Hyperuricemia and gout in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract

Hyperuricemia is present in 11–80% of kidneytransplant recipients. It is closely related to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular complications. The incidence of gout in this group of patients vary from 1,7 to 28%, depending on ethnic group and type of received immunosuppressive therapy. Specific risk factorsof hyperuricemia and gout development in kidney transplant recipients are: immunosuppressive drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), diuretics (thiazidesand loop diuretics), the deterioration of graftfunction, genetic factors, and other factors typicalfor the general population. The most frequent presentation of the disease is the inflammation of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. However, the disease can progress and affect many joints within three to five years since its first symptoms. It frequently affects many atypical locations, including the spinal cord. The principles of diagnosing and treating hyperuricemia and gout are discussed inthis article. Special attention is paid to often used drugs’ interactions.