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According to new research from HQI, the number of gout cases treated in California emergency departments increased in 2023, particularly among men aged 60-74. Gout — arthritis from high uric acid, causing joint pain and swelling — is often triggered by red meat, seafood; treatment involves diet changes and medication.
Given that the number of cases was stable from 2020 to 2022, ranging from 46,000 to 48,000, 2023’s increase to roughly 52,000 cases represents a 10% jump. This could have been driven by multiple factors, including a rising elderly population in California, dietary/lifestyle factors worsening with time, and care disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, a recent global study found an increase in gout among young adults aged 10-24, but California discharge data did not show the same trend.
Although gout is typically manageable with treatment, hospitals should acknowledge gout as a higher-priority medical condition — especially among the elderly — as it may be contributing to avoidable hospitalizations.
