To examine temporal trends in the rate of gout emergency department (ED) visits and charges in the United States between 2006 and 2012.
A serial cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample.
The rate of ED visits for gout in adults overall increased from 75.0 to 85.4 per 100,000 persons over the study period (14% increase, p < 0.001), and increased 29% for those aged 45-54 years. Nationwide ED charges increased from $156 million to $281 million (80% increase, p < 0.001).
Between 2006 and 2012, the rate of gout ED visits increased among US adults, most notably in those aged 45-54 years.