Prevalence of Patients Receiving Urate-Lowering Medicine in Greenland and Denmark: A Cross-Sectional Case–Control Study

Abstract

This study estimates the age- and sex-specific prevalence of patients receiving urate-lowering therapy (ULT) in Greenland and compares the results with estimates in Denmark. Characteristics of patients receiving ULT in Greenland were compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The study was designed as a cross-sectional case–control study based on nationwide data from medical and population registers in Greenland and Denmark. The prevalence of patients receiving ULT was significantly lower in Greenland (0.55%) compared to Denmark (1.40%) (p < 0.001). In both countries, the prevalence increased with age and was higher among men compared to women. In Greenland, patients receiving ULT were more often overweight, and more frequently received blood glucose-, lipid-, and blood pressure-lowering medicine including diuretics compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The prevalence of patients receiving ULT was significantly lower in Greenland compared to Denmark. Common life-style related risk factors for hyperuricemia and gout were observed frequently among ULT-treated patients compared to controls. Along with an increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases in Greenland, the prevalence of patients receiving ULT may increase in the years to come. More focus on detection and management of hyperuricemia and gout in Greenland is warranted to improve quality of health care.