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275 per 100,000 people (NIAMS) ... see also overview of Gout.
approx 1 in 363 or 0.28% or 748,000 people in USA [Source statistic for calcuation: "275 per 100,000 people (NIAMS)" -- see also general information about data sources]
The following statistics relate to the prevalence of Gout:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Gout.
Although the exact cause of primary gout remains unknown, it appears to be linked to a genetic defect in purine metabolism, which causes elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) due to overproduction of uric acid, retention of uric acid, or both. In secondary gout, which develops during the course of another disease (such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sickle cell anemia, and renal disease), hyperuricemia results from the breakdown of nucleic acids. Myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative diseases, psoriasis, and hemolytic anemia are the most common causes. Primary gout usually occurs in men and in postmenopausal women; secondary gout occurs in elderly people.
Secondary gout can also follow drug therapy that interferes with uric acid excretion. Increased concentration of uric acid leads to urate deposits (tophi) in joints or tissues and consequent local necrosis or fibrosis. The risk is greater in men, postmenopausal women, and those who use alcohol.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
The term 'prevalence' of Gout usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Gout at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Gout refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Gout diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
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