The epidemiology of hyperuricaemia and gout in Taiwan aborigines.
To determine the prevalence of hyperuricaemia, gout and gout-related factors in Central Taiwan Atayal aborigines, 342 subjects over 18 yr old were interviewed and examined. A questionnaire was designed to screen for signs and symptoms of gout and gout-related risk factors. Serum uric acid, triglyceride and creatinine were measured in all subjects. The prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 41.4% and that of gout 11.7% in aborigines. The uric acid level was 7.9+/-1.7 mg/dl in males and 5.7+/-1.5 in females, and differed significantly under age 70 yr (P < 0.001). Significantly increased triglyceride, creatinine and alcoholism was found in gouty patients compared with non-gouty patients. In 40 cases with gout, 54% had tophi and 35% of their first-degree relatives had gout. The high prevalence of hyperuricaemia and gout in Taiwan Atayal aborigines, a significant family predisposition, increased creatinine level and alcoholism suggest multiple factors affecting the hyperuricaemia.
Chou
C T
CT
Department of Medicine, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Lai
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006073:Gout / Q000097:blood / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D044469:Racial Groups; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
D014280:Triglycerides; D014527:Uric Acid; D002784:Cholesterol