Serum Uric Acid Levels and Associated Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Gout in Port Harcourt

Gout is an increasingly prevalent metabolic disorder associated with hyperuricaemia and its biochemical comorbidities, and its clinical pattern in Port Harcourt's urban population warrants local characterization to support evidence-based management. This study evaluates serum uric acid levels and associated biochemical parameters in patients with clinically confirmed gout attending the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Sixty confirmed gout patients, diagnosed by clinical criteria and synovial fluid analysis or response to colchicine therapy, and fifty age- and sex-matched controls without joint disease were recruited. Serum uric acid was determined by the uricase colorimetric method. Associated biochemical parameters including serum creatinine, urea, lipid profile, fasting glucose, and high-sensitivity CRP were measured by standard enzymatic and immunoturbidimetric methods. Results show significantly elevated serum uric acid in gout patients (mean 541 micromoles per litre) compared to controls (mean 312 micromoles per litre). Hyperuricaemia above 420 micromoles per litre was present in 93 percent of gout patients. Gout patients showed significantly higher triglycerides, LDL-C, fasting glucose, serum creatinine, and CRP compared to controls, indicating frequent metabolic comorbidities. Approximately 47 percent of gout patients met criteria for metabolic syndrome. Estimated GFR below 60 millilitres per minute was found in 23 percent of gout patients, suggesting concurrent renal impairment. Uric acid level showed significant positive correlations with serum creatinine, triglycerides, and CRP. The study recommends comprehensive metabolic evaluation of all gout patients in Port Harcourt. Keywords: serum uric acid, gout, hyperuricaemia, metabolic syndrome, Port Harcourt.