Relationship between serum uric acid and white matter hyperintensity

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid and white matter hyperintensity. Methods From January 2014 to December 2015, a cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University.All patients admitted to hospital with white matter hyperintensity.The patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of white matter hyperintensity. Those with Fezakas scale scores 0-1 were classified as no or mild deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH) group, while those with Fezakas scale scores ≥2 were classified as moderate or severe DWMH group. Serum uric acid level and the incidence of hyperuricemia were compared between groups. Results A total of 177 patients with white matter hyperintensity were enrolled into this study. The results showed that the blood uric acid level of moderate or severe DWMH group was higher than that of no or mild DWMH group ((345±95) μmol/L vs (310±100) μmol/L, t=1.097, P=0.021). Age (OR 1.065, 95% CI 1.027-1.104, P=0.001), hypertension (OR 2.605, 95% CI 1.234-5.500, P=0.012), serum uric acid (OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.001-1.007, P=0.019) were independent risk factors for moderate or severe DWMH after adjustment for diabetes, serum lipid, smoking and drinking history. Conclusion These results suggest that moderate or severe DWMH is related to serum uric acid level. Key words: Uric acid; Hyperuricemia; White matter hyperintensity; Deep white matter hyperintensity