The Physiologic Approach to Hyperuricemia

Abstract

HYPERURICEMIA is an easily detected and common chemical abnormality. Since the clinical importance of this abnormality has not been well defined, hyperuricemia presents a confusing problem for the clinician. Despite this uncertainty, a wide variety of potent agents have been developed to treat the abnormality. These agents have differing mechanisms of action to achieve the same end. They also have important side effects and interactions. A rational approach to hyperuricemia will require the physician to be firmly grounded in the biochemistry of uric acid metabolism, the physiology of uric acid excretion and the pharmacology of hypouricemic agents, as well as . . .