Dietary Risk Factors Associated with Gout Flares Among Patients with Gout

Abstract

Background: Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints. Dietary habits may influence serum uric acid levels and can act as modifiable triggers for recurrent gout flares.

Objective: To identify dietary risk factors associated with gout flares among patients with gout and assess their relationship with the occurrence of acute attacks.

Material and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from January 2023 to June 2023. Demographic characteristics, body mass index, duration of gout, serum uric acid level, smoking status, comorbidities, medication use, and dietary habits were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Dietary exposures included red meat, organ meat, seafood, sugar-sweetened beverages, high-fat meals, fluid intake, fasting, and low-fat dairy consumption.

Results: The mean age of the 165 participants was 51.6 ± 11.2 years, and 133 (80.6%) were male. Overall, 112 (67.9%) patients experienced at least one gout flare during the preceding 12 months. Patients with flares had significantly higher serum uric acid levels than those without flares (8.7 ± 1.6 vs. 7.6 ± 1.5 mg/dL, p<0.001) and a longer duration of gout (6.7 ± 4.2 vs. 4.9 ± 3.4 years, p=0.007). Frequent red meat intake (adjusted OR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.11–5.22), organ meat consumption (adjusted OR=2.58, 95% CI: 1.02–6.51), sugar-sweetened beverage intake (adjusted OR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.08–5.18), and low fluid intake or dehydration (adjusted OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.31–6.38) were independently associated with gout flares.

Conclusion: Frequent consumption of red meat, organ meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and inadequate fluid intake were associated with increased odds of gout flares, while regular low-fat dairy intake showed a possible protective association.

Keywords: gout, gout flare, diet, red meat, organ meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, hydration, uric acid.