Inflammation mediates the association between hyperuricemia and stroke mortality: a cohort study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Metabolic Disorders
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Stroke is a major global cause of death and disability.
• The link between hyperuricemia and stroke outcomes is debated.
• This study examines hyperuricemia's role in stroke prevalence and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between hyperuricemia and stroke prevalence.
• To determine the impact of hyperuricemia on mortality risk in stroke patients.
• To explore the mediating role of inflammation in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2001-2018).
• Defined hyperuricemia based on established serum uric acid thresholds for men and women.
• Employed logistic and Cox regression models, adjusting for multiple confounders, and conducted mediation analyses.

Main Results:

• Hyperuricemia was associated with increased odds of stroke (aOR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.07-1.45).
• Among stroke patients, hyperuricemia correlated with higher all-cause mortality (aHR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06-1.48) and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality (aHR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05-1.80).
• Inflammation markers (SII, CRP) partially mediated these associations.

Conclusions:

• Hyperuricemia is linked to a higher prevalence of stroke.
• Hyperuricemia significantly increases mortality risk in stroke survivors.
• Inflammation plays a partial role in the hyperuricemia-stroke mortality link.