Uric acid predictes gout in women as well as men

Higher levels of serum uric acid increase the risk of gout in women but to a lesser extent than in men, a long-term study has found. Serum uric acid levels – the most prominent predictor of gout – have been widely studied among men, but because gout is often considered a male disease, there is limited research on women, study lead author Dr Vidula Bhole wrote in Arthritis & Rheumatism. Dr Bhole and colleagues identified 304 cases of gout (women 104, men 200) from 2,476 women and 1,951 men with follow-up data spanning 52 years, and found the relative risks for gout increased with increasing levels of serum uric acid among women (p <0.0001). The incidence rates for women per 1000 person-years according to serum uric acid levels of <5.0, 5.0-5.9, 6.0-6.9, 7.0-7.9 and >8.0mg/dL were 0.8, 2.5, 4.2, 13.1 and 27.3 respectively; whereas for men the incidence rates were 0.8, 3.4, 8.0, 17.8 and 32.9. Overall, the incidence of gout was 1.4 per 1000 person-years in women compared to 4.0 per 1000 person-years in men. “These figures suggest that while the incidence of gout increased in-line with serum uric acid levels in women, the rate was higher among men,” Dr Bhole told Rheumatology Update. In addition, increasing age, obesity, alcohol consumption, hypertension and diuretics use was also associated with increased risk in women; however, associations with these factors were not significantly different than that of men. “Serum uric acid level - a commonly performed and relatively inexpensive laboratory test - can play a role in identifying individuals at increased risk of gout… so, for those with higher uric acid levels, we advise practitioners to work on the modifiable risk factors to prevent gout,” Dr Bhole said. She suggested that lifestyle modifications may include reducing alcohol consumption, weight reduction, better management of hypertension, and avoiding the prescription of diuretics. Arthritis Rheum 2009;60 Suppl 10 :2037...