Febuxostat Shows Renoprotective Effects in Gout Patients: Study

• A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that patients receiving febuxostat had a reduced risk of kidney events and a slower decline in eGFR compared to controls.

• Compared to controls, patients treated with febuxostat showed a reduced risk of kidney events (relative risk [RR], 0.56) and a slower decline in eGFR (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.90 mL/min/1.73 m2).

• Febuxostat use was also associated with a decrease in urine albumin to creatinine ratio (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.21).

• Notably, febuxostat therapy was not associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality, death from cardiovascular disease, or cardiovascular events, despite previous safety concerns.

The findings suggest that febuxostat may be an effective drug for delaying the progression of kidney function deterioration in patients with gout or hyperuricemia. However, further research, including larger multicenter trials with hard kidney endpoints, is needed to validate these results.

Febuxostat demonstrates renoprotective effects in patients with gout, with a decreased risk of kidney events and a slower decline in eGFR compared to controls. Despite previous safety concerns, febuxostat therapy was not associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular events. These findings highlight the potential of febuxostat as a treatment option for patients with gout or hyperuricemia.

Reference:

Yang XH, Zhang BL, Cheng Y, Fu SK, Jin HM. Febuxostat provides renoprotection in patients with hyperuricemia or gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ann Med. 2024;56(1):2332956. doi:10.1080/07853890.2024.2332956