A study to find out relationship in between serum uric acid level and stroke

Abstract

Background: The role of uric acid as a risk factor in cases of acute ischaemic stroke is controversial. The present study was conducted with the aim to study the clinical profile and the incidence of stroke in patients with normal and elevated uric acid and its correlation with other risk factors.Methods: This study was conducted in 100 patients with acute ischaemic stroke who were admitted in NSCB Hospital Jabalpur from August 2009 to July 2010.Clinical records of patients and their serum uric acid level was investigated. The severity of neurological deficit was recorded according to the scandinavian stroke scale (SSS). Patients were followed up during hospital stay and outcome was graded by using modified Rankin’s scale (mRS). Finally, collected data were analyzed using Chi square and student t test wherever appropriate. P value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Majority of the patients (57%) were in the age group of 50 to 70 years. Males (54%) were more affected than females (46%). Out of 100, 71 had normal serum uric acid levels in which 35 (49%) patients were above 60 years of age. 29 of them had hyperuricemia in which 20 (69%) were above the age of 60 years. Of 54 males and 46 females hyperuricemia was observed in 16 (55%) and 13 (45%) patients respectively. A significant correlation was observed between hyperuricemia and hypertension (p<0.05). Non-significant correlation was seen between hyperuricemia, diabetes and hyperlipidemia (p>0.05). Significant, positive correlation p<0.05 was present amongst male alcoholics. Association of uric acid with smoking in acute ischaemic stroke patients was found to be statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Majority (83%) of patients were having infarct in MCA artery territory. Majority of patients 20 (69%) with elevated serum uric acid were having SSS score >30. Statistically insignificant (p>0.05) association was observed between mean mRS score in patients with normal serum uric acid Vs patients with hyperuricemia.Conclusions: The prevalence of hyperuricemia in acute ischaemic stroke patients was lower than in normal population. Age, hypertension and alcoholism amongst males showed statistically significant positive correlation with hyperuricemia in patient with acute ischaemic stroke and hence they are considered to be the significant risk factors.