This paper describes the experience and impact of gout in Māori and Pacific people. A cohort of 291 patients (37 Māori, 35 Pacific, and 219 not Māori or Pacific) with gout for <10 years were recruited from primary and secondary care settings. The baseline study visit included a comprehensive clinical assessment. Serum urate, flare frequency and activity limitation were recorded at baseline and after 1 year. Māori and Pacific participants had earlier age of onset (by 9 years), higher flare frequency and more features of joint inflammation. Serum urate concentrations were higher in the Māori and Pacific patients at baseline, despite greater use of allopurinol. Māori and Pacific patients reported greater pain and activity limitation and lower health-related quality of life. The cost of gout treatment was more than 3-fold higher in the Māori and Pacific patients. After 1 year, the higher flare frequency and activity limitation persisted in the Māori and Pacific patients.
