Can febuxostat protect the heart from the harmful effects of elevated blood uric acid levels? A clinical trial was conducted aimed at evaluating the effects of febuxostat on the heart of patients suffering from gout.
Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is characterized by pain and swelling of the joints. It results from elevated blood uric acid levels, also called hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a waste product of protein breakdown in the body. Febuxostat is a medication used to treat gout. It reduces uric acid production which in turn lowers its level in the blood.
Hyperuricemia and gout usually have harmful effects on the heart. They are associated with a reduction of heart function and thus, can have severe consequences for the affected patients. Scientists have actively been searching for medications to protect the heart function of patients with gout.
In this clinical trial, researchers investigated the effects of febuxostat on the heart function of patients with elevated blood uric acid levels.
The clinical study involved 65 patients with elevated blood uric acid levels. They were divided into two groups. 31 patients received febuxostat therapy to reduce their uric acid levels, while 34 patients only received advice on lifestyle changes such as reduced intake of red meat and increase water intake.
At the end of 1 and 2 years, the researchers analyzed the patients' left ventricular diastolic function, which is a measure of how well the heart relaxes and fills with blood during the resting phase of the heartbeat, and left ventricular systolic function which measures how well the heart contracts to pump blood into the body.