Elevated Uric Acid Hikes Mortality in CKD Patients

Hyperuricemia increases the risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with CKD stages 3 to 4, according to a report in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases (2009;53:796-803).

Vandana Menon, MD, and colleagues analyzed data from 838 patients who participated in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study. During a median follow-up of 10 years, 208 subjects (25%) died from any cause, 127 (15%) died from CVD, and 553 (66%) reached renal failure.

Compared with subjects in the lowest tertile of uric acid level, those in the highest tertile had a 57% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 47% increased risk of CVD-related death. Each 1 mg/dL increment in uric acid level was associated with a 17% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 16% increased risk of CVD-related mortality. The researchers found no association between uric acid levels and renal failure.

From the May 01, 2009 Issue of Renal and Urology News