Comparative Risk of Gout Flares When Initiating or Escalating Various Urate‐Lowering Therapy: A Systematic Review With Network Meta‐Analysis

Objective We systematically examined comparative gout flare risk after initiation or escalation of different urate‐lowering therapies (ULTs), comparative flare risk with and without concomitant flare prophylaxis, adverse event rates associated with flare prophylaxis, and optimal duration of flare prophylaxis. Methods We searched the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases and clinical trial registries from inception to November 2021 for trials investigating adults with gout initiating or escalating ULT. We performed random effects network meta‐analyses and calculated risk ratios (RRs) between treatments. Bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. Results We identified 3,775 records, of which 29 publications (27 trials) were included. When compared to placebo plus prophylaxis, the RR of flares ranged from 1.08 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–1.33) for febuxostat 40 mg plus prophylaxis to RR 2.65 [95% CI 1.58–4.45] for febuxostat 80 mg plus lesinurad 400 mg plus prophylaxis. Compared to ULT alone, the RR of flares was lower for ULT plus rilonacept 160 mg (RR 0.35 [95% CI 0.25–0.50]), ULT plus rilonacept 80 mg (RR 0.43 [95% CI 0.31–0.60]) and ULT plus colchicine (RR 0.50 [95% CI 0.35–0.72]). There was limited evidence for other flare prophylaxis and on prophylaxis harms and optimal duration. Primarily because of missing outcome data and bias in the selection of reported results, 71.4% and 63.4% of studies were assessed as high risk of bias for flares and adverse events, respectively. Conclusion The RR of flares when introducing ULT varies depending on ULT drug and dosing strategies. There were limited data on ULT escalation. Flare prophylaxis with colchicine and rilonacept reduces flare incidence. More research is required on the harms and optimal duration of prophylaxis.