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Serum uric acid levels are higher in men, patients on thiazide diuretics, and those with high plasma urea. Annual increases in uric acid were minimal and unrelated to most factors, except for an unexplained link with methyldopa.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Elevated serum uric acid (hyperuricemia) is a common finding in patients with hypertension.
- Understanding factors influencing uric acid levels is crucial for managing hypertensive patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine average serum uric acid levels and annual increments in treated hypertensive patients.
- To identify factors associated with elevated uric acid and its changes over time.
Main Methods:
- Serum uric acid levels and annual increments were analyzed in 250 hypertensive patients.
- Data collected included patient demographics, medication use (thiazide diuretics, methyldopa), plasma urea, and blood pressure control.
Main Results:
- Average serum uric acid was higher in men, patients on thiazide diuretics, and those with high plasma urea.
- The mean annual increment in uric acid was negligible (0.0017 mmol/litre per year) and not significantly associated with sex, age, blood pressure control, or plasma urea.
- An unexplained positive association was observed between annual increment and methyldopa therapy.
Conclusions:
- Thiazide diuretics and high plasma urea are associated with higher average serum uric acid in hypertensive patients.
- Annual changes in serum uric acid are minimal in treated hypertensive patients.
- A reference table for theoretical upper limits of serum uric acid is provided to aid clinical assessment.
Abstract:
Both the average serum uric acid and annual increment were determined in 250 treated patients attending a hypertension clinic. The average serum uric acid was greater in men compared with women, in patients receiving a thiazide diuretic and in patients with a high average plasma urea. The mean annual increment in uric acid was close to zero (0.0017 mmol/litre per year) and was not related to sex, age, blood pressure control, diuretic therapy, or plasma urea. There was an unexplained positive association between annual increment and methyldopa therapy though this drug was not associated with a significantly high average serum uric acid. A table is presented giving the theoretical upper limits for average serum uric acid according to sex, plasma urea concentration, and whether or not a thiazide diuretic has been prescribed. It is hoped that this table will be of assistance in assessing the normality or otherwise of a high serum uric acid found in a hypertensive patient.