Photo: Janis Timsans
In his doctoral dissertation, M.D. Janis Timsans studied the prevalence of elevated serum uric acid levels, known as hyperuricemia, in an ageing population in the Päijät-Häme region, as well as its association with mortality and the use of pain medication. The results show that hyperuricemia is common among older Finnish adults and is associated with increased mortality over a 15-year follow-up period. The study also identified a novel finding: kidney function modifies the mortality risk associated with hyperuricemia. Individuals with preserved kidney function (metabolic hyperuricemia) had a higher risk of overall mortality, and particularly cardiovascular mortality, compared with those with impaired kidney function (renal hyperuricemia). In addition, individuals with hyperuricemia but predominantly without a diagnosis of gout were found to purchase more painkillers than those with normal uric acid levels. These findings suggest that hyperuricemia may have broader clinical implications than previously recognized and could influence future approaches to its management.
The doctoral dissertation of M.D. Janis Timsans titled Hyperuricemia Beyond Gout: The modifying role of kidney function, mortality risk, and analgesic use will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at Tampere University on 29 May 2026.
The Opponent will be Professor Tillmann Uhlig from the University of Oslo in Normay. The Custos will be Associate Professor Vappu Rantalaiho from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University.