ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the significance of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and the
current views regarding the need to treat this entity. Various controversies
regarding the possible effects of uric acid are reviewed with reference to
epidemiological, experimental animal, and in vitro studies. Although the
traditional and historical view has been to avoid treating asymptomatic
hyperuricemia, recent studies and a reappraisal of the historical allows one to
question this approach (1). In particular, there is significant experimental
evidence that hyperuricemia may contribute to the development of hypertension,
vascular disease, and to renal disease progression. As a result, there is now a
critical need to reassess the impact of urate-lowering therapy on various disease
processes in humans.
