Uric Acid Levels in Normotensive Children of Hypertensive Parents

Abstract

This study evaluated uric acid concentrations in normotensive children of parents with hypertension. Eighty normotensive children from families with and without a history of essential hypertension were included. Concentrations of lipid parameters and uric acid were compared. Demographic and anthropometric characteristics were similar in the groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher in the normotensive children of parents with hypertension without statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Uric acid concentrations were higher in the normotensive children of parents with hypertension (4.61 versus 3.57 mg/dL, P < 0.01). Total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were similar in the two groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in control children aged >10 years (P < 0.01). Uric acid levels were significantly higher in all children with more pronounced difference after age 10 of years (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between the level of serum uric acid and age, body weight, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the normotensive children of parents. The higher uric acid levels in the normotensive children of hypertensive parents suggest that uric acid may be a predeterminant of hypertension. Monitoring of uric acid levels in these children may allow for prevention or earlier treatment of future hypertension.

Hyperuricemia and high blood pressure at rest and during exercise: Guilty or innocent? The jury is still out

“…It is generally accepted the concept that the roots of primary hypertension are present in childhood and that a family history of hypertension is an excellent predictor of high BP in adults. It this regard may be interesting the findings of two recent reports showing greater SUA levels in normotensive children and adolescents with a positive parental history of hypertension than in those with a negative one . Moreover, it was observed that lowering SUA with allopurinol or probenecid resulted in a marked BP reduction in adolescents with newly diagnosed hypertension …”

“…It this regard may be interesting the findings of two recent reports showing greater SUA levels in normotensive children and adolescents with a positive parental history of hypertension than in those with a negative one. 16,17 Moreover, it was observed that lowering SUA with allopurinol or probenecid resulted in a marked BP reduction in adolescents with newly diagnosed hypertension. 11,15 In contrast to the above described clinical and experimental data, in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, including 149 overweight or obese adults with SUA >5.0 mg/dL, lowering SUA with either probenecid or allopurinol did not change either kidney specific or systemic RAS activity.…”

The Role of Uric Acid in Hypertension of Adolescents, Prehypertension and Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure

“…This finding is also supported by results from the Bogalusa Heart Study [ 13 ]. Furthermore, it has been reported that normotensive children with hypertensive parents encounter high plasma UA levels [ 19 ]. These children also have a high risk of becoming hypertensive during their adolescent years compared with children with normotensive parents [ 20 ], thereby strengthening the link between these two factors.…”