A 44-year-old man had a comprehensive metabolic profile performed during a "health fair" sponsored by his employer that revealed he had a uric acid level of 8.4 mg/dL (normal range, 3.0-6.5 mg/dL). The result was highlighted in red, prompting him to make an appointment. He is healthy and has no medical complaints. He is taking no regular medications. His family history is significant for cardiovascular disease in his father and paternal grandfather.
The patient wonders what his risk of gout is and whether he needs to be taking a medication.
What is the approximate annual incidence of gout in a person with a uric acid level similar to this patient?
This question appears in Med-Challenger Family Medicine Exam Review with CME
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