Perinatal Outcomes in Women with Pre-eclampsia Having Raised Serum Uric Acid Levels

Abstract

eclampsia who had elevated serum uric acid levels.

Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PAF Hospital Islamabad, Sarfraz Rafiqui Complex from Jan 2025 to Mar 2025. The study population was determined using the WHO calculator, considering the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy as 25.9% in the local population, with a 95% confidence interval and a 0.08% margin of error. The calculated minimum sample size was 116. Participants were selected through consecutive non-random sampling. Data were collected on maternal demographics, serum uric acid levels, and perinatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed by means of SPSS version 23.

Results: Among 116 women detected through pre-eclampsia, those through elevated serum uric acid levels had a higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, and perinatal mortality. A statistically significant correlation was observed between raised serum uric acid levels and poor perinatal outcomes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Elevated serum uric acid levels in females having pre-eclampsia were related through adverse perinatal results, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased NICU admissions. Routine monitoring of serum uric acid levels in pre-eclamptic pregnancies may help in early identification of high-risk cases, allowing for timely intervention to improve perinatal outcomes.

Keywords: Pre-eclampsia, Serum Uric Acid, Perinatal Outcomes, Pregnancy, Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, Maternal Health.