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The Relationship of Serum Uric Acid With Neurocognitive Functions in Children and Adolescents With Mild to Moderate

Stephen R Hooper1, Jennifer Roem2, Michael F Schneider2

  • 1Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Pediatric Neurology
|January 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study found no clear link between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and neurocognitive function in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, higher SUA may offer some protection against cognitive dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Research

Background:

  • Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts children's neurocognitive function, even in mild cases.
  • Mechanisms behind neurocognitive disruption in pediatric CKD remain unclear.
  • Serum uric acid (SUA) affects adult neurocognition in CKD, but its role in children is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and neurocognitive function in children with mild to moderate CKD.
  • Examine the relationship between changes in SUA levels and neurocognitive outcomes.
  • Address a gap in understanding SUA's impact on pediatric neurocognition.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 593 participants in the North American Chronic Kidney Disease in Children study.
  • Assessed neurocognition through IQ, problem-solving, selective attention, and working memory tests.
  • Included parent ratings of executive functions for comprehensive evaluation.

Main Results:

  • No consistent associations were found between SUA levels (current or changing) and neurocognitive outcomes after statistical adjustment.
  • Medium to high SUA levels showed a potential neuroprotective effect, possibly reducing the risk of cognitive dysfunction.
  • Specific findings suggested a protective role for SUA in verbal and visual working memory, and attention regulation.

Conclusions:

  • This study, among the first to explore SUA and neurocognition in pediatric CKD, found no clear associations.
  • The results suggest a complex relationship, with potential neuroprotective roles for SUA at higher levels.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of SUA in neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric CKD.
Abstract

Keywords:
CKiDCognition in CKDMild to moderate CKDPediatric CKD

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