Prevalence and incidence of gout in Korea: data from the national health claims database 2007–2015

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and incidence of gout in Korea and predict the future prevalence and incidence of gout. Data were collected from the national health claims database. Patients who had at least one claim for gout between 2007 and 2015 were included in the study. The prevalence of gout from 2007 to 2015 and the incidence of gout from 2009 to 2015 were determined. We estimated sex- and age-specific prevalence and incidence of gout during the period. The prevalence and incidence of gout were predicted using time series analysis. The prevalence of gout (95% CI) increased from 3.49 (3.48-3.51) per 1000 persons in 2007 to 7.58 (7.55-7.60) per 1000 persons in 2015. The incidence of gout (95% CI) was 1.52 (1.51-1.53) in 2009 and rose to 1.94 (1.93-1.95) per 1000 persons in 2015. The prevalence and incidence of gout were higher in men than in women. The older population had a higher prevalence and incidence than the younger population. The increase in prevalence was higher in the older population than the younger population, whereas the increase in incidence was higher in the younger population than the older population. The predicted prevalence and incidence of gout (95% CI) in 2025 were 16.59 (15.85-17.34) per 1000 persons and 3.81 (3.14-4.47) per 1000 persons. The prevalence and incidence of gout increased in Korea between 2007 and 2015. Men and the older population had a higher prevalence and incidence of gout compared to women and the younger population. However, the incidence of gout in the younger population has increased rapidly in recent years.

Contemporary Prevalence of Gout and Hyperuricemia in the United States and Decadal Trends: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2016

“…Moreover, a UK general practice population–based study also showed an increasing trend, from 2.03% in 2007 to 2.49% in 2012 . Finally, an analysis of Korean health insurance claims data showed that the prevalence of gout more than doubled, from 0.35% in 2007 to 0.76% in 2015 . Despite these rising prevalence rates, it is notable that the latest estimates from these countries are still lower than the most recent estimate for the US, likely reflecting the obesity epidemic observed in the US as well as differences in diet and lifestyle factors.…”

Association between dyslipidemia and serum uric acid levels in Korean adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2017

“…Important factors, such as which medications of lipid lowering agents were used, participant history of gout and whether urate lowering treatments were administered or not, weren't included in the questionnaire, leading to insufficient data. However, considering the low prevalence of gout in the general Korean population (0.76%) [34], it is unlikely that the unavailable data regarding the clinical history of gout or the participants taking urate lowering agents significantly affected the results [12]. Whether serum uric acid is only a marker of preexisting disorder or a causal factor for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease remains controversial [5].…”

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of ulceration over tophi in patients with gout

“…As one of the most prevalent inflammatory arthritides, gout is characterized by elevated serum uric acid and intermittent acute attacks of swollen, painful joints . In recent years, an upward trend in both the prevalence and the incidence of gout has been observed in many regions and countries around the world . It has been reported that the incidence worldwide ranges from 0.3 to 6 cases per 1000 person‐years, and the prevalence of gout ranges from 0.1% to approximately 10% .…”