Epidemiologi av urinsyregikt

摘要

Gout is more prevalent in men than in women. However, there is a reduction in the difference in prevalence between men and women after menopause. The incidence is low in young age, but increases with increasing age, particularly after the age of 50. The risk of gout attack is to some extent dependent on the level of the serum concentration of urate. In the last decades the prevalence of gout has increased substantially, probably due to increase in the proportion of people with overweigth, disease promoting lifestyle changes, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypeuricemia inducing drugs may also play a role. Drugs may play an important role in the treatment of the acute gout attacks. However, changes in lifestyle and diet are important prophylactic efforts. High levels of serum urate may be a risk factor for the development of CVD, but at the moment it is not explored whether the serum urate level is a marker or an independent contributor to the morbidity and mortality of CVD.