When blood uric acid levels increase for a long time, urate crystals can deposit in the urinary tract or kidneys, increasing the risk of uric acid stones and damaging kidney function, especially in people with gout.
However, not all people with hyperuricemia have kidney failure. This risk also depends on many factors such as the duration of the illness, the level of hyperuricemia, the presence of gout, high blood pressure, diabetes or pre-existing kidney diseases.
Conversely, when kidney function declines, the body's ability to excrete uric acid also decreases, causing uric acid to accumulate in the blood and increase the risk of the onset or recurrence of gout attacks.
Dr. Cong Danh also said that patients need to pay attention to some warning signs that the kidneys are damaged such as pain in the hip area or back socket, especially when the pain spreads down to the lower abdomen or groin due to urinary tract stones. Some other symptoms that may occur are red or pink urine (urine bleeding), painful urination, frequent urination or detection of stones being excreted through the urinary tract.
In addition, leg edema, high blood pressure, changes in urine volume or test indicators showing increased blood creatinine, reduced glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or proteinuria appearing are also signs that need to be assessed for kidney function. The condition of urine with a lot of foam is only suggestive and needs to be determined by professional tests.
According to MSc.BS Pham Cong Danh, patients should see a specialist in Nephrology - Urology or Musculoskeletal if diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, test results show reduced eGFR, increased blood creatinine or proteinuria. Cases suspected of kidney stones, urinary tract stones, recurrent gout, tophi granules or unwanted effects when using uric acid-lowering drugs also need to be examined early for appropriate treatment.
To prevent kidney complications, controlling blood uric acid levels plays a very important role. For gout patients who have been indicated for treatment, it is necessary to follow the doctor's instructions to maintain blood uric acid levels below the target threshold, usually below 6 mg/dL for the majority of cases.
In addition, patients should drink enough water if there are no contraindications, maintain a reasonable weight, control blood pressure, diabetes and dyslipidemia well, and limit beer, alcohol and sugary drinks. Regular check-ups to monitor kidney function and blood uric acid levels are also very necessary to detect complications early.
Experts also remind patients not to arbitrarily use prolonged pain relievers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), because they can increase the risk of kidney damage in some cases. For those who are using diuretics, stopping or changing the drug needs to be prescribed by a doctor, avoiding arbitrary adjustments that affect treatment.
