Gout - Symptoms

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Alcohol use is highly associated with gout in younger adults. Binge drinking particularly increases uric acid levels. Alcohol appears to play less of role among elderly patients, especially among women with gout.

Lead Exposure

Chronic occupational exposure to lead is associated with build-up of uric acid and a high incidence of gout. A 2002 study suggested that persistent low-level exposure to lead may also increase the risk for gout.

Organ Transplants

Kidney transplantation poses a high risk for renal insufficiency and gout. In addition, other transplantation procedures, such as heart and liver, increase the risk. The procedure itself poses a risk of gout, as does the medication (cyclosporine) used to prevent rejection of the implant. It also interacts with indomethacin, a common gout treatment.

Thyroid Problems

Some studies have reported a higher occurrence of gout in people with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). Hypothyroidism may even trigger gout. There is also some evidence to suggest that an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can increase uric acid levels, although not to the degree that low thyroid hormones levels do.

Other Illnesses

Several other conditions can cause gout. They include:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Psoriasis

Review Date: 11/30/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).