A High Uric Acid Level

A High Uric Acid Level



Abnormally high level of Uric Acid in blood is called Hyperuricemia. The normal range of uric acid for Men is 6.8 mg/dL and for Women is 6 mg/dL.

CAUSES:

Factors contributing to Hyperuricemia are as follows.

  • Genetics predisposition.

  • Insulin Resistance

  • Hypertension

  • Renal Insufficiency

  • Obesity

  • Diet

  • Consumption of Alcoholic beverages

High uric acid (hyperuricemia) can be functionally divided into three types.

  • Hyperuricemia due to Increased Production:-

There is an increased production of uric acid uric acid during following conditions:

  • Eating a diet rich in purine and hypoxanthine.

  • High level of Uric Acid is produced due to Tumor lysis Syndrome, resulting in Renal Failure.

  • Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome is also responsible for Hyperuricemia.

  • Hyperuricemia due to Decreased Excretion:-

Uric acid is excreted through kidneys. Some drugs compete with uric acid and decrease its excretion. Such drugs include:

  • Diuretics

  • Salicylates

  • Nicotinic Acid

  • Cytotoxic Agents

Ability of the kidney to excrete uric acid is also affected by a Ketogenic Diet.

  • Mixed Type of hyperuricemia:-

Mixed type of hyperuricemia is due to both increased production and decreased excretion of uric acid. It can be due to:

  • Drinking high levels of alcohol.

  • Eating a diet rich in fructose.

  • Eating a diet rich in iron.

TREATMENT:

Treatment of Hyperuricemia is carried out by Precipitation of Uric Acid crystals and their dissolution. This treatment is dependent on the following parameters.

  • Concentration:-

Le Chatelier’s Principle follows the procedure of lowering of blood concentration of Uric Acid which allows the dissolution of existing Uric Acid crystals in blood which can be excreted afterwards. Maintaining lower blood concentration of Uric Acid also prevents the formation of new crystals.

Medications used for treating Hyperuricemia are of two kinds which are as follows.

  • Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors

  • Uricosurics

Non medication treatment for Hyperuricemia includes eating a low Purine Diet and Dietary Supplements.

  • Change in body pH:-

The basic idea behind this therapy is that excretion of uric acid can be increased by alkalinization of urine. Supplements that can help in urinary alkalinization include:

  • Sodium Bicarbonate

  • Potassium Citrate

  • Potassium Citrate

  • Change in body Temperature:-

Low temperature is a trigger for Acute Gout.This condition can be prevented by following procedures.

  • Keeping Hands and Feet warm

  • Soaking them in hot water