PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Iris J.M. Disveld AU - Jaap Fransen AU - Gerard A. Rongen AU - Laura B.E. Kienhorst AU - Sahel Zoakman AU - Hein J.E.M. Janssens AU - Matthijs Janssen TI - Crystal-proven Gout and Characteristic Gout Severity Factors are Associated with Cardiovascular Disease AID - 10.3899/jrheum.170555 DP - 2018 Apr 15 TA - The Journal of Rheumatology PG - jrheum.170555 4099 - http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2018/04/09/jrheum.170555.short 4100 - http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2018/04/09/jrheum.170555.full AB - Objective Our aim was to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with crystal-proven gout compared to arthritis controls. Further, we analyzed the association between characteristic gout severity factors and CVD to provide further support for a pathogenetic relationship between gout and CVD. Methods Patients with arthritis referred for diagnosis were consecutively included in the Gout Arnhem-Liemers cohort. Joint fluid analysis was performed in all referred patients; controls were negative for crystals. Patients’ characteristics and different manifestations of CVD and gout severity factors (disease duration, attack frequency, tophi, affected joints, high serum urate acid level, joint damage) were collected. Gout patients were compared with controls for the prevalence of CVD. In addition, the association between characteristic gout severity factors and presence of CVD was analyzed. Results Data from 700 gout patients and 276 controls were collected. CVD was present in 47% (95% CI 44%–51%) and 24% (95% CI 19%–29%) of gout patients and controls, respectively. Corrected for confounders, gout was still strongly associated with an increased prevalence of CVD compared to controls (OR 3.39, 95% CI 2.37–4.84). In patients with gout, disease duration ≥ 2 years, oligo- or polyarthritis, serum urate acid > 0.55 mmol/l at presentation, and joint damage were independently (p < 0.05) associated with prevalent CVD. Conclusion Crystal-proven gout was strongly associated with an increased prevalence of CVD. In patients with gout, characteristic gout severity factors were associated with CVD.