Relationship between Serum Uric acid levels and Cerebrovascular risk factors in Acute Stroke

Background: Worldwide, stroke is the commonest cause of chronic adult disability. Hyperuricemia is said to predict first ever stroke. Uric acid has both prooxidant and antioxidant effects. So this study was taken up to find whether high uric acid levels are beneficial or associated with risk in acute stroke. Aim: This study aims to determine the serum uric acid levels in acute stroke patients and assess its relationship with cerebrovascular risk factors. Material &Methods: This was a cross sectional study done in stroke patients admitted to the General Medicine department of Government Medical College, Thrissur during the period of January 2017 to December 2017. 82 participants with acute stroke (ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage) were included in this study. Uric acid levels were estimated by uricase method.The serum uric acid levels and its relationship with cerebrovascular risk factors namely hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, history of ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia, and valvular heart disease were determined. Correlation of urate levels with age, and lipid profile was also determined.  Correlation between different parameters was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Significance for association between cerebrovascular risk factors and uric acid levels was tested using Chi Square test. Results: 61% of participants belonged to the age group of 56-75yrs. Out of total 82 participants, 60 had ischemic stroke and 22 had hemorrhagic stroke. Mean uric acid levels were 6.13 + 0.46 mg/dl and 36 participants were hyperuricemic. Serum uric acid was found to be significantly higher in men (6.63 + 1.32) compared to women (5.57 + 1.43). There was a significant positive correlation between serum uric acid concentration and triglyceride levels in patients with acute stroke. No significant association was obtained between serum uric acid levels and cerebrovascular risk factors including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, history of ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia, valvular heart disease, previous history of cerebrovascular accident and stroke type (p > 0.05) . Conclusions: Increased serum uric acid levels can be considered as a risk factor for acute stroke due to its high levels and its accompanying increase in triglyceride levels.