Changes in serum urate levels after bariatric surgery in patients with obesity: an observational study

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for hyperuricemia and gout, while weight reduction can reduce urate levels. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of bariatric surgery on longitudinal serum urate levels.
Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of 283 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery [237 (83.7%) gastric bypass, 34 (12.0%) sleeve gastrectomy and 12 (4.2%) gastric banding] and were followed up for 2 years. The results shown represent mean (standard deviation).
Results: Bariatric surgery was associated with significant reduction in serum urate from baseline level of 0.343 (0.086) mmol/L to 0.296 (0.076) mmol/L (p < 0.001) at 12 months and 0.286 (0.073) mmol/L (p < 0.001) at 24 months, including in men and women, and in patients with or without diabetes. Patients with elevated urate levels at baseline, who comprised 27.2% of the total cohort, achieved reduction in levels by 4 months.
Conclusion: Bariatric surgery leads to significant reduction in serum urate levels at 12 and 24 months. This could reduce incidence of gout and need for prophylactic medication(s).