High prevalence of hyperuricaemia and gout in an urbanised Micronesian population

P. Z. Zimmet, S. Whitehouse, L. Jackson, K. Thoma

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Abstract

The prevalence of hyperuricaemia and gout was investigated in the Micronesian inhabitants of the highly urbanised central Pacific island of Nauru. Sixty-four per cent of men and 60% of women aged 20 years and over had hyperuricaemia—the highest prevalence rates yet reported for a population. The hyperuricaemia in men was accompanied by a high prevalence of clinical gout (6.9%). While the hyperuricaemia is probably genetic, the high prevalence of gout may be related to the environmental change from the traditional island style of living to one of almost complete Westernisation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1237-1239
Number of pages3
JournalBritish Medical Journal
Volume1
Issue number6122
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 May 1978
Externally publishedYes

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