Uric acid

A product of protein metabolism, its excretion removes excess nitrogen from the body. It is the most important indicator in the diagnosis of gout. At normal concentrations, uric acid in the extracellular media (joint fluid) has a liquid consistency. However, uric acid begins to crystallize when it exceeds the acceptable limit of normal. Such crystals are deposited in the joints, while causing severe pain (gout). The goal of treating gout is precisely to reduce the acid level to certain constants so that the crystals begin to dissolve.

There are two fundamental reasons why the concentration of uric acid increases: delayed excretion from the body (impaired kidney function) and excessive formation, which is extremely rare. Consequently, uric acid testing, both in serum and urine, should be administered to determine the cause of gout. A normal acid content in the urine with a simultaneous increase in the blood is evidence of impaired excretion by the kidneys. Such a condition requires a certain therapeutic approach – drugs that promote the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys should be prescribed.

In order to obtain objective data (determination of the acid that is formed in the body, rather than coming from food), a protein-free diet should be prescribed three days before the test. In patients who prefer protein foods (meat, beans, liver) or, conversely, do not consume these foods, the concentration of uric acid, respectively, increases or decreases.