In designing the study questions, the EPC consulted several Key Informants who represent the end-users of research. The EPC sought the Key Informant input on the priority areas for research and synthesis. Key Informants are not involved in the analysis of the evidence or the writing of the report. Therefore, in the end, study questions, design, methodological approaches, and/or conclusions do not necessarily represent the views of individual Key Informants.

Key Informants must disclose any financial conflicts of interest greater than $10,000 and any other relevant business or professional conflicts of interest. Because of their role as end-users, individuals with potential conflicts may be retained. The TOO and the EPC work to balance, manage, or mitigate any conflicts of interest.

The list of Key Informants who participated in developing this report follows:

• Hyon K. Choi, M.D., Ph.D.
  Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
  Director, Gout and Crystal Arthropathy Center
  Director, Clinical Epidemiology and Health Outcomes
  Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology
  Department of Medicine
  Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, MA
• Russell Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
  Sheps Center for Health Services Research
  University of North Carolina
  Professor, Division of General Medicine
  University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
  Chapel Hill, NC
• David Hoelting, M.D.
  Pender Community Hospital
  Pender, NE
• Sanford S. Kaplan, D.D.S.
  Patient Advocate
  Los Angeles, CA
• Gerald D. Levy, M.D.
  Rheumatologist
  Kaiser Foundation Hospital
  Bellflower, CA
• Shari Ling, M.D
  Deputy Chief Medical Officer
  Office of Clinical Standards and Quality
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
  Baltimore, MD
• Ted Mikuls, M.D.
  Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
  Division of Rheumatology
  University of Nebraska Medical Center
  Omaha, NE
• Tuhina Neogi, M.D.
  Associate Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology
  Boston University School of Medicine
  Boston, MA
• Richard Treger, M.D.
  Board-Certified Nephrologist
  Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care System
  Los Angeles, CA
• Lee Ann Weintraub, M.S., R.D.
  Dietitian
  Private Practice
  Los Angeles, CA