Health Disparities in Gout: Considering a Recent Review

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Podiatric professionals may often encounter patients suffering from gout, which experts tout as the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide.¹ A recent review dove deeper into the presence and ramifications of health disparities related to the condition.¹ The reviewers state that gout was historically described as an affliction impacting wealthy, Caucasian males. However, current research suggests otherwise.¹

This review of contemporary literature found that female, indigenous populations, and racial/ethnic minorities have undergone an increase in gout prevalence that is not proportionate to that of Caucasian males.¹ Additionally, the reviewers found that these groups are less likely to receive urate-lowering therapy for long-term care and are less likely to seek acute care for this condition. The authors postulated that the causes of the above are likely multifaceted, but could include factors impacting social determinants of care. They also cite potential biologic population differences such as age, sex, and genetic factors.¹

Nonetheless, it may be wise for clinicians to re-examine preconceived notions of a patient most typically impacted by gout, and expand their clinical suspicion to meet contemporary evidence, thus hopefully improving outcomes for all.

Reference
1.        Helget LN, Mikuls TR. Health disparities in gout. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2024;36(2):120-125.