LAUSR

Given the known association of hypothyroidism and hyperuricemia, a link between gout and hypothyroidism has long been suspected, but rarely investigated. Two small studies in hospitalized patients1 or at a single medical center2 suggested a higher risk of hypothyroidism in people with gout. These studies included small samples, controlled for only select demographic variables and none focused on the elderly, the population at the highest risk of hypothyroidism. Well-designed studies that can control for potential confounders can provide a robust estimate of this potential association are needed. Our objective was to examine whether gout, the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults, was associated with an increase in the risk of incident hypothyroidism in adults 65 years or older.