Background:

Uric acid is the end product of purine degradation in primates, under normal conditions it is an endogenous antioxidant agent and participates in several physiological pathways. However, when serum urate levels are increased, they participate in the development of various diseases. Since the nineteenth century, the association between hyperuricemia and kidney damage has been known. Although no management guideline recommends the use of hypouricemic drugs in asymptomatic patients, in some special cases pharmacological management will benefit patients with hyperuricemia, providing protection to the kidney and decreasing the risk of developing end-stage renal disease.

Purpose:

To describe the relationship between hyperuricemia and kidney damage, and to analyze the cases in which the management of this condition with medications will result in a benefit for the kidney of patients.

Methodology:

Review of the literature on the involvement of hyperuricemia in kidney damage, analysis of the reviewed articles.

Results:

Management of asymptomatic hyperuricemia may protect the kidney in some specific situations.

Conclusions:

There are specific situations for the decrease of serum uric acid levels.

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