Gout (cont.)
What are the risk factors for gouty
arthritis?
In addition to an inherited abnormality in
handling uric acid, other risk factors for developing gout
include
obesity, excessive weight gain, especially in youth,
moderate to heavy
alcohol intake,
high blood pressure, and
abnormal kidney function. Certain drugs, such as thiazide
diuretics (
hydrochlorothiazide [Dyazide]), low-dose
aspirin,
niacin, cyclosporine,
tuberculosis medications
(
pyrazinamide and
ethambutol), and others can also cause elevated uric-acid levels in the blood and lead to gout. Furthermore, certain
diseases lead to excessive production of uric acid in the body.
Examples of these diseases include
leukemias,
lymphomas, and
hemoglobin disorders.
Interestingly, a recent study demonstrated
an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels
(hypothyroidism) in patients with gout.
In patients at risk of developing gout, certain
conditions can precipitate acute attacks of gout. These
conditions include dehydration, injury to the joint, fever,
excessive dining, heavy alcohol intake, and recent surgery. Gout
attacks triggered by recent surgery are probably related to
changes in the body-fluid balance as patients temporarily
discontinue normal oral fluid intake in preparation for and after
the surgery.
Next: What are symptoms of gout? »
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