Researchers in a new study say those with gout have a greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by an excess amount of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid
crystals form in the joints and usually affects the joint in the base of the big toe.

When it strikes, NSAIDs can help to relieve pain and shorten the length of the attack, but those with chronic gout can use behavioral modification. This includes changes in diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol. The kidneys are a critical part of the human body. Serving as filters for the blood where toxins and waste are removed and then expelled from the body through urine.

Those who suffer from chronic kidney disease have suffered damage to their kidneys and they are no longer able to process this blood. If they can, it is at greatly reduced levels and not enough for a healthy life. If the kidneys are not able to process blood, the toxins and wastes build up in the blood. Damage to organs follows and eventually death.

The study, done by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, looked at 1,699,613; 76,309 with gout and 1,623,304 without gout. CKD developed in 17,903 individuals with gout and 150,162 without gout. Researchers concluded gout was associated with a significant of CKD. In addition, the risk for CKD associated with gout varied on other health conditions.

Patients with diabetes had a 2.2-fold increased risk for CKD. Patients without diabetes had a 3.5-fold increased risk. Patients had a 2.4-fold increased risk for CKD among patients with hypertension. Patients had a 4.3-fold increased risk among those without hypertension.

For more information on risk factors for CKD and other conditions which could potentially put you at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, be sure to have a look at our YouTube videos.