Causes of gout

The cause of gout has been attributed to increased levels of a chemical substance known as uric acid in the body.

Hyperuricemia
The uric acid is a by-product of certain metabolic reactions taking place in the body and is normally excreted through the kidneys. Any factor that causes either increased production or decreased excretion of uric acid leads to an increase in the uric acid levels in the body, this condition is termed as hyperuricemia.

The excess uric acid begins to get deposited in the joints, kidneys (resulting in the formation of kidney stones) and other soft-tissues leading to the signs and symptoms. However, it has to be noted that not all the individuals with hyperuricemia suffer from gout.¹

Over production of uric acid

The overproduction of uric acid may be observed in two cases

1. Deficiency of certain enzymes or

     2.    Due to certain underlying disorders such as

                        Myeloproliferative diseases

                        Polycythemia vera

                        Severe psoriasis or

                        Paget’s disease

Decreased excretion of uric acid

Decreased excretion of uric acid may be due to underlying conditions such as disorders of the

• Kidney

• Diabetes insipidus

• Hypertension

• Diabetic ketoacidosis or

• Hypothyroidism

Consumption of drugs such as diuretics, antitubercular drugs and others can also affect the clearance of uric acid in the kidneys.^{2, 3}  

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last Updated: April 11 ,2012