Abstract
The negative association between gout and rheumatoid arthritis is well accepted. Agudelo et al proposed that persistent hyperuricemia might protect against or decreae the expression of rheumatoid inflammation. To test this proposal, we investigated the relationship between the serum uric acid level and the Lansbury's activity index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).180 consecutive patients with RA were retrospectively studied for at least a year. The following results were obtained:
1) In comparison with normal control, the patients with RA showed significantly lower level of serum uric acid (P< 0.01).
2) In initial observation, there was no correlation between the uric acid level and the activity index.
3) Among 180 patients,15 developed persistent hyperuricemia.
4) There was an insignificant, negative correlation (r=-0.24) between the serum uric acid level and the activity index in those 15 RA patients.
5) A significant improvement, however, in both activity index and ESR during hyperuricemia was noted.
6) The above results suggest the proposal by Agudelo et al is right and apropriate.
