Gout Cases Rising Among Young People, Global Study Finds

Cases of gout are steadily increasing in younger individuals worldwide, according to a comprehensive global study published in the journal Joint Bone Spine. Chinese researchers analyzing data from 204 countries found a concerning trend of rising gout incidence among people aged 15 to 39 between 1990 and 2021.

The study, which utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, measured three key metrics: gout prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability. All three indicators showed significant increases over the three-decade period, with prevalence and disability years climbing by 66% and incidence rising by 62%.

Particularly notable is the finding that young adults now represent a substantial portion of new gout cases globally. In 2021, individuals aged 15 to 39 accounted for nearly 14% of all new gout diagnoses worldwide.

“The trend we’re seeing is concerning because gout has traditionally been viewed as a condition affecting older populations,” said a medical researcher familiar with the study. “This shift toward younger demographics suggests changing lifestyle factors may be driving the increase.”

The burden of gout was not distributed evenly across demographics and regions. Men between 35 and 39 years old showed the highest rates of the condition, and high-income regions globally reported more cases than lower-income areas. North America topped the list with the highest overall rates of gout among young people.

Gender differences in risk factors were also identified. Men were more likely to develop gout in connection with high body mass index (BMI), while women tended to develop the condition as a complication of kidney dysfunction.

Looking ahead, researchers project that while the total number of gout cases will continue increasing globally due to population growth, the rate per population may actually decrease in coming years. Still, the overall trajectory suggests young adult gout cases will continue rising through at least 2035.

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden attacks of severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in joints. The condition most frequently affects the big toe but can impact other joints throughout the body. The pain is caused by urate crystal accumulation in joint tissue, which occurs when blood contains high levels of uric acid.

These sharp, needle-like crystals trigger intense inflammatory responses in affected joints. Flare-ups often occur without warning, frequently at night, causing the affected joint to become extremely sensitive to even the lightest touch.

Several risk factors contribute to gout development. Diet plays a significant role, with purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood (anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout, and tuna) contributing to higher uric acid levels. Alcoholic beverages, particularly beer, and drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup can also elevate uric acid production.

Other significant risk factors include being overweight, having untreated high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, or kidney disease. Family history also plays a role, and men generally have higher risk than women, though women’s risk increases after menopause.

Dr. Lisa Marcotte, a rheumatologist not involved in the study, noted, “The rising prevalence among younger populations likely reflects changing dietary patterns and increasing obesity rates worldwide. We’re seeing the consequences of processed food consumption and sedentary lifestyles manifesting as metabolic conditions earlier in life.”

Medical experts emphasize the importance of seeking prompt treatment for gout symptoms, as untreated gout can lead to joint damage, recurrent attacks, and kidney stones. Anti-inflammatory medications can effectively manage flare-ups and prevent complications when administered early.

The study authors acknowledged some limitations to their findings, particularly regarding data quality from low-income settings, which may affect the completeness of the GBD database used for analysis.