Acute cardiovascular events after discontinuation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors: a cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOis) are commonly used to treat gout and hyperuricemia. Beyond urate-lowering effects, XOis may influence cardiovascular outcomes via oxidative stress pathways. Prior evidence, including post hoc analyses of the CARES trial, suggests increased mortality after XOi discontinuation, raising concern for a potential "withdrawal syndrome." However, evidence from real-world outpatient populations is limited.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate whether the recent discontinuation of XOi therapy is associated with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events in patients with gout.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Merative MarketScan database. Adults with gout initiating allopurinol or febuxostat were incl

SUBMITTER: Magagnoli J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858605 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature