Hyperuricemia – A narrative review

Abstract

Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in joints, cartilage, synovial bursa, tendons, and soft tissues. Gout is highly associated with hyperuricemia. Gout is not a new disease, which was first documented nearly 5000 years ago. Tophi are solid nodules that develop in the joints of people with uncontrolled chronic gout. Recently, many studies have advocated that hyperuricemia and gout are associated with insulin resistance syndrome. Hyperuricemia is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the prevalence of gout has increased globally, imposing a great disease burden worldwide. Moreover, gout or hyperuricemia is associated with various comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, urolithiasis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, and psoriasis. Furthermore, research has shown a correlation between high uric acid levels and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease. High uric acid levels may lead to permanent bone, joint, and tissue damage, kidney disease, and heart disease.

Keywords

• cardiovascular disease
• gout
• hyperuricemia
• uricosuric agents
• urolithiasis