Hyperuricemia, Cardiovascular Profile, and Comorbidity in Older Men and Women: The Pro.V.A. Study

Abstract Hyperuricemia (HU) is growing worldwide and associates with several medical conditions in the elderly. However, data about older people and possible gender differences are sparse. The aim of this study was to compare HU prevalence rates and association with relevant medical disorders in elderly subjects of both sexes. Pro.V.A. is a survey of 3099 individuals aged 65+, focusing on chronic diseases and disability. Uric acid (UA) levels were dichotomized using 6.0 mg/dL (females) and 7.0 mg/dL (males), and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) between HU and single comorbidity. HU prevalence was 21.5% in females and 15.8% in males. HU was associated with most anthropometric and laboratory variables in women, but not in men. After adjustment for age, body mass index, and renal function, HU was independently associated with the presence of cardiovascular diseases in both sexes. In women, HU was associated with hand osteoarthritis (OR = 1.52; 95%CI: 1.12–2.08) ...