ObjectiveTo determine the use of resources and economic impact of patients with gout at the population level. Patients and methodsObservational design analyzing records belonging to 6 primary care centers and 2 hospitals. We included patients’ ≥18 years with an acute episode of gout over the years 2003–2007. Patient follow-up was 2 years. It produced two study groups: patients with 1–2 attacks/acute recurrences and 3 or more events. Main variables were: demographic, co-morbidity, metabolic syndrome (MS), and resource use and health/non-health costs. Statistical analysis: logistic regression-model ANCOVA, P<.05. Results3130 patients with gout were included. Prevalence: 3.3%, mean age: 55.8 years male: 81.1%. Groups were distributed as follows: 68.4% had 1–2 acute attacks and 31.6% with 3 or more, P<.001. The prevalence of MS was 28.8% (confidence interval [CI] 95% CI: 27.2%–30.4%). The average/unit cost was € 2228.6 (direct costs: 96.9%), 90.8% in primary care (visits: 23.5%; drugs: 57.7%). For groups, the average corrected model/unit total cost per patient was € 2130.6 vs € 2605.4, respectively (P<.001). In all cost components, the results were higher in the group with ≥3 attacks. The subgroup of diabetic patients (No.=641, 20.5%) had a higher cost (€ 3124.8 vs € 1997.8, P<.001). ConclusionsGout is associated with substantial morbidity, presence of MS and resource consumption. The study provides useful data on the cost of the disease; the costs of outpatient follow up are the highest.