Correlation of Uric Acid Levels with Feto-Maternal Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To explore the correlation between uric acid levels and feto-maternal outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Feb to Aug 2021.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 90 pregnant women with hypertensive disorders having greater than 26 weeks of gestation were included after seeking Ethical Committee approval. Selected parameters were noted on a structured proforma.

Results: Among the participants, 38(42.2%) had pregnancy-induced hypertension, 32(35.5%) had pre-eclampsia, 13(14.5%) had chronic hypertension with pre-eclampsia, and 7(7.8%) had eclampsia. Mean Uric acid levels ranged between 363.66±50.45 μmol/L and 451.86±120.62μmol/L, with a significant difference between PIH and eclampsia (p<0.001). Mode of delivery was avaginal, primary cesarean section, and repeat cesarean section in 31(34.4%), 38(42.2%), and 21(23.4%) patients, respectively(p<0.001). Liquor was meconium stained in 49(54.4%) while clear in 41(45.6%) births, with (p<0.001). Early neonatal deaths6(6.7%) participants had significantly higher uric acid levels than no NICU admission 22(24.4%). In maternal outcomes, 83 patients (92.2%) required routine post-operative care, while 7(7.8 %) went to the intensive care unit. Uric acid levels had a negative correlation with gestational age.

Conclusion: Maternal uric acid levels differ significantly in different hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and affect the mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes.