Recent updates on worldwide gout epidemiology

Abstract

To provide recent statistics on worldwide gout epidemiology. Current and prediction data on gout epidemiology were retrieved from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) registry and from the World Health Organization (WHO) database on projected mortality. Overall, 7.44 million cases of gout have been estimated around the world in 2017 (incidence, 0.097%), with a prevalence of 41.22 million cases (0.54%), and causing 1.28 million DALYs (0.051% of all DALYs). Gout incidence, prevalence, and health loss considerably increased during the last 25 years and are all higher in men than in women. The burden of gout increases linearly with aging, until the age of 64 years, and is correlated with socio-demographic index (SDI), with incident risk of gout > 3-fold higher in high than in low SDI regions. Projections suggest that gout mortality may increase by 55% in 2060. The epidemiologic burden of gout remains high around the world, especially in men and in high SDI countries, with a trend that is unlikely to reverse soon.Key Points• A significant association can be found between gout and socioeconomic status.• Projections suggest that gout mortality may increase by 55% in 2060.• The epidemiologic burden of gout remains high around the world.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Gout; Incidence; Mortality.