Artigos Originais June 01, 2003 June 01, 2003

Hyperuricemia on obese women receiving a very low calorie diet

DOI: 10.1590/S0004-27302003000300011

In the present paper, hyperuricemia was analyzed in nine obese women with body mass index (BMI) >35kg/m², while receiving a very low calorie diet (400/600kcal/day) for 6 weeks. The first two weeks were for clinical diagnosis and diet adaptation. Serum uric acid and ketonuria were measured weekly, and on the 4^th week total uric acid urinary excretion was also determined. The mean (±SD) BMI were 54±12 and 49±11kg/m², respectively at admission and discharge, corresponding to a body weight loss of 14±2kg (p<0.05). 78% of the patients had asymptomatic hyperuricemia, with serum uric acid >5.7mg/dL; during the follow-up the highest value was 12mg/dL. Two patients had values >10mg/dL and received hallopurinol. At the 4^th week, the urinary excretion of uric acid was 770±262mg. 33% of the patients excreted between 300-700mg, considered normal, and 67% excreted >700mg; therefore, none was considered hypoexcretor. It is suggested that besides serum uric acid control, total urinary uric acid excretion must be controlled in obese people during restrictive diet therapy. If hyperuricemia is detected introduction of an uric acid inhibitor is recommended.