Can serum urate levels be used to diagnose gout

Can serum urate levels be used to diagnose gout?

Serum urate levels alone cannot be used to diagnose gout. Although serum urate levels are elevated (>6.8 mg/dL) at some time in almost all gout patients, serum concentrations are normal at the time of an acute flare in up to one-third (false-negative results). This appears to be in part due to interleukin (IL)-6 generation, which exerts a uricosuric effect. It is equally important to recognize that many individuals may have hyperuricemia in the absence of gout (false-positive results).

15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856