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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for low purine diet as follows: Cancers: Various cancers in the body, such as, leukemia and lymphomas, result in production of defective cells that have a poor survival. Cancer patients can thus have more cell turnover. Death of the defective cells and increased destruction of cellular proteins result in increased production of uric acid, leading to hyperuricemia with increased risk for gout & uric acid kidney stones. Limiting purine intake [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for low purine diet as follows: Gout: Excess of uric acid crystallizes around multiple joints, causing arthritis, swelling and limitation of range of motion in the joints involved, and results in development of gout. Limiting purine intake in the diet in gout patients can result in reduced uric acid production and consequently, lead to reduced joint inflammation and damage. Uric acid renal stones: Excess of uric acid crystallizes in the [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of elevated purines in the body as follows: Normal levels of uric acid produced in the body are usually excreted by the kidneys. Uric acid produced in excessive amounts is difficult to be excreted by the kidneys. This can result in reduced excretion and increased retention of uric acid in the body, excessive blood levels of uric acid, and hyperuricemia. Excess of uric acid in the body can crystallize [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of elevated purines as follows: Purines in the body are metabolized to uric acid. Elevated purines, upon metabolism, result in increased production of uric acid in the body. Normal levels of uric acid produced in the body are usually excreted by the kidneys. Uric acid produced in excessive amounts is difficult to be excreted by the kidneys. This can result in reduced excretion and increased retention of uric acid [...]