Relation between Serum Uric Acid and Peripheral Neuropathy in Cases of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Article informationBackground: Peripheral neuropathy is a common sequel of diabetes mellitus type 2, and may occur as an initial manifestation of diabetes. The role of uric acid in diabetic neuropathy as a microvascular complication of diabetes type 2 has been reported in numerous studies. Aim of the Work:The objective of the study is to assess the relationship between serum uric acid levels and diabetic neuropathy in cases with diabetes mellitus type 2. Patients and Methods:A case-controlled study included 168 cases with type 2 diabetes mellitus, conducted at internal medicine and neurology departments. Two groups of diabetic patients [type 2 DM] each one was 84 in number; 1st one diabetic with peripheral neuropathy and 2nd group was diabetics without peripheral neuropathy. All patients submitted to history taking, general and neurological examination, biochemical study, and electrophysiological examination. Results:The serum uric acid mean level was a statistically significant higher in the 1st group in comparison with the 2nd group [4.71 ± 0.97 vs. 4.35 ± 0.9]. The severity of polyneuropathy in the 1st group showed that 38 patients had mild diabetic peripheral neuropathy [DPN], while 22 patients had moderate DPN and 24 patients had severe DPN. Uric acid levels in these three subgroups were respectively as follows: [4.6 ± 0.8] mg/dl, [4.9 ± 0.5] mg/dl and [5.3 ± 0.6] mg/dl. Regarding the relation of severity of peripheral polyneuropathy to serum uric acid level, there was a statistically significant relation between mild and moderate polyneuropathy and a statistically significant relation between Mild to severe polyneuropathy. The logistic regression model revealed that an increase in uric acid level is an important indicator for a more severe degree of peripheral neuropathy. Conclusion:The severity of diabetic polyneuropathy is increased with the increase of uric acid serum level.