To explore early-onset gout and related risk factors in Shandong Province, and provide decision-making information on prevention.

Data from electronic medical records and face-to face interview were collected from 8 393 patients with gout who first visited the gout clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2016 to December 2021. Data included demographics, comorbidity and biochemical examinations. The dynamic changes of onset age from 2002 to 2021 were statistically analyzed. The clinical characteristics and related risk factors of patients with early-onset and late-onset gout were statistically analyzed.

The age of onset of gout decreased significantly from 2002 to 2021. Compared with 2002, the average age of onset in 2021 decreased by 2.3 years [(41.9±10.6 vs 39.6±14.0) years]. The median age of onset decreased by 3 years in 2012-2021 compared with 2002-2011(37 vs 40 years, P<0.001). The proportion of gout patients with onset age<40 years old increased significantly, from 45.1% in 2002 to 57.8%, and increased by 12.7% in 20 years(P<0.001). The constituent ratios of 20-29 years old group(P_trend<0.001) and≤19 years old group(P_trend=0.011) increased by 9.3%(P<0.001) and 4.2%(P=0.002) over 20 years, which was the highest increase among all age groups with onset age<40 years old. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis showed that positive family history, blood uric acid level, metabolic syndrome and smoking were independent risk factors for early onset of gout.

The age of gout onset in tends to be younger. The increase of the proportion of patients younger than 30 years old is probably the key factor leading to the early-onset gout in Shandong Province. Early and effective intervention on the risk factors related to early-onset gout is essential to prevent the early-onset gout as well as to reduce the prevalence of gout and complications.

Gout; Trend of early-onset; Risk factors