Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for low purine diet as follows:

• Compromised renal function:
  • Uric acid produced in the body is soluble in water, dissolved in body fluids, and is ultimately excreted in the urine.
  • Kidneys must be optimally functioning to be able to excrete the uric acid produced.
  • Individuals in renal failure and other compromised states of renal function cannot excrete all the uric acid in urine, resulting in progressively increased retention of uric acid in the body and hyperuricemia with increased risk for gout & uric acid kidney stones.
  • Limiting purine intake for individuals with compromised renal function can result in reduced uric acid production, reduced risk for uric acid renal stone formation, and reduced risk for gout activation, joint inflammation & damage.
• Dehydration:
  • Uric acid produced in the body is soluble in water, dissolved in body fluids, and is ultimately excreted in the urine.
  • Individuals low on fluids can have an issue with dissolving and excreting the uric acid produced.
  • This can result in progressively increased retention of uric acid in the body and hyperuricemia with increased risk for gout & uric acid kidney stones.
  • Limiting purine intake for patients with history of chronic dehydration can result in reduced uric acid production, reduced risk for uric acid renal stone formation, and reduced risk for gout activation, joint inflammation & damage.