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Review
. 2014 May;40(2):155-75.
doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2014.01.001. Epub 2014 Feb 19.

Epidemiology of gout

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Review

Epidemiology of gout

Edward Roddy et al. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2014 May.

Abstract

Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in men. The findings of several epidemiologic studies from a diverse range of countries suggest that the prevalence of gout has risen over the past few decades. Although incidence data are scarce, data from the United States suggests that the incidence of gout is also rising. Evidence from prospective epidemiologic studies has confirmed dietary factors (animal purines, alcohol, and fructose), obesity, the metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diuretic use, and chronic kidney disease as clinically relevant risk factors for hyperuricemia and gout. Low-fat dairy products, coffee, and vitamin C seem to have a protective effect.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Etiology; Gout; Hyperuricemia; Incidence; Prevalence.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Increasing incidence of gout in men and women with serum urate level
Data from Bhole V, de Vera M, Rahman MM et al. Epidemiology of gout in women: fifty-two-year followup of a prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum 2010;62:1069-1076.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proposed mechanism of action of lifestyle factors in the aetiology of hyperuricaemia and gout

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