Kari Falaas, MD; Michael Schnaus, MD; Elie Gertner, MD
WMJ. 2026;125(2):273-275. Published June 2, 2026.
ABSTRACT
Background: Given the disproportionate impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on patients with comorbidities – including gout – and on diverse populations such as the Hmong community, it remains unclear whether a combination of these factors lead to more severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Methods: We reviewed the outcomes of 21 Hmong patients with coexisting gout and COVID-19 admitted to 2 tertiary care centers from March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021.
Results: Seven patients required low-flow nasal cannula oxygen, 3 required high-flow nasal cannula, 1 required noninvasive ventilation, and 10 (48%) required mechanical ventilation. The 30-day mortality rate was 57% (n=12).
Discussion: The findings highlight a potentially disproportionate burden of severe COVID-19 outcomes among Hmong patients with gout. The high observed mortality raises questions about the role of comorbidities, vaccination disparities, and structural factors contributing to poor outcomes in this population.