Uric Acid

Optimal Result: 3.8 - 8.4 mg/dL, 226.02 - 499.63 µmol/L, or 0.23 - 0.50 mmol/L.

Therapeutic target for gout patients: <6.0 mg/dL

The blood uric acid test measures the amount of uric acid in a blood sample. Uric acid is produced from the breakdown of your body’s cells and from the foods you eat. Most of the uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and passes out of the body in urine, and a small amount passes out of the body in stool. If too much uric acid is being produced or if the kidneys are not able to remove it from the blood normally, then the level of uric acid in the blood increases. High levels of uric acid can cause solid crystals to form within joints. This causes a painful condition called gout. If gout remains untreated, these uric acid crystals can build up in the joints and nearby tissues, forming hard lumpy deposits called tophi. High levels of uric acid may also cause kidney stones or kidney failure. 

Normal Ranges:

Patient Specification

Normal Ranges in mg/dL

Normal Ranges in mcmol/L

Men

3.4-7.0

265-663

Women

2.4-6.0

143-357

Children

2.0-5.5

119-327

What does it mean if your Uric Acid result is too high?

Elevated uric acid levels, a condition known as hyperuricemia, can be an indicator of various health issues. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and are also produced by the body. Here's what elevated uric acid levels can mean:

  1. Gout: High uric acid is the primary cause of gout, a type of arthritis that results from the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, leading to inflammation and pain, often starting in the big toe.

  2. Kidney Stones: Elevated uric acid levels can lead to the formation of uric acid kidney stones.

  3. Kidney Damage: Over time, high levels of uric acid can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.

  4. Dietary Factors: A diet high in purines (like red meat, seafood, and alcoholic beverages, especially beer) can increase uric acid levels.

  5. Medications: Certain drugs, including diuretics and low-dose aspirin, can increase uric acid levels.

  6. Metabolic Syndrome: High uric acid levels are often associated with conditions like obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, which are components of metabolic syndrome.

  7. Genetic Factors: Some individuals genetically produce more uric acid or have reduced ability to excrete it.

  8. Other Medical Conditions: Leukemia, lymphoma, and psoriasis are among the conditions that can lead to high uric acid levels.

  9. Asymptomatic: In many cases, elevated uric acid levels don't cause any immediate symptoms. However, they can still be a risk factor for the conditions mentioned above.

It's important to note that having high uric acid levels does not guarantee the development of these conditions, but it does increase the risk. Regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage uric acid levels. If you have concerns about elevated uric acid, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and management.

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Elevated uric acid levels in children can indicate various health issues, similar to those in adults, but there are some specific considerations in pediatric cases. Here are the key points:

  1. Hyperuricemia: This is the medical term for elevated uric acid levels. In children, it can be a sign of different underlying conditions or health issues.

  2. Causes: Elevated uric acid in children can be due to:

    → Genetic Factors: Some children inherit a tendency to produce more uric acid.

→ Diet: A diet high in purines (found in certain meats, seafood, and vegetables) can increase uric acid levels.

→ Obesity: Higher body weight can be associated with increased uric acid.

→ Certain Medications: Some drugs, like diuretics, can raise uric acid levels.

→ Medical Conditions: Kidney diseases, certain types of cancer, and metabolic disorders are some conditions that can cause high uric acid.

→ Symptoms: While high uric acid itself may not cause symptoms, it can lead to conditions like gout (rare in children) or kidney stones, which do have symptoms like joint pain or urinary problems.

→ Diagnosis: Elevated uric acid is usually found through a blood test, often during investigations for other conditions or symptoms.

→ Treatment: This depends on the underlying cause. Dietary changes, hydration, and medication to reduce uric acid levels might be recommended.

→ Importance of Medical Evaluation: It's crucial for a child with elevated uric acid levels to be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Remember, every child is different, and elevated uric acid levels might have different implications depending on the individual situation. It's essential to consult with a pediatrician or a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What does it mean if your Uric Acid result is too low?

Decreased uric acid levels are associated with detoxification issues, molybdenum deficiency, B12/folate anemia, and copper deficiency.

The typical focus of uric acid measurement is to assess the risk for gout, renal failure, and leukemia. However, this marker is also a strong indicator of potential inflammation and metabolic disturbance in the body.

Low levels of uric acid in the blood are seen much less commonly than high levels and are seldom considered cause for concern. Although low values can be associated with some kinds of liver or kidney diseases, these conditions are typically identified by other tests and symptoms and not by an isolated low uric acid result.

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