Reviewing Blood Serum Uric Acid in Patients With Stroke



Mousavi SA¹ ; Najafi MR² ; Karami HV³ ; Kooshki AM⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2011

Abstract

Background: Some studies have recently reported a significant correlation between decreased incidence of stroke and high blood uric acid level, i.e. increased blood uric acid level reduces the risk of stroke. In addition, a correlation was detected between increased uric acid level and the subsequent outcomes in the period following stroke. However, there have been some contradictory results regarding the correlation between blood uric acid and stroke outcomes in some studies. Mutual effects of uricosuria with blockers such as losartan caused better effects compared to atenolol in reducing the risk of stroke. Moreover, due to such an interaction, xanthine oxidase may lead to a better result in patients. Allopurinol is the most important xanthine oxidase inhibitor which reduces enzyme levels in during vascular changes due to stress. In in vitro conditions, improved endothelial function in cardiovascular diseases has been found to be related with the function of inflammation-related molecules. However, the effects of allopurinol after stroke have not been reviewed yet. Therefore, considering the contradictory effects of uric acid reported in different studies and the high prevalence of uricemia in Iran, implementing this study was necessary. Methods: The present case-control study was conducted on a group of patients with stroke and a control group including patients who were admitted in hospital due to reasons other than stroke. Uric acid levels of the 2 groups were determined and compared. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS. Findings: Mean blood uric acid levels in the case and control groups were 4.8 ± 2.68 and 6.44 ± 2.9 mg/dL, respectively. According to t-test, blood uric acid levels in patients with stroke were significantly lower (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Because there was a significant correlation between blood uric acid level and stroke, implementing measures to prevent stroke in patients with low uric acid level and other risk factors seems necessary. © 2011, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.