Increased serum uric acid levels may lead to which of the following conditions?

Increased serum uric acid levels are primarily associated with gout, which is a type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint spaces. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism, and when its levels become elevated beyond the normal range, it can lead to the formation of these crystals, resulting in painful episodes of swelling and inflammation in the affected joints.

Gout commonly manifests as sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling, often beginning in the big toe. This condition reflects the body’s inability to effectively excrete uric acid through the kidneys or excessive production of uric acid, potentially influenced by dietary habits, metabolism, or genetic factors.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned – galactosemia, glycogen storage disease, and phenylketonuria (PKU) – are metabolic disorders associated with issues in carbohydrate metabolism, glycogen breakdown, and amino acid metabolism, respectively, and are not linked to elevated uric acid levels or gout. Understanding the specific metabolic pathways involved helps clarify why elevated serum uric acid levels are particularly relevant to gout and not to the other choices presented.