Description

Kidney problems can significantly affect uric acid excretion and increase gout risk through several mechanisms. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating uric acid levels by filtering and excreting approximately two-thirds of the uric acid produced in the body. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), the reduced glomerular filtration rate leads to decreased uric acid excretion and subsequent hyperuricemia. Additionally, metabolic changes associated with CKD, such as increased oxidative stress and inflammation, may contribute to gout development. The relationship between kidney disease and gout is bidirectional, with each condition potentially exacerbating the other. A large-scale study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that individuals with CKD had a significantly higher risk of developing gout compared to those with normal kidney function [1]. Another study in Arthritis Research & Therapy demonstrated that gout was associated with an increased risk of CKD progression [2]. Management of gout in patients with kidney disease requires careful consideration of medication choices and dosages, as many gout medications are cleared by the kidneys.