Urate-lowering therapy provides additional health benefits in patients with gout

by

Gout is an inflammatory arthritic condition with increased preponderance in males than females. Gout patients are at elevated risk for developing chronic conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular diseases. Now, a recent study published in Rheumato has stated that urate-lowering therapy (ULT) has provided added health benefits in US adults.

Ortiz-Uriarte and his team evaluated the link between ULT treatment status and dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, hypertension, CKD, and heart disease. The estimated prevalence of ULT use in the study subjects was about 28.9%. Patients who received ULT had lower C-reactive protein levels, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels (P < 0.05). Whereas, older obese males and patients who received ULT had a higher prevalence of diagnosed CKD. No link was found between the use of ULT and the prevalence of heart failure, coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia, or hypertension (P > 0.05).

A 2016 study has reported higher serum uric acid levels in more than half of the US adults with gout on ULT. A reduced prevalence of hypertension was noted in patients on ULT. However, diabetes mellitus and obesity were linked to a higher prevalence of serum uric acid levels (≥6 mg/dl). The level was lower in US adults who had gout, CKD, or nephrolithiasis and in the elderly >70 years.

The present study has highlighted gout patients receiving ULT therapy may garner additional health benefits beyond lower urate levels. However, researchers must continue to investigate the long-term effects of ULTs on lipid fractions, kidney function, and other cardiovascular markers.

References

  1. Ortiz-Uriarte M, Betancourt-Gaztambide J, Perez A, Roman YM. Urate-Lowering Therapy Use among US Adults with Gout and the Relationship between Patients’ Gout Treatment Status and Associated Comorbidities. Rheumato. 2023 Feb 3;3(1):74-85.
  2. Juraschek SP, Kovell LC, Miller III ER, Gelber AC. Gout, urate‐lowering therapy, and uric acid levels among adults in the United States. Arthritis care & research. 2015 Apr;67(4):588-92.