Final answer:
Uric acid levels greater than 7 mg/100 ml in blood plasma can result in the precipitation of sodium ureate crystals, leading to gout. High uric acid levels can be caused by various factors and can be managed through the use of uricosuric drugs and dietary changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Uric acid is seen in gout only when the concentration of uric acid exceeds 7 mg/100 ml in the blood plasma. At this level, the uric acid precipitates as sodium ureate crystals. These crystals are unable to be excreted and hence get deposited in soft tissues, particularly within the joints and tendons, causing the condition known as gout. Gout is exacerbated by factors that increase uric acid in the blood, such as trauma, old age, febrile diseases, kidney dysfunction, high non-vegetarian diets, and hypoxia. Diet choices, particularly intake of foods with high nitrogenous bases like purine, found in tea, coffee, and chocolate, may also raise the risk of developing gout and should be avoided by individuals prone to this condition.
Controlling gout involves reducing serum uric acid levels, which can be achieved through uricosuric drugs that increase the excretion of uric acid in urine, thereby reducing its re-absorption. Adequate hydration and dietary modifications can also help manage and prevent gout flares. Furthermore, the drug allopurinol is used as a preventative measure against gout by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase that contributes to uric acid formation.