Hyperuricemia, Hyperuricaemia, Uricemia (Lithaemia)

Hyperuricemia, hyperuricaemia, uricemia (lithaemia) is a condition characterized by an increased level of uric acid in the blood.

Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in the body. Normally, it is excreted from the body in urine. When this process is disrupted, uric acid accumulates in the blood, which leads to the development of hyperuricemia.

The main cause of hyperuricemia is impaired excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. This may be due to various kidney diseases, the use of certain medications, and dehydration. The cause may also be increased formation of uric acid during the breakdown of purines, for example, during tumor processes.

Hyperuricemia often leads to the deposition of uric acid crystals in tissues, causing an inflammatory response. The most well-known manifestation of hyperuricemia is gout - the deposition of crystals in the joints with the development of arthritis. Kidney damage in the form of urate nephrolithiasis is also possible.

Diagnosis of hyperuricemia is based on determining the level of uric acid in the blood. Treatment is aimed at normalizing uric acid levels through diet, medications, and eliminating the causes of impaired excretion or increased formation. An important role is given to the prevention of complications, especially gout. With timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, the prognosis for hyperuricemia is favorable.

**Hyperuricemia** - an increase in the level of uric acid (hyperuricemia) above normal (more than 360 µmol/l in women and more than 420 mmol/l in men).

Hyperuricemia should be distinguished from other causes of hyperuricemia: conditions accompanied by impaired renal excretion (secondary hyperuricemia), conditions that promote the mobilization of purines from tissues (for example, inflammatory syndrome). These conditions include gout, pregnancy, trauma, malignant tumors, and decompensated cirrhosis of the liver. There are also hereditary conditions that cause the development of hyperuricemia.