[Epidemiology of hyperuricemia and gout].

Also in the GDR during the last 10 years the frequency of the disturbances of the purine metabolism increased. With a rate of prevalence of about 20% this anomaly of metabolism reaches the highest percentage of the metabolic disturbances. The increasing accumulation of the disturbances of the purine metabolism on account of complex examinations depends above all on the changed eating and drinking habits of the population. Also influences on body-weight, blood pressure and bodily activities are to be taken into consideration. Sex, age and genetic loads belong to the non-correctable factors of influence. The influences of methodical problems must particularly be taken into consideration in long-term studies. The accumulation of uric arthritis is still relatively small in the GDR in contrast to other industrial countries. However, in our county exact epidemiologic investigations are still necessary.