Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Elevated serum uric acid is commonly observed in women with preeclampsia, but its utility in predicting adverse outcomes has recently been disputed. Our goal was to analyze data from a large cohort of women with preeclampsia to determine the utility of serum uric acid in predicting adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Data were obtained from an ongoing international prospective study of women admitted to hospital with preeclampsia (Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of RiSk). Univariate logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between serum uric acid concentration (both absolute and gestational-age corrected [Z score]) and adverse outcomes (maternal and perinatal). Analyses were conducted to compare cohorts of women with preeclampsia as defined by hypertension and proteinuria versus hypertension and hyperuricemia. RESULTS: Uric acid Z score was associated with adverse perinatal outcome (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.4 to 1.7) and had a point estimate > 0.7 (area under the curve receiver operating characteristic 0.72; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.74). Serum uric acid concentration also showed a significant association with adverse maternal outcomes, but the point estimate was < 0.7. No significant differences were observed between groups in which preeclampsia was defined by hypertension and proteinuria and by hypertension and hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION: In women admitted to hospital with preeclampsia, the serum uric acid concentration, corrected for gestational age via a Z score, is clinically useful in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes but not maternal outcomes.