Unique Considerations for the Management of Gout in the Hmong Population: Examining Tertiary Encounters at a Large Regional Health Care System.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate demographic characteristics, care encounters, comorbidities, and clinical differences in Hmong and non-Hmong patients with gout.

METHODS

Using retrospective chart review, all inpatient encounters (Hmong versus non-Hmong) were reviewed from 2014 to 2017. Acute or chronic gout was the primary or secondary diagnosis for the encounter.

RESULTS

Hmong gout patients were on average 11 years younger than non-Hmong patients, but after adjustment for age, sex, and type of encounter, they had similar rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease. Hmong patients had significantly decreased renal function at the time of presentation; the odds ratio of chronic kidney disease for Hmong patients was 2.33 versus 1.48 for non-Hmong patients (P < 0.05), the mean creatinine level was 3.3 mg/dl versus 2.0 mg/dl (β = 1.35, P < 0.001), and the glomerular filtration rate was 44.8 ml/minute versus 49.3 ml/minute (β = -6.95, P < 0.001). Hmong gout patients were more likely to use emergency care versus elective or urgent care, they were less likely to be using medications for the treatment of gout prior to admission (32.3% versus 58.2%), and the length of hospital stay was increased (8.8 versus 5.2 days; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Hmong gout patients who had a tertiary care encounter were 11 years younger than non-Hmong patients with similar rates of comorbidities but had worse renal function despite the age differences. They were more likely to use emergency services, to be insured through Medicaid, and not to use preventive medications for gout prior to their encounter. Intensive efforts are needed in the Hmong population for culturally appropriate preventive care management of gout along with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, and kidney disease.