Objective To systematically review the effects of fenofibrate on kidney function in various populations, so as to provide references for selecting the methods of treating hyperuricemia. Methods Such databases as PubMed (1966-2013), EMbase (1984-2013), The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2012), CBM (1978-2013), and CNKI (1989-2013) were electronically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials or non-randomized controlled trials on fenofibrate for treating hyperuricemia. According to the Cochrane methods, two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results A total of 16 studies involving 346 patients were included in total. The results of meta-analysis showed that: a) compared with the control group, the fenofibrate group had the lower serum uric acid level (WMD=48.68, 95%CI 10.02 to 87.34, Plt;0.000 01), lower Ccr (endogenous creatinine clearance) level (WMD=8.88, 95%CI 1.29 to 16.47, P=0.002), and similar serum creatinine level (WMD=1.78, 95%CI –2.86 to 6.42, P=0.45); and b) adverse reaction included gastrointestinal discomforts, skin rashes and transient increase of GPT and transaminase, most of which were mild. Conclusion Fenofibrate has good effects. Due to the low quality of the included studies, the exact effectiveness and adverse reaction need to be rigorously verified based on more multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trials with large sample size.