Metabolism of uric acid in normal and toxemic pregnancy

Abstract

The formation, measurement, and excretion of uric acid are reviewed. Since fluctuations in serum uric acid may be as high as 40% over a 24-hour period, a single value must be evaluated with caution. Alterations in the renal handling of uric acid are responsible for the pronounced decrease in serum uric acid over the first 20 weeks of gestation, its gradual increase in the latter part of pregnancy, and its further increase with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Although there is a fair degree of overlap between a normotensive control and a preeclamptic group, the level of serum uric acid generally correlates with the severity of preeclampsia. Possible intrarenal mechanisms that could produce these changes are discussed.