Association between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome in patients suffering from bipolar disorder

Clinical studies have shown that bipolar patients have increased serum uric acid levels. High serum uric acid levels could play a role contributing to high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is known to increase the risk of developing a number of life threatening diseases including coronary heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. This study investigated the association between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome and its components in individuals suffering from bipolar disorders.

This study recruited 318 inpatients suffering from bipolar disorders from Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital in China and 160 healthy subjects from the same region as the controls. We used National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Adapted criteria (NCEP ATP-III A) for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Hyperuricemia was determined as serum uric acid level above 420 μmol/L in men and 360 μmol/L in women (N Engl J Med 359(17):1811-1821, 2008).

Among 318 bipolar patients, there was higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (42.5%) and hyperuricemia (27.7%) than healthy controls (21.9 and 11.9%). Bipolar patients with metabolic syndrome had increased prevalence of hyperuricemia (OR = 3.0, CI95 [1.7-5.4]). Hypertriglyceridemia and larger waist circumference (WC) were associated with hyperunicemia (OR = 1.8, CI95 [1.1-3.1], OR = 1.9, CI95 [1.1-3.4]). Hyperuricemia was associated with metabolic syndrome in bipolar patients (p < 0.001) and especially with hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.9, CI95 [1.1-3.1] and increased WC (OR = 2.1 [1.2-4.0]). Bipolar patients over 50 years of age and hyperuricemia were highly prone to develop metabolic syndrome (OR = 14.0, CI95 [5.0-39.0]).

Hyperuricemia was highly associated with development of metabolic disorder particularly for aged patients suffering from bipolar disorders. Early prevention of hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome may lead better life for bipolar patients when they get older.