Publication:

Elevated uric acid levels: a predictor of pulmonary hypertension

Background Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic, progressive and a fatal disease. Uric Acid is elevated in case of myelo and lymphoproliferative diseases, decreases uric acid excretion or as a part of metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance). It is also said to be associated in patients with heart failure leading to severe symptoms and fatality. This study was conducted to identify if elevated uric acid levels can be a predictor of pulmonary hypertension.

Methods After taking the detailed demographic data of 62 patients, a thorough clinical and physical examination, postero-anterior chest X-rays, pulmonary function testing, ventilation or perfusion scintigraphy and Electro Cardiograph was also done for all the patients. Blood was drawn for testing uric acid, creatinine and total bilirubin levels.

Results Out of the 62 patients, 43.5% were males and 56.5% were females. Out of the NYHA classes, most of the patients 58% belonged to the Class II, 34% to class III and 8% to Class IV. . The total bilirubin and creatinine levels were higher in patients with hyperuricemia than that of the controls. The blood saturation levels were significantly lower with only 67% and heart rate was on average more than 89 beats per minute. A positive correlation with NYHA class and MPAP, and a negative correlation with LVEF and RVEF were observed.

Conclusions In conclusion, the results of this study establish that hyperuricemia is common in patients with severe PH.