Hyperuricemia and Its Complications

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Hyperuricemia mainly refers to the elevation of uric acid levels in the blood, with levels exceeding 420 umol/l in males and 360 umol/l in females being diagnostic criteria. Some patients with hyperuricemia may not show symptoms, but if not controlled, complications can arise such as gouty arthritis, which manifests as local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even limited mobility. If it affects the kidneys, it leads to gouty kidney, which is characterized by abnormal kidney function and elevated creatinine levels. Therefore, if diagnosed with hyperuricemia, it is advisable to control diet, drink plenty of water, and seek timely medical treatment.

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Is hyperuricemia contagious?

Hyperuricemia is not contagious. Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where the concentration of uric acid in the blood exceeds the normal upper limit. Typically, for males and post-menopausal females, a blood uric acid concentration greater than 420 µmol/L, or pre-menopausal females with more than 348 µmol/L, is considered hyperuricemia. Most severe cases of hyperuricemia are due to deficiencies in uric acid metabolism enzymes and fall under the category of liver metabolism disorders. Moreover, mild to moderate hyperuricemia is often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease, among others. It is a type of nucleic acid metabolic disease, and therefore, it is not contagious.

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Can people with hyperuricemia eat wood ear mushrooms?

People with hyperuricemia can eat wood ear mushrooms. As wood ear mushrooms are considered a low-purine food, containing approximately 8.8mg of purines per 100 grams, they can be consumed during hyperuricemia. For hyperuricemia, it is necessary to restrict some high-purine foods, such as animal offal, clams, crabs, oysters, and sardines. Some meats, seafood, peas, and spinach, which also contain a certain amount of purines, can be consumed in moderation. Wood ear mushrooms are a low-purine food and are generally not restricted. Thus, people with hyperuricemia can eat wood ear mushrooms.

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

Some patients with hyperuricemia are asymptomatic, while others may suffer from complications such as gouty arthritis, gouty nephropathy, and tophi. Gouty arthritis is very common clinically and is primarily characterized by localized joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The commonly affected joints include the first metatarsophalangeal joint, ankle joint, and wrist joint. In cases of gouty nephropathy, patients may exhibit high levels of uric acid and increased creatinine levels, which may manifest as frequent urination, nocturia, and swelling of the lower limbs. If gout crystals deposit in the joints, they can form tophi, leading to joint deformities and restricted movement.

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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.

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Hyperuricemia Typing

Hyperuricemia can usually be divided into two types: primary hyperuricemia and secondary hyperuricemia. The first type, primary hyperuricemia, is mainly due to congenital purine metabolic disorders, leading to excessive production of uric acid in the body, which then causes hyperuricemia. Secondary hyperuricemia is caused by a variety of acute and chronic diseases, such as common chronic renal failure, and hematological tumors, among others.