Rheumatology General Medicine A

ACR/EULAR Gout Classification Criteria 2015

ACR/EULAR 2015 classification criteria for gout. Score ≥8 classifies as gout.

Used in: Gout

Pattern of joint involvement

Characteristics of episode (count applicable: erythema, tenderness, difficulty walking/bearing weight)

Time course (typical attack: peaking <24h, resolution ≤14 days, complete resolution between episodes)

Clinical evidence of tophus

Serum urate (uric acid)

Synovial fluid analysis

Imaging evidence of urate deposition (USS double contour sign, DECT, or XR erosion)

Score interpretation

Gout Not Classified -10–7

Score <8: Does not meet ACR/EULAR classification for gout

→ Consider alternative diagnosis (pseudogout, septic arthritis, reactive arthritis); check synovial fluid if not done

Gout Classified 8–23

Score ≥8: Meets ACR/EULAR classification criteria for gout

→ Start acute treatment (colchicine, NSAIDs, or steroids); educate patient; discuss urate-lowering therapy (allopurinol) once acute settles

Interpretation bands for the Gout Criteria. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Neogi T, et al. 2015 Gout Classification Criteria: An American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Collaborative Initiative. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2015;67(10):2557-2568.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.