The effects of oral salicylate on serum uric acid levels.

Thirteen males and six females were given 40 grains of oral salicylate daily for six days. The serum uric acid of 16 of the 19 subjects fell, the mean post-treatment level being 1.1 mg. % less than the control mean. In five males and five females, administration of 20 grains of oral salicylate daily for six days resulted in a uniform rise of serum uric acid, the post-treatment mean being 1.4 mg. % above the pretreatment mean. Salicylate therapy in common dosage may therefore falsely elevate or depress serum uric acid levels. An accurate evaluation of a serum uric acid level can be made only if the patient is not under the influence of salicylates.