Frequency of Hyperuricemia and its Risk Factors in the Adult Population

Introduction Hyperuricemia (HU) does not only predispose to gouty arthritis but also increases the risk of major cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease and decreases the overall quality of life. Although the incidence of hyperuricemia is increasing in the Asian population, prevalence studies from healthy asymptomatic adults are still scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HU in the general population of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in various out-patient clinics across Karachi in January 2019. Serum uric acid (SUA) levels were recorded using UASure Blood Uric Acid Monitoring System. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), the frequency of activity, the frequency of meat consumption, and the presence of hypertension were noted. For hypertensives, the use of thiazide diuretics was noted. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS v. 22.  Results This study was completed by 375 individuals including 208 (55.5%) men and 167 (44.5%) women. Their mean age was 48.78 ± 13.399 years and the mean SUA level was 5.92 ± 1.73 mg/dl. There were 83 (39.9%) men and 30 (17.9%) women with elevated SUA levels. The overall prevalence of HU was 30.1%. Patient characteristics including gender, hypertension, the use of diuretics frequency of meat consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and BMI showed statistical significance with mean SUA levels. Eta-squared indicated a weak effect of SUA with gender, age, and use of thiazide diuretics. A moderate effect was seen with hypertension, the frequency of meat consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and BMI. Conclusion Hyperuricemia is a health hazard and its incidence is high in Pakistan. Patients who have risk factors for elevated SUA levels must be monitored for hyperuricemia at regular intervals.