Probenecid, nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure.

Case 1, an electrical engineer, had had recurrent gouty arthritis since the age of 14 years. A paternal uncle had also suffered with gout. From the age of 50 onwards numerous tophi appeared on the hands, feet, elbows, and ears. At one time or another he had been given various drugs, including corticosteroid hormones, phenylbutazone, salicylates, and probenecid. These drugs had produced no harmful effects, but he had not taken any of them for more than a few days or weeks., There was no history of exposure to any other chemicals. He was first admitted to Hammersmith Hospital in November, 1962, when he was 60 years of age.