Definition

Noun A medical condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of uric acid or its salts (urates) in the bloodstream. It is a key biochemical indicator and symptom associated with gout.

Usage

Uratemia is a technical medical term used primarily in clinical and diagnostic contexts. It describes a specific pathological state, not the disease itself (gout), but a measurable sign of it. - The diagnosis of gout was supported by the presence of uratemia. - Persistent uratemia can lead to the formation of urate crystals in the joints.

Examples

• The patient's symptoms of acute joint pain, coupled with confirmed uratemia, pointed to a gout flare-up.
• Treatment aims to reduce uratemia to prevent further gouty attacks and long-term joint damage.
• Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor the level of uratemia in patients with hyperuricemia.

Advanced Usage

• Asymptomatic uratemia: Refers to elevated blood urate levels without the presence of gout symptoms. This condition may still require management to prevent future complications.
  • The patient had asymptomatic uratemia for years before experiencing his first gout attack.

Variants and Related Words

• Hyperuricemia (n): A closely related and more frequently used term denoting an elevated level of uric acid in the blood. is often considered a synonym, though it can specifically emphasize the presence of urate salts.
• Uricemia (n): An alternate, less common term for the same condition.
• Urate (n): A salt derived from uric acid.
• Uric acid (n): The chemical compound whose elevated levels define the condition.

Synonyms

• Hyperuricemia
• Uricemia (less common)

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, specific medical meaning. It is not used in general language and does not have idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs associated with it.

Noun

1. presence of abnormal amounts of uric acid salts in the blood; symptom of gout