Significance of Hypouricemia

A few studies, reviewed for the most part in reference 1, have focused on the relevance of hypouricemia due to either a decreased production of urate or to an enhanced elimination of this compound. The only recognized causes of decreased uric acid production are those related to reduced activity of xanthine oxidase (xantinuria, severe liver disease, allopurinol administration). Increased renal excretion of uric acid is the other important cause of hypouricemia. This can be due to an isolated or to a generalized defect in renal tubular transport. The most common cause of hypouricemia in a hospital settings appears to be the administration of uricosuric drugs (2).