[Hyperuricemia in essential hypertension. Considerations on some pathogenic aspects].

Hyperuricaemia was encountered in 29% of 55 subjects with essential hypertension, who had not been treated with anti-hypertensive drugs, as against a 10% incidence in a group with normal blood pressure. No relationship between hyperuricaemia and level of hypertension was found. The normal glomerular filtration, the frequent reduction in uric acid clearance and its correlation with uricaemia are held to be indicative of a tubular defect in the excretion of uric acid, as a cause of hyperuricaemia. The reduction in renal plasma flow and its significant correlation with uricaemia and uric acid clearance are considered probable causes of reduced renal excretion. In conclusion it is hypothesised that hypertension triggers renal haemodynamic disturbances and hence hyperuricaemia.