PHILADELPHIA — Young men with high cholesterol levels face a significantly increased risk for developing gout over the subsequent 45 years, according to recent findings.
Identification of risk factors like hypercholesterolemia may pave the way to early identification of people at risk for gout and allow early interventions aimed at preventing the disease, Dr. Allan C. Gelber said at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.
The study used data collected from 1,337 medical students who entered the Johns Hopkins Precursors Study during the 1940s-1960s. The students underwent a thorough entry examination and then filled out annual questionnaires during follow-up.
The cohort included 1,216 men and 121 women followed for a median of 45 years.
During follow-up, 139 people (11%) developed gout, at an average age of 58. Age was an important risk factor, with 8% developing gout by age 65, 15% by age 75, and 21% by age 85.
The average age at enrollment was 22 years, and the average cholesterol level was 190 mg/dL. Average cholesterol in the 20% of students with the highest level was 217 mg/dL.
In an analysis that adjusted for baseline body mass index and for the development of hypertension, the students in the top cholesterol quintile at entry had a statistically significant 60% increased risk for developing gout, compared with the other 80% of students with lower cholesterol levels, said Dr. Gelber, a rheumatologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Disclosures: Dr. Gelber reported that he has no financial relationships to disclose that are relevant to his presentation on cholesterol and gout in young men.
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