Long-Term Effect of Febuxostat on Endothelial Function in Patients With Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: A Sub-Analysis of the PRIZE Study

Background Xanthine oxidase is involved in the production of uric acid and the generation of superoxide anion. We evaluated the long-term effect of febuxostat, a non-purine selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on endothelial function in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Methods In the PRIZE study, patients with hyperuricemia were randomly assigned to either add-on febuxostat treatment (febuxostat group) or non-pharmacologic hyperuricemia treatment (control group). Among the 514 participants, endothelial function was assessed in 41 patients in the febuxostat group and 38 patients in the control group by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery at the beginning of the study and after 12 and/or 24 months of treatment (63 men; median age, 68.0 years). Results The least squares mean concentration of serum uric acid was significantly lower in the febuxostat group than in the control group at 6 months (mean between-group difference [febuxostat group - control group], −2.09 mg/dL [95% confidence interval (CI), −2.520 to −1.659]; P < 0.001), 12 months (mean between-group difference, −2.28 mg/dL [95% CI, −2.709 to −1.842]; P < 0.001), and 24 months (mean between-group difference, −2.61 mg/dL [95% CI, −3.059 to −2.169]; P < 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups in the least squares mean estimated percentage change in FMD at 12 months (mean between-group difference, −0.56% [95% CI, −1.670 to 0.548]; P = 0.319) and at 24 months (mean between-group difference, −0.60% [95% CI, −1.886 to 0.685]; P = 0.357). Conclusion Febuxostat treatment did not alter endothelial function assessed by FMD during a 2-year study period in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.