What are the harms of hyperuricemia?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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The dangers of hyperuricemia:

Firstly, some individuals might experience gouty arthritis, characterized by localized joint swelling, redness, heat, and pain, affecting mobility.

Secondly, prolonged hyperuricemia can damage the kidneys, leading to chronic renal failure.

Thirdly, if hyperuricemia persists long-term, it may result in the formation of tophi. Tophi deposited in joints can cause joint deformities and limited mobility. Additionally, hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and thus should be taken seriously.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What foods to eat for hyperuricemia?

Dietary requirements for hyperuricemia primarily include a low-purine diet, avoiding foods high in purines. It's important to recognize which foods are high in purines, such as seafood and certain fish, which should be avoided. Secondly, some mushrooms and soy products also have higher levels of purines and should be consumed less frequently. Thirdly, alcohol, especially spirits and beer, must be avoided. Fourthly, one should avoid consuming rich, slow-cooked broths as they also contain high levels of purines. Lastly, it is recommended to drink more water, typically between 1500ml to 2000ml daily.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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Pre-symptomatic hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia in the preclinical phase can be asymptomatic, only showing fluctuating or persistent hyperuricemia during blood tests. From the increase in uric acid to the onset of symptoms, it can generally take several years to decades. Additionally, some changes in the kidneys due to the deposition of uric acid can cause manifestations of gouty nephropathy. Early stages may present intermittent proteinuria and increased urine foam. As the condition progresses, the kidney's concentrating ability may decrease, resulting in increased nighttime urination. Further progression can lead to renal insufficiency, elevated creatinine and urea nitrogen, and possibly swelling and hypertension. In severe cases, acute renal failure may occur, showing symptoms of oliguria or anuria. This type of uric acid nephropathy is primarily due to the deposition in the kidneys, causing episodes of kidney stones and back pain, with stone episodes also accompanied by hematuria. Therefore, the main presentations are associated with the deposition of uric acid in the kidneys during the preclinical phase of hyperuricemia.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What are the harms of hyperuricemia?

What are the dangers of hyperuricemia? First, it primarily causes gouty arthritis, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in certain joints, along with limited movement. For some people, the pain can be extremely unbearable. Second, long-term high levels of uric acid can damage the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. Third, these purines deposit in the joints forming gout stones, further affecting the function of these joints and reducing the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to treat hyperuricemia early to prevent complications.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Hyperuricemia treatment agent

Currently, the main treatments for hyperuricemia in clinical practice include the following types. One category is drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis, primarily allopurinol and febuxostat. Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, which mainly works by preventing the conversion of hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase. Febuxostat, on the other hand, is a newer xanthine oxidase inhibitor and may be more effective than allopurinol in lowering blood uric acid levels. Another category includes drugs that promote the excretion of uric acid, suitable for patients with normal renal function and hyperuricemia. These mainly include probenecid, benzbromarone, and some use of thiazide diuretics, though their effectiveness for hyperuricemia is somewhat controversial. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What is contraindicated for hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia contraindications include the following points: 1. Strictly limit the intake of purines, restrict foods that contain more purines, including animal organs, bone marrow, seafood, fermented foods, beans, etc. 2. Reduce the intake of fats, as fats can decrease the excretion of uric acid. 3. Avoid high-protein foods, such as lean meat, chicken, and duck, which should be boiled and the broth discarded before consumption to avoid eating stewed or marinated meats. 4. Abstain from alcohol, as alcohol can lead to the accumulation of lactate in the body and inhibit the excretion of uric acid, easily triggering gout attacks. 5. Avoid hot pot, as the main ingredients in hot pot are animal organs, shrimp, shellfish, and seafood, and drinking beer with it can aggravate the condition, making these items contraindications for hyperuricemia.