Cletus Georges, MD, Talks about Gout and Kidney Stones: What’s the Connection?

Cletus Georges, MD, is often asked by patients if there's a connection between their gout and the development of kidney stones. Urologists worldwide have studied the relationship between the two conditions and the people most affected by both.

The Uric Acid Connection

The body produces uric acid to break down the purine in people's meals every day. Some food items are heavier in purine content than others. These foods include liver, beer, anchovies, snack foods, and other items. Purine is found just about anywhere.

But as people with gout know, purines are their "enemy." Cletus Georges, MD, explains that excessive consumption of purine-rich foods creates a high uric acid level in the blood, leading to hyperuricemia. While the body can generally dispose of the uric acid through urine, too much uric acid makes it difficult to do so.

Thus, the uric acid accumulates, leading to gout. And, in turn, gout can lead to uric acid kidney stones.

Gout and Uric Acid Kidney Stones

People who already have gout are at higher risk for developing uric acid kidney stones because their urine is far more acidic. The same uric acid that causes gout likely leads to the formation of the stones themselves.

Cletus Georges, MD, explains that sometimes, gout treatment doesn't lower uric acid levels enough. More severe types of gout develop complications, including kidney stones. Gout affects up to 19 million adults, and these adults are at higher risk of developing uric acid kidney stones.

However, not all kidney stones are formed for the same reason gout is. Most kidney stones are a calcium buildup. The calcium-formed kidney stones are not associated with gout.

To determine the type of kidney stones you have and determine if their formation has to do with your gout, Cletus Georges, MD, encourages patients to regularly consult with their urologist and stay up-to-date with their health information. If you already have gout, make sure to check in with your doctor to ensure that you're not developing uric acid kidney stones as well.