Clinical and Biochemical Presentation of Gouty Diathesis: Comparison of Uric Acid Versus Pure Calcium Stone Formation

PURPOSE: We compared gouty diathesis with uric acid versus calcium stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and laboratory data from 95 gouty diathesis patients (28 with uric acid and 67 with calcium stones) and 99 normal subjects. RESULTS: Of the gouty diathesis patients gouty arthritis was present in 21% of those with uric acid and 12% of those with calcium stones. Hyperuricemia developed in 43% of those with uric acid and 27% of those with calcium stones, and 2% of controls. Urinary pH was independent of the net gastrointestinal absorption of alkali in the gouty diathesis groups. Urinary pH and citrate increased after potassium citrate treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic features of primary gout were present in both gouty diathesis groups and both are responsive to treatment.