Prognosis

In patient untreated with uric acid lowering drugs ,the risk of recurrence after the first attack

1st year : 62%
2nd year: 78%
3rd year: 84%

In untreated gout, about 2% of patient developed severe arthritis usually 20 years after the first attack

People with untreated gout, tophi will also occur about 50% after 10 years and 72% after 20 years.

Appropriate treatment can suppress gout attacks and their recurrence, and prevent long-term consequences of the disease. If left untreated, gout can lead to kidney damage and to severe joint destruction that may require reconstructive surgery of the affected joint(s).