Serum uric acid measurement is used to diagnose and monitor the treatment of kidney failure and many other disorders, including gout, leukemia, and psoriasis. It is also used to monitor patients receiving cytotoxic drugs.
More information
Uric acid is formed as the adenine and guanine purines are continuously metabolized during the formation and degradation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and by the metabolism of the purines consumed by the diet. After its synthesis in the liver by the action of xanthine oxidase, part of the uric acid is excreted in the urine. When increased amounts of uric acid circulate in the serum (hyperuricemia), they are deposited in the joints and soft tissues and cause gout, an inflammatory reaction to the deposition of uric acid crystals. Increased cellular renewal and decreased renal excretion of uric acid may cause hyperuricemia. Increased amounts of uric acid in the urine can lead to kidney stones.
Purine-rich foods that can contribute to gout include caffeinated soft drinks, anchovies, vegetables, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, meats, liver, sauces, and yeast.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Alcoholism, anemia (hemolytic, pernicious, sickle cell), arteriosclerosis, arthritis, berylliosis (chronic), increased body size (larger than average), calcification, congestive heart failure, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, diet (high protein, with excess nucleoproteins), Down syndrome, eclampsia, exercise, fasting, glomerulonephritis (chronic), Graves' disease, gout, hemolysis (prolonged), liver disease, hypertension or hypertensive vascular damage, hyperuricemia, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, infections (acute), intestinal obstruction, ketoacidosis, ketosis, lead poisoning, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, leukemia, lipoproteinemia (type III), lymphoma, maple syrup urine disease, mononucleosis (infectious), multiple myeloma, nephritis, nephropathy, pneumonia (during lysis), polycystic kidneys, polycythemia vera, pregnancy (onset of labor), psoriasis, renal failure, sarcoidosis, starvation, stress, toxemia of pregnancy, uremia, urinary tract obstruction, von Gierke's disease, idiopathic in specific populations. Medications: Acetazolamide, asparaginase, busulfan, chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, dactinomycin, daunorubicin hydrochloride, dextran, diazoxide, diltiazem, diuretics (except spironolactone), epinephrine, ethacrynic acid, ethambutol, ethyl alcohol (ethanol), fructose, furosemide, gentamicin sulfate, glucose, hydralazine, hydrocortisone, hydroxyurea, ibuprofen, levodopa, mecamylamine, mechlorethamine hydrochloride, 6-mercaptopurine, methicillin, methotrexate, methyldopa, metoprolol tartrate, niacin, nicotinic acid (high doses), norepinephrine, phenothiazines, probenecid, propranolol, propylthiouracil, pyrazinamide, quinetazone, rifampicin, salicylates (low doses), theophylline, thiazide diuretics, 6-thioguanine, triamterene, vincristine
- Decrease: Acromegaly, bronchogenic carcinoma, celiac disease, Fanconi syndrome, Hodgkin's disease, myeloma, pernicious anemia, Wilson's disease, liver atrophy, xanthinuria. Medications: Acetohexamide, ACTH, allopurinol, anticoagulants, azlocillin, azathioprine, bacitracin, chlorpromazine hydrochloride, chlorprothixene, chlorthalidone, corticosteroids, corticotropin, cortisone, coumarin, dicumarol, ethacrynic acid, lithium carbonate, mannitol, marijuana, oxyphenbutazone, phenothiazines, phenylbutazone, piperazine, potassium oxalate, probenecid, contrast agents, salicylates (long-term, high doses), saline infusions, sodium oxalate, sulfinpyrazone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, triamterene. Herbal or natural therapies with products containing aristolochic acids
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
