Efficacy and Safety of Ultra-Low Starting Dose Febuxostat Titration in Male Patients With Primary Gout.
Int J Rheum DisSep 1, 2026
Clinical ResearchRheumatology
Sun Huizhen, Li Yadi, Guo Lin et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of initiating febuxostat at an ultra-low dose of 10 mg/day versus the standard 20 mg/day in 120 male patients with primary gout. The study found that the lower dose significantly reduced the incidence of gout flares (36.7% vs. 70.0%; p<0.001) while achieving similar serum uric acid target levels by week 24.
Key findings
- Group A had a flare incidence of 36.7% compared to 70.0% in Group B (p<0.001).
- 70.0% of patients in Group A were flare-free versus 46.7% in Group B (p=0.016).
- The number needed to treat to prevent one additional flare was 4.3.
- Clinically significant liver injury occurred in 3.3% of Group A and 1.7% of Group B.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that starting febuxostat at a lower dose can enhance patient adherence by minimizing acute flares, which is crucial for effective long-term management of gout, especially in high-risk populations.