Uric Acid

​Uric acid testing is a tool for monitoring maternal health during pregnancy, particularly in assessing the risk for conditions like preeclampsia. Maternal physiological changes can impact uric acid levels, making understanding the optimal ranges and underlying causes of abnormalities essential. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of uric acid testing, its ideal ranges in pregnancy, and how to interpret the results.

Uric Acid Testing

The uric acid blood test measures the concentration of uric acid in the bloodstream. 

Uric acid is a waste product of the metabolic breakdown of purines, nucleic acid, and nucleoprotein metabolism.

• Purines are a chemical compound found in many foods and cells of the body.
• Nucleic acids, which include DNA and RNA, contain purine bases. When nucleic acids are broken down during normal cellular processes, purines are release

Uric acid is a natural component of the urine and is primarily excreted from the body through the kidneys.

​There is not enough data to recommend adjusted ranges from the current accepted ranges in pregnancy. 

Uric Acid in Pregnancy

​During early pregnancy, uric acid levels fall, frequently to 3 mg/dL or below. This is usually due to the uricosuric effects from estrogen and the increase in glomerular filtration rate. Uric acid levels increase during the third trimester.

Within the first few weeks after childbirth, uric acid levels usually decrease and return to the prepregnancy baseline. Breastfeeding women may have lower uric acid levels than baseline. ​Prolactin can influence uric acid metabolism and increase uric acid excretion in breast milk.

High Uric Acid in Pregnancy

Early‐onset preeclampsia has been linked to higher uric acid concentration.

​A 2020 study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that no evidence exists to suggest that uric acid measurement is useful in predicting maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes. 

Most Common Causes of High Uric Acid in Pregnancy

• Decreased Glomerular Filtration
• Renal Damage/Inflammation
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Thyroid Dysfunction
• Liver Disease
• Cell Damage/Hemolysis
• Certain Medications (Aspirin (<1g/day), diuretics)
• Dehydration
• Genetics

Low Uric Acid in Pregnancy

​There is limited data on the application of this indice in pregnancy.

Most Common Causes of Low Uric Acid in Pregnancy

• Excess Calcium Supplementation
• Nutritional Deficiencies (vitamin B12 (cobalamin), molybdenum, vitamin D)
• Anorexia
• Low Protein Diet
• Advanced Maternal Age
• Hyperthyroidism
• Excess Coffee Consumption
• High Dose Aspirin (>2g/day)

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Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is intended for licensed medical professionals. It is based on current research, subject to change, and not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. This information does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Seek professional medical evaluation and treatment from a licensed provider. Use of this information is at your own risk.

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