E79: Disorders of purine and pyrimidine metabolism
E79.0: Hyperuricaemia without signs of inflammatory arthritis and tophaceous disease
Purines are contained in some foodstuffs and also in the body’s cells. For example, if you eat a lot of animal foods or if cells in your body break down, purines are then converted or broken down. A large percentage of purines are re-used. Only a small number of them are broken down further into uric acid. The uric acid is then passed out in urine.
The uric acid content in the blood can increase if the body creates additional uric acid or passes less uric acid. For example, your body will create a lot of uric acid if you drink a lot of alcohol or eat many purine-rich foods.
If you have too much uric acid in your blood, small uric acid crystals can be formed. If these crystals are deposited in the joints, pain can occur. This is known as gout. You do not have any symptoms as a result of the increased uric acid content in your blood.
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The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.