Low-Dose Aspirin Use and Recurrent Gout Attacks

Objective: To examine the association between cardio-protective use of low-dose aspirin and the risk of recurrent gout attacks among gout patients. Methods: We conducted an online case-crossover study of individuals with gout over 1 year. The following information was obtained during gout attacks: the onset dates, symptoms and signs, medications, and exposure to potential risk factors, including daily aspirin use and dosage, during the 2-day hazard period prior to the gout attacks. The same exposure information was also obtained over 2-day control periods. Results: Of the 724 participants analysed, 40.5 % took aspirin <= 325 mg/day during either a hazard or a control period. Compared with no aspirin use, the adjusted OR of gout attacks increased by 81 % (OR = 1.81, 95-% CI 1.30 to 2.51) for <= 325 mg/day of aspirin use on two consecutive days. The corresponding ORs were stronger with lower doses (eg, OR = 1.91 for <= 100 mg, 95-% CI 1.32 to 2.85). These associations persisted across subgroups by sex, age, body mass index categories and renal insufficiency status. Concomitant use of allopurinol nullified the detrimental effect of aspirin. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the use of low-dose aspirin on two consecutive days is associated with an increased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Recommended serum urate monitoring with concomitant use and dose adjustment of a urate-lowering therapy among patients with gout may be especially important to help avoid the risk of gout attacks associated with low-dose aspirin.