What is hyperuricemia?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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 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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What are the harms of hyperuricemia?

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 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 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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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.