Association between obstructive sleep apnea and gout risk, and the urate-lowering effects of continuous positive airway pressure: A meta-analysis.
Sleep MedJul 27, 2026 (epub)
Siqi Guan, Yuan Shi, Longhua Sun et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis examined the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gout risk, as well as the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on serum uric acid levels. The analysis included 17 studies and found that OSA patients have a 29% higher risk of developing gout (RR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.11-1.48, p<0.001) and that CPAP therapy significantly lowers uric acid levels.
Key findings
- Patients with OSA have a 29% higher risk of developing gout (RR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.11-1.48, p<0.001).
- CPAP therapy lowers serum uric acid levels with a moderate effect size (Hedges's g=-0.49, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.18).
- Daily CPAP usage of 4 hours or more enhances uric acid lowering effects.
- Higher baseline uric acid levels and younger age improve treatment response to CPAP.
Why it matters
Understanding the link between OSA and gout risk is crucial for clinicians managing patients with sleep disorders. Effective management of uric acid levels through CPAP may provide additional benefits for these patients.