Many of us living with chronic kidney disease juggle other long-term conditions alongside our renal care, and gout is one that comes up often in our conversations. It can be painful, unpredictable, and easy to underestimate. New research presented at the National Kidney Foundation’s 2026 Spring Clinical Meetings has put a clearer spotlight on why people living with gout and CKD benefit from joined-up specialist care.
What the new research tells us about gout and CKD
Three separate studies were presented in early May 2026 in New Orleans, and together they paint a useful picture for anyone managing gout and CKD at the same time.
The first study, led by Dr Brian LaMoreaux and colleagues, looked at what happens when patients move from primary care to specialist nephrology care. Using insurance claims data from over 3,700 adults with gout, the researchers found that the move to a nephrologist brings noticeable improvements. Uric acid testing increased, urate-lowering therapy was prescribed more often, and emergency visits for gout dropped to under 1 per cent and stayed low.
There was a temporary jump in gout flares during the first six months of nephrology care, peaking at 17.6 per cent. The team explained this paradox. Starting or adjusting treatments such as allopurinol can briefly trigger flares before things settle. By the second half of year two, the flare rate had fallen to 9.2 per cent.
Why uncontrolled gout puts kidneys at higher risk
A second study, led by Dr Brad Marder, compared people with uncontrolled and controlled gout across nearly 45,000 patients. The results were striking. People whose gout was not controlled were more than twice as likely to develop stage 3 or higher CKD, around 3.5 times more likely to progress to end-stage kidney disease, and 1.5 times more likely to die from any cause.
These are population-level statistics, not predictions for any one person, but they make a clear point. For patients living with gout and CKD, keeping uric acid down is not only about stopping painful flares. It is also about protecting the kidney function we are working hard to preserve.
Where current treatments fall short
The third study added some honest reflection on today’s reality. Looking at 146 real-world patients with stage 3 or higher CKD and uncontrolled gout, researchers found that average uric acid levels stayed high at 8.4 mg/dL after almost 19 months of treatment, even though most people had tried more than one therapy. CKD itself can limit which medications are safe and how high a dose can be used, so options can run thin.
The honest take from this study is that better tools are needed for people living with gout and CKD. The promising news is that several investigational therapies are being explored, alongside other new kidney treatments we have written about recently.
What this means for kidney patients in the UK
For those of us managing gout and CKD together, the practical message is simple. If gout flares are not under control, it is worth raising with your renal team. A baseline uric acid check and a clear plan for monitoring can make a meaningful difference. The researchers also encouraged direct conversations between GPs and specialists at the point of referral so that nothing is missed.
You can read more about renal care at Manchester Royal Infirmary and our recent piece on new blood pressure guidance for kidney patients on our website. If you have questions about your treatment, your renal team remains the best source of advice.
At MRIKPA, we welcome research like this that helps people living with kidney disease have clearer conversations with their care team. We are a small community of patients who know this journey from the inside, and you are always welcome to reach out. Drop us a line at support@mrikpa.org.uk or call 07745 242 684.
