Changes in Urinary Microalbumin Levels after Correction of Hyperuricemia in Patients with Gout: An Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Gout is commonly associated with metabolic syndrome. Strong association between the serum uric acid level and microalbuminuria has also been observed in various studies. AIM: To observe the change in urinary microalbumin after urate-lowering treatment in patients with gout and microalbuminuria. Methodology. A prospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary-level rheumatic center (NCRD) in Kathmandu, Nepal. Adults diagnosed with gout using the 2015 ACR/EULAR criteria and microalbuminuria were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent. Sociodemographic profile and clinical history were recorded at baseline. Serum uric acid levels, spot urinary microalbumin (MAU) excretion, blood sugar, lipid profile, and blood pressure were measured at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up. A paired t-test was used to compare the change in mean MAU after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 778 patients diagnosed with gout were screened for microalbuminuria. Among them, 114 (14.6%) had urinary microalbumin levels of >30.0 mg/L during presentation. Mean MAU level among those with microalbuminuria was 132.4 ± 124.6 mg/L. Thirty-five patients had concomitant HTN and were put on ARBs (20 mg of telmisartan). All received 40 mg of febuxostat. In patients with ARBs, MAU reduced significantly after 3 months of treatment with ARBs. Reduction in MAU in those without ARBs was seen after the 6-month follow-up, and the change was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant reduction in MAU after the use of urate-lowering drugs in patients with gout.