity for improved management strategies to enhance patient care.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Clinical Rheumatology, 2021 -- Risk Assessment for Hospitalization in Gout Patients Presenting to the Emergency Room
  2. Drug Safety, 2021 -- Prevalence and Financial Impact of Adverse Drug Reactions in Elderly Patients Treated in Ontario Emergency Departments
  3. Clinical Rheumatology, 2025 -- Economic Impact and Comorbid Conditions in Hospitalized Gout Patients in Guangdong Province
  4. Clinical Rheumatology, 2016 -- Understanding Knowledge, Illness Perceptions, and Reported Clinical Practices in Gout Management: A Mixed Methods Investigation in Primary Care
  5. Press Release: Gout Management Guideline | American College of Rheumatology, 2020
  6. 2023 EULAR recommendations on imaging in diagnosis and management of crystal-induced arthropathies in clinical practice
  7. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effects of urate-lowering therapy initiation during a gout flare - PubMed
  8. Press Release: Gout Management Guideline | American College of Rheumatology
  9. 2023 EULAR recommendations on imaging in diagnosis and management of crystal-induced arthropathies in clinical practice
  10. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effects of urate-lowering therapy initiation during a gout flare - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Health Care Use Among Patients Presenting to Emergency Department for Gout Flares in Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Health Systems Analysis

  • by Timothy S. H. Kwok, Samantha Morais, William K. Silverstein, Clare L. Atzema, Gregory Choy, Priyanka Chandratre, Ping Li, Jessica Widdifield

  • May 24, 2026

Related Content

Multidimensional therapeutic advantages of Smilax glabra (Tufuling)-containing formulae in gout: an integrated Systematic Review and network pharmacology-based prediction

Who Decides When a Doctor Steps Back?

Cognitive decline, credentialing, and why “I’ll know” often isn’t enough.

Serum Urate Goals Tied to Lower CV Risk

Patients with gout who reached serum urate targets had modestly higher 5-year cardiovascular event-free survival, with associations strongest among high-risk patients