DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF SERUM URIC ACID IN EARLY PREDICTION OF PREECLAMPSIA IN HIGH-RISK WOMEN

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of raised levels of uric acid in serum for early prediction of preeclampsia among high risk pregnant women.

Methods: The study was conducted in department of gynaecology and obstetrics Pakistan Naval ship Hafeez hospital, Islamabad, from April 2019 to October 2019, the cross sectional(validation) research comprised of 237 expecting women between 18 to 40 years of age with gestational age > 20 weeks and with any of the high risk factors. Serum uric acid was estimated in all women and they were followed up for occurrence of preeclampsia till delivery.  

Results: The results of the study reported sensitivity 63.9%, specificity 93.7%, positive predictive value 89.9%, negative predictive value 74.7% and accuracy 79.7%. Similar trends (relatively lower sensitivity and high specificity) for serum uric acid test was noted in predicting pre-eclampsia when data was stratified with respect for effect modifiers.

Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy of raised serum uric acid in diagnosing pre-eclampsia was found fairly well with better specificity and PPV as compared to Sensitivity and NPV. There is a fair chance that patient will develop pre-eclampsia if serum uric acid is raised.