Socioeconomic differences in hyperuricemia and gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There are multiple risk factors have different influence on the disorder. However, the risk of hyperuricemia and gout in different socioeconomic status (SES) remains unclear. Recent studies provided results that contradicted to former studies. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence to date and to assess the associations between SES and hyperuricemia or gout worldwide.

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that investigated the association between SES and hyperuricemia or gout. Studies that presented risk estimates were included. We conducted meta-analyses using random effects to combine unadjusted and adjusted effect estimates.

Data from 14 studies were included, 9 provided data about hyperuricemia and 5 provided gout. Overall, there was an association between higher educational level and a higher risk of hyperuricemia (POR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04-1.73) but lower risk of gout (POR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.47-0.71). Subgroup meta-analysis showed no association between all SES measures and hyperuricemia or gout in males or females.

Our study suggested that the associations between SES and hyperuricemia gout are different. Higher educational level was related to a higher risk of hyperuricemia but lower risk of gout. Given the limitations of our study, future studies are needed to investigate specific mechanisms underlying the relationship among SES differences in hyperuricemia and gout. Strategies to prevent and control SES inequalities in hyperuricemia and gout should be explored and adopted.