The term 'hypouricemia' refers to a condition that is characterized by low uric acid levels. This write-up provides information on the contributing factors for hypouricemia and hyperuricemia.
Smita Pandit
The formation of uric acid in the body is caused by the breakdown of the purine bases found in DNA and RNA. Hypouricemia, which refers to low serum urate concentration is not a medical condition in itself. However, it could be indicative of certain medical conditions.
People affected by medical conditions such as Wilson's disease, myeloma, hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis, Fanconi's syndrome, nephritis, and some kidney diseases might have low levels of uric acid.
Hypouricemia
The normal range for uric acid is 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL for females, and 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL for males. Genetic mutations that cause xanthine oxidase deficiency and kidney dysfunction are generally responsible for causing low levels. Low purine content in a vegetarian diet can also be responsible for low levels.
Other causes include use of uricosurics, which are drugs that are responsible for increasing the excretion of uric acid from the blood to the urine. Some drugs such as ACTH, corticosteroids, allopurinol, salicylates, coumadin, chlorpromazine, urate oxidase, sevelamer, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, and colchicine can also lower the serum urate concentration by decreasing the production of uric acid.
Hyperuricemia
Health problems are usually associated with high levels. Those affected by gout, kidney stones, or other kidney diseases need to be very careful about its levels. High levels could be attributed to genetics, alcohol abuse, or excessive use of caffeine, niacin, or certain drugs. This condition is generally associated with certain underlying medical conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The uric acid levels can be ascertained with the help of blood tests and urinalysis. When a patient seems to be experiencing symptoms associated with medical conditions such as kidney stone, renal failure, or gout, doctors usually order blood and urine tests to determine the levels.
High levels can aggravate the symptoms of gout. When the uric acid crystals get deposited in the joints, it causes pain, tenderness, swelling, and inflammation in the joint.
Under such circumstances, one has to reduce the intake of foods such as red meat, organ meat, sardines, mackerel, herring, shrimp, lobster, tuna, scallops and certain vegetables such as mushrooms, asparagus, dried beans, cauliflower, and spinach.
Being high in the purine content, their consumption will worsen the condition. You must also keep yourself well-hydrated at all times.
Certain drugs might also be prescribed to lower the concentration of the uric acid. Though low serum urate concentration is not a medical condition in itself and the symptoms one may be experiencing may be the symptoms of other underlying medical conditions, you must get yourself medically examined.
Sometimes a zinc or molybdenum deficiency might lower the serum urate concentration, therefore, correcting such mineral deficiencies might also help. Sometimes, the drugs used for hyperuricemia may also contribute to low serum urate concentration, therefore, uric acid levels must be regularly monitored using blood tests.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.