Elevation of the Serum Uric Acid Level Preceding the Clinical Manifestation of Preeclampsia in Twin Pregnancies

Abstract

To assess changes in the serum uric acid level in the third trimester of twin pregnancies, a total of 152 consecutive women with twin pregnancies were examined. Serum uric acid levels were analyzed in the women at varying gestational weeks in the presence or absence of preeclampsia. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of serum uric acid between 30 and 31 weeks of gestation predicting subsequent development of preeclampsia. Forty-four women (29%) developed preeclampsia (preeclampsia group) at 33.2 ± 1.9 weeks (mean ± SD) and gave birth at 35.4 ± 1.5 weeks of gestation. The remaining 108 women (71 %) gave birth at 35.6 ± 1.7 weeks of gestation (control group without preeclampsia). Serum uric acid levels rose gradually with advancing gestation in both groups. In the preeclampsia group, they were already increased at 30–31 weeks of gestation and corresponded to those seen in the control group at 37 weeks. The cutoff value at 30–31 weeks was 5.5 mg/dl, with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 74%. These results suggest that an elevation in serum urate preceded the onset of preeclampsia. Determination of the serum level of uric acid between 30 and 31 weeks of gestation was useful for detecting a higher risk of late-onset preeclampsia in twin pregnancies.

Plasma xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and uric acid levels in severe and mild pre‐eclampsia

“…UA was found to protect significantly against oxidative stress and to scavenge toxic reactants, particularly peroxynitrite (ONOO À ), a potent oxidant that is formed by the rapid combination of the free radical nitric oxide with superoxide. 2 In agreement with our findings, increased UA levels have been reported by Koike et al 21 in pre-eclamptic patients. Some authors have also suggested a correlation between high serum UA and severity of disease.…”

Effects of hyperuricemia on perinatal outcome in hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

“…6.8 mg/dl and 6.3 mg/dl respectively-when compared with values in chronic essential hypertension with pregnancy (5.7 mg/dl). [22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Out of 100 cases, there were 20 preterm baby and others such as stillbirth and IUD. So, these entire abnormal fetal outcomes were in the hyperuricaemic group and 5.3 times higher as compared to low serum uric acid group.…”

Maternal Plasma Hypoxanthine Levels in Nonpreeclamptic Twin Pregnancies

“…hypoxanthine; adenosine; uric acid; twin pregnancy © 2004 Tohoku University Medical Press An association between twin pregnancy and elevated maternal serum uric acid levels has been noted (Fischer et al 1995;Koike et al 1997). Some possible mechanisms leading to this consequence have been discussed (Fischer et al 1995;Koike et al 1997).…”

“…Some possible mechanisms leading to this consequence have been discussed (Fischer et al 1995;Koike et al 1997). Fischer et al (2001) reported that maternal hyperuricemia during the third trimester of nonpreeclamptic twin pregnancies is in part due to increased uric acid production.…”