Serum Uric Acid Levels in Different Phases of Acute Severe Manic and Depressed Patients

Abstract

Background: The level of serum uric acid, as an important endogenous antioxidant, may be correlated to the different phases of mood disorders. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare serum uric acid levels before and after treatment in patients with acute mania and depression. Patients and Methods: We measured serum uric acid in 33 manic and 10 depressed hospitalized patients, both before and after treatment. Mood disorder was diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. Manic or depressive scores were measured with the Young Mania Rating Scale or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, respectively. Uric acid levels were compared in the acute and remission phases of the mood disorder, and the relationship of uric acid levels with the onset of response was analyzed. Results: Serum uric acid levels were increased after bipolar disorder treatment. Serum uric acid levels were increased after bipolar disorder treatment. Moreover, depressed patients with lower uric acid levels had a faster onset of response. The uric acid levels in the acute mania patients were higher than in the acute depression patients. Conclusions: The remission phase, in comparison to acute mania or depression, had higher levels of uric acid. Moreover, lower serum uric acid may correlate to a faster response in depressed patients. These results may support the roles of the purinergic system and of oxidative stress in the treatment of mood disorders.