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High sUA and Contributing Factors Hero

High Serum Uric Acid (sUA) Levels and Contributing Factors

Chronically elevated sUA levels in uncontrolled gout is often reflecting a complex interplay of metabolic, genetic, and lifestyle contributors.

sUA Levels Are Influenced by a Multitude of Underlying Factors

Some contributing factors in uncontrolled gout can include:

Genetic predisposition-to-gout icon
Genetics

There are more than 12 identified genetic variants that predispose individuals to developing gout1

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Comorbidities

The presence of comorbidities, eg, obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease, increases with higher sUA levels2

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Menopause

Loss of estrogen's uricosuric effect raises prevalence of gout in post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal women3

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Medications

Diuretics, low-dose aspirin, and other medications are associated with elevated uric acid levels4

Elevated Uric Acid: More Endogenous Than Dietary5,6

Understanding the roles of both the body's own uric acid production and dietary contributors is key to managing uncontrolled gout.

80% of uric acid is made endogenously
20% of uric acid can be attributed to purine-rich dietary sources such as meats and meat sauces, certain seafoods, foods and drinks high in sugar, and alcoholic beverages

Modifications to lifestyle and diet are shown to reduce sUA by 1 to 2 mg/dL2,5

Man contemplating that elevated uric acid may be more endogenous than just dietary

Modifications to diet and lifestyle help but may not be enough. The real drivers are genetics, comorbidities, impaired uric acid excretion due to gut microbiome, and medications such as diuretics and low dose aspirin.

Dr. John Albert, MD, Rheumatologist

Hear Dr. Albert's take on seeing the full picture of a gout patient