[Hyperuricaemia in females with obstructive sleep apnoea]

The aim of our study was to assess serum uric acid (UA) in a large group of females with OSA before treatment (normal UA value is from 2.4 to 5.7 mg/dL). We studied 105 consecutive females (73,3% without estrogen activity), mean age 58.5+/-9.9 years, mean BMI = 33.3+/-8.2 kg/m(2) with OSA (mean AHI = 35.6+/-21.5, mean overnight SaO2=89+/-6.3%). We divided patients in two groups: 1st with hyperuricaemia - UA>5.7mg/dL (53pts, 50.5%) and 2nd with normouricaemia - UA < 5.7mg/dL (52pts, 49.5%). Concentartion of serum uric acid was similar in females with and without estrogen activity. Subjects with hyperuricaemia had significantly higher BMI (p<0,001), lower mean SaO2 (p<0,01) and spent more time in desaturation below 90% (p<0,01). This group had lower FVC, FEV1 i PaO2 (p < 0,001), higher PaCO2 (p <0,01) and morning glucose (p <0,001). Females with OSA and hyperuricaemia presented higher prevalence of systemic hypertension (p < 0,001), coronary artery disease (p < 0,05), diabetes (not significant) and COPD (p < 0,05). Multiple regression analysis revealed relation between serum uric acid, BMI and arterial hypertension.

Hyperuricaemia is frequent in females with OSA. Increased UA levels were related especially to obesity and arterial hypertension. Lower: overnight SaO2, FVC, FEV1, PaO2 and higher glucose concentration and PaCO2 may play role in developing of hyperuricaemia.