Hyperuricemia and gout among heart transplant recipients receiving cyclosporine.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency and characteristics of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis among cyclosporine-treated heart transplant recipients.


METHODS
One hundred ninety-six surviving adult heart or heart/lung transplant recipients were evaluated. Medical records were reviewed to determine peak serum uric acid levels after transplantation, and to evaluate potential risk factors for hyperuricemia. Patients were surveyed by postal questionnaire for a history of gouty arthritis, with positive responses evaluated by telephone interview and/or examination of the patient.


RESULTS
Hyperuricemia occurred in 72% of male and 81% of female patients and was not correlated with cyclosporine level, presence of hypertension, or degree of renal insufficiency. Eleven (6%) patients had gout prior to transplantation; 14 (8%) had onset of definite gout and seven (4%) had probable gout a mean of 17 months after transplantation. Polyarticular arthritis and/or tophi developed in six (43%) of the posttransplant-onset definite gout group within a mean of 31 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Both hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis occur with increased frequency among cyclosporine-treated heart or heart/lung transplant recipients. The clinical course of gout in these patients is often accelerated, with management complicated by the patients' renal insufficiency and interaction with transplant-related medications.
Burack
D A
DA
Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
Griffith
B P
BP
Thompson
M E
ME
Kahl
L E
LE
D015210:Arthritis, Gouty / Q000139:chemically induced; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006073:Gout / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000502:physiology; D016041:Heart-Lung Transplantation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
D014527:Uric Acid; D016572:Cyclosporine