Serum Uric Acid Levels as a Predictor of Intrauterine Growth Retardation in Women with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

Sumbul Aijaz Gajani; Mehreen Yousaf Rana; Anaum Akhtar; Shoaibunissa Soomro; Raana Mazhar; Asma Ambreen

doi:10.29054/apmc/2022.1186

Sumbul Aijaz Gajani Senior Resident, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi Pakistan
Mehreen Yousaf Rana Associate Professor, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi Pakistan
Anaum Akhtar Senior Resident, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Shoaibunissa Soomro Associate Professor, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur Pakistan
Raana Mazhar Chief Consultant Gynecologist, Lady Aitcheson Hospital (KEMU), Lahore Pakistan
Asma Ambreen Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2022.1186

Keywords: Serum uric acid, PIH, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive conditions during pregnancy are the most frequently occurring problems, with quite an increase in maternal, fetal, and neonatal rates of mortality and morbidity. Among women having pre-eclampsia/eclampsia or eclampsia, maternal serum uric acid content is a reliable indicator of prenatal consequences. Objective: To ascertain, whether serum uric acid is a suitable predictor in hypertensive pregnancies leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings: The Ziauddin University and Hospital, Karachi Pakistan. Duration: July 2020 December 2020. Methods: A total of 170 women with singleton pregnancies beyond the 20th week, SBP≥140mmHg or DBP≥90mmHg were included in the study. Complete blood picture, serum uric acid, serum creatinine, Urea was carried out. Maternal investigations were taken on two separate occasions and the mean of the two readings was recorded. The uric acid level was categorized into mild-moderate and severe levels. The fetal assessment consisted of fetal growth scans, daily kick-count charts. Ultrasound Doppler was performed to assess for IUGR. Descriptive statistics were calculated. The Chi-square test was applied considering p-value ≤0.05 as significant. Results: The mean age was 31.41 ± 5.72 years. The mean BMI was 16.31 ± 1.91 Kg/m². Mean systolic blood pressure was 150.17 ± 6.90 mmHg while mean diastolic blood pressure was 101.25 ± 7.13 mmHg. Mean UA1 was 5.68 ± 0.47, mean UA2 was 5.74 ± 0.22, and mean UA3 was 5.77 ± 0.377. 87.1% were observed with Mild, 8.2% with moderate, and 4.7% with severe IUGR. 94.1% were found as mild, 3.5% as moderate, and 2.4% as severe. A significant association of uric acid levels with IUGR severity (p=<0.001) was observed. Conclusion: Serum uric acid was observed to be a valuable predictor in hypertensive pregnancies that lead to intrauterine growth restriction. A significant correlation was elevated between uric acid levels and adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by hypertension.