Hyperuricemia Complications

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on November 25, 2024
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Common complications, the first is the effect on joints, manifested as local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even mobility impairment, usually referring to gouty arthritis. The second complication is the effect on the kidneys, resulting in hyperuricemic nephropathy, where the patient will experience abnormal kidney function. The third complication is the formation of gouty tophi, where many patients have deposits in the joints, leading to the occurrence of tophi and causing joint mobility impairment. Therefore, hyperuricemia needs to be treated promptly to prevent these complications.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What foods should be avoided with hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia generally requires a low-purine diet. So, what foods should be avoided? First, seafood and sea fish, as they have a high purine content and should not be consumed. Second, avoid animal organs like chicken and duck kidneys. Third, abstain from alcohol, especially strong spirits and beer, which tend to raise uric acid levels, so it's recommended to avoid them. Fourth, it is advised not to consume long-cooked broths, such as those commonly enjoyed in Guangdong where the broth is simmered for several hours, as these also have high purine content. Fifth, limit intake of some bean products and various mushrooms, as these should also be consumed minimally.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What is hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where, under normal purine diet, fasting blood uric acid levels exceed 420 micromoles per liter in males and 360 micromoles per liter in females. Uric acid is the final metabolic product of human purine compounds. Disorders in purine metabolism lead to hyperuricemia, which is influenced by various factors including genetics, gender, age, lifestyle, dietary habits, medical treatments, and the level of economic development. Clinically, hyperuricemia can be classified into primary and secondary types. Common clinical manifestations mainly include gout, and possibly arthritis, which are closely related to hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and renal impairment. Therefore, it is necessary to control hyperuricemia.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Dietary Guidance for Hyperuricemia

For hyperuricemia, it is generally recommended to adopt a low-calorie diet, control weight, and try to maintain an ideal weight. Secondly, avoid high-purine foods and opt for a diet low in purines. The third point encourages the use of some alkaline medications and strict abstinence from alcohol. The fourth point is to reduce the intake of fructose-rich beverages. The fifth point is to avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, cocoa, and other such beverages. The sixth point emphasizes the need to drink more water, recommending a daily water intake of at least 2000 milliliters.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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How is hyperuricemia treated?

The treatment of hyperuricemia mainly includes the following points: 1. Improve lifestyle primarily, including a low-purine diet, appropriate exercise, smoking cessation, and increased water intake. 2. Alkalize urine using sodium bicarbonate to maintain urine pH value between 6.2 and 6.9, which facilitates the excretion of uric acid. 3. Avoid drugs that increase uric acid levels, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, and insulin. 4. Use medications that lower uric acid levels; drugs that increase uric acid excretion mainly include probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, and drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis mainly include febuxostat and allopurinol. However, the treatment with these drugs has specific indications, contraindications, and related side effects. It is advised to use medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoid choosing drugs for treatment arbitrarily.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
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What should be avoided with hyperuricemia?

Foods to avoid for hyperuricemia include those high in purines. Here is a list of foods that are high in purines: 1. Seafood, such as some shellfish, shrimp, crab, and certain fishes. 2. Broths that have been simmered for a long time, as they tend to contain higher levels of purines. 3. Certain mushrooms should be consumed less, such as shiitake and straw mushrooms. 4. Animal organs should be avoided as much as possible. 5. Alcohol, especially strong spirits and beer, should be avoided; instead, it's important to drink plenty of water, ensuring to consume 1500 to 2000 milliliters daily.