Hyperuricaemia and perinatal outcome in pregnancy induced hypertension.

ABSTRACT

The effect of hyperuricaemia on perinatal outcome was evaluated in 40 primigravidae with pregnancy induced hypertension and 20 normotensive women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Serum uric acid level was a better indicator than blood pressure as an index of foetal prognosis. Even severe hypertension without hyperuricaemia was associated with better prognosis for the foetus. Conversely when hypertension was mild and hyperuricaemia was severe, the prognosis for the foetus was poor. A rise in serum uric acid level > or = 5.5 mg% is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Women in pregnancy induced hypertension group with serum uric acid level > or = 5.5 mg% had a higher incidence of intra-uterine growth retardation, low birthweight, and stillbirth making perinatal mortality rate of 200/1000 total births. The results of this study indicate that serum uric acid level > or = 5.5 mg% can reflect the perinatal outcome.