Hien, experiencing frequent pain and swelling in his joints, particularly his big toe and knees, was prescribed uric acid-lowering medication and anti-inflammatories. Reluctant to use Western medicine, he visited a Traditional Medicine clinic promoting a "gout treatment using bloodletting to remove toxins." Blood was drawn from his swollen shoulder joints, and the wounds were then dried with a heating device. Initially, his joint pain subsided, but his shoulder area became swollen and immobile, with spreading pain, fatigue, and high fever.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Ngoc, from the Musculoskeletal Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, reported that Hien was admitted with a 38.5°C fever, swollen, painful, and red joints. His shoulder and several other joints were bruised, blistered, and showed signs of soft tissue infection.

Doctors treated the affected areas, regularly cleaned the burns, and administered systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to control the spreading infection. Hien underwent tests to assess his liver and kidney function and uric acid levels.

Test results revealed Hien's uric acid levels remained high. His joints showed signs of recurring inflammation, and small tophi began appearing under his skin. According to Dr. Ngoc, his gout had progressed to a chronic stage. Without proper management, the continuing deposit of urate crystals would damage his joints, causing deformities, limited mobility, and potential kidney damage.

Hien's infection has stabilized, with the wounds healing and no longer oozing. Doctors continue to adjust his uric acid-lowering medication and anti-inflammatories, while advising him on diet, lifestyle, and follow-up appointments to manage the disease.

Dr. Ngoc examines Hien. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Ngoc examines Hien. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Dr. Ngoc, gout is a metabolic disorder requiring long-term treatment adherence. However, some patients, especially older adults, are hesitant to use Western medicine due to concerns about side effects, opting for folk remedies, tobacco, or herbal alcohol infusions. "There is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of bloodletting or 'toxin removal' from joints," Dr. Ngoc stated, adding that puncturing, incising, applying leaves, and heating wounds can damage the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause systemic infections. A spreading skin infection can lead to sepsis, which is life-threatening, especially for older adults with underlying health conditions.

The Musculoskeletal Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi has treated numerous gout patients admitted due to using home remedies like applying leaves, using plasters, herbal alcohol infusions, and bloodletting. Many experienced burns, prolonged ulcers, and some even suffered elevated liver enzymes and kidney failure after consuming herbal medicines of unknown origin.

Dr. Ngoc advises patients against self-treating with herbal concoctions, applying remedies, or undergoing procedures like bloodletting or heating wounds at unaccredited facilities. Gout patients should limit purine-rich foods like organ meats, seafood, red meat, and alcohol; drink plenty of water to increase uric acid excretion; and engage in light exercise to reduce urate crystal deposition. Patients considering Traditional Medicine should consult with a specialist to assess potential interactions with their Western medications. While Traditional Medicine may help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, it cannot replace uric acid-lowering medication.

Linh Dang

*The patient's name has been changed.