Diagnostic arthrocentesis for suspicion of gout is safe and well tolerated

Abstract

Objective. To determine the frequency of adverse events of diagnostic arthrocentesis in patients with possible gout. Methods. Consecutive patients underwent arthrocentesis and were evaluated at 6 weeks to determine adverse events. The 95% CI were obtained by bootstrapping. Results. Arthrocentesis was performed in 910 patients, and 887 (97.5%) were evaluated for adverse events. Any adverse event was observed in 12 participants (1.4%, 95% CI 0.6-2.1). There was 1 case (0.1%, 95% CI 0-0.34) of septic arthritis. Conclusions. Diagnostic arthrocentesis is associated with a low frequency of adverse events. Septic arthritis rarely occurs.