Hyperuricemia and intravenous fat emulsion are risk factors for gout flares during active gastrointestinal bleeding: a case control study

It is well-established that patients with a history of gout are more susceptible to experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. Gout flare during active gastrointestinal bleeding poses a significant challenge due to the gastrointestinal side effects of anti-inflammatory therapy. This study sought to investigate the risk factors associated with gout flares during episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding.

We conducted a retrospective observational study involving 94 patients who experienced active gastrointestinal bleeding and had a history of gout. This study was conducted at Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital from January 2019 to October 2022. We collected and recorded demographic information and clinical characteristics.

Among the gout flare patients, hyperuricemia and intravenous fat emulsion therapy were more prevalent compared to those who remained stable (81.6% vs. 57.8% and 46.9% vs. 24.4%, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both hyperuricemia (odds ratio 2.741, 95% CI 1.014–7.413, p = 0.047) and intravenous fat emulsion therapy (odds ratio 2.645, 95% CI 1.046–6.686, p = 0.040) were independent predictors of gout flares. Furthermore, gout attacks occurred sooner in patients receiving intravenous fat emulsion therapy compared to those not receiving it (median: 4 days (interquartile range: 2) vs. median: 5 days (interquartile range: 2.25), p = 0.049).

Our study revealed a high incidence of gout flares during episodes of active gastrointestinal bleeding, with patients undergoing intravenous fat emulsion therapy and those with hyperuricemia being at increased risk.