High Uric Acid Increases Hip Fracture Risk in Older Men

Higher serum uric acid levels are associated with an increased risk of hip fractures among older men, according to new findings presented at the National Kidney Foundation’s 2014 Spring Clinical Meetings in Las Vegas.

In an analysis of data from 1,963 men aged 65 years and older who had participated in the Cardiovascular Health Study, investigators led by Tapan Mehta, MD, of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, found that a high serum uric acid level (7 mg/dL or higher) was associated with a significant 62% increased risk of hip fracture compared with lower levels in a fully adjusted model. In addition, compared with uric acid levels in the second quartile (4.89-5.87 mg/dL), those in the fourth quartile (6.88 mg/dL or higher) had a significant 2-fold increased risk of hip fracture.

Of the 1,963 men, 430 had uric levels of 7 mg/dL or higher. During 11 years of follow-up, 156 hip fractures occurred.

The study found no association between uric acid levels and hip fracture risk in women.