Gout rising among people under 40, global study finds

A global study analyzing 1990–2021 data found gout, an inflammatory form of arthritis, is increasingly affecting younger people. Researchers tracked 204 countries in the Global Burden of Disease study and reported rising cases, prevalence and years lived with disability linked to gout among people aged 15 to 39. The study, published in Joint Bone Spine, used 2021 data to project trends through 2035 and highlighted wide variation by country and income level.

Global measures showed substantial increases over the 31-year period. Prevalence and years lived with disability from gout rose 66%, while incidence climbed 62%. In 2021, the 15- to 39-year-old group accounted for nearly 14% of new gout cases globally. Burden was heaviest among men aged 35 to 39 and among residents of high-income regions, with high-income North America reporting the highest rates overall.

The study stressed that the total number of gout cases is expected to rise globally due to population growth, even as the rate per population may decline in some regions. Data quality, especially in low-income settings, could limit the precision of global estimates.

What is gout? Gout is a common form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in a joint. It most often affects the big toe. Urate crystals accumulate in the joint when uric acid levels in the blood are high, often due to the body breaking down purines. A flare can occur at night and may render the joint extremely painful to touch. Purines are found in many foods, including red meat, organ meats such as liver, and certain seafood. Alcohol, particularly beer, and beverages sweetened with fruit sugar can also raise uric acid levels.

Risk factors for gout include a diet high in purines, overweight or obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease. Men are more likely to develop gout, with women typically at lower risk until after menopause. Untreated gout can lead to recurrent flares and potential joint damage, and in some cases kidney stones or kidney dysfunction.

Health experts urge individuals experiencing sudden, intense joint pain to seek medical evaluation, as early treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to treat flares, while long-term strategies focus on lowering uric acid levels and addressing contributing health conditions.

In discussing the findings, researchers emphasized that while population growth may drive higher absolute case numbers, improvements in prevention and treatment could influence future rates. They also noted that gaps in data quality, particularly in lower-income settings, underscore the need for better surveillance and reporting to inform public health responses to gout.