Uric Acid Levels in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) in Relation to Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the common conditions of unknown etiology which increases the risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. According to some studies, serum uric acid lacks sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic tool whereas another group of the researchers indicated uricemia as a predictor of preeclampsia in pregnant ladies. Objective: The present study was designed to assess whether serum uric acid can be used as a biochemical indicator or not, in pregnancy induced hypertensive (PIH) patients. Study period & Method: Total number of 98 PIH patients admitted in GMERS Medical College, Dharpur, from Dec 2013 to Feb 2015 were included in this study and 60 normal healthy pregnant ladies served as control. Serum uric acid levels were estimated using modified Trinder's test. Results: Out of the 98 cases mild preeclamspsia was 60(61.2±%), severe Preeclampsia 24 (24.5%) and eclampsia 14(14.3%). Serum Uric acid levels significantly increased with the severity of PIH, normal pregnant women (4.58±0.37), mild preeclampsia (5.32+0.40), severe preeclampsia (6.29±0.57) and eclamspsia (7.88±1.26). Out of these women with uric acid levels more than 5.5mg/dl was seen in 28(46.6%) mild preeclampsia, 19(79.2%) severe preeclampsia and 12 (85.7%) eclampsia. Maternal mortality was observed in 05(5.1%)PIH cases and out this 04(80) had uric acid level > 5.5mg/dl. Perinatal mortality was observed in 25 (25.1%) cases, out of these 19(76%) were stillbirths and 06(24%) were neonatal deaths. Out of the 25 perinatal deaths 18(72%) had uric acid level >5.5mg/dl. Conclusion: Serum uric acid level could be used as a biochemical indicator of preeclampsia/eclampsia and its complications. Key words: Preeclampsia, Uric acid, Mortality