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Uric acid and obstetric syndromes: preeclampsia as a starting point


Obstetrics & Gynecology International Journal
Saulo Molina-Giraldo, MD, MSc,<sup>1–4</sup> Francisco Jesús Leyva Fernández MD,<sup>3</sup> Felipe Murcia-Herrera, MD,<sup>1,3</sup> Alejandro Bautista-Charry MD, MSc<sup>4</sup>

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Abstract

Uric acid (UA) has been proposed as a key biomarker within the spectrum of obstetric syndromes, particularly preeclampsia (PE). Acting as a proinflammatory mediator and metabolic marker, in addition to its antioxidant effect, UA is positioned as a potential indicator of placental dysfunction and adverse perinatal prognosis, determining perinatal outcomes under expectant management. This scoping review analyzes the available evidence on the relationship between UA and PE, extending its interpretation to other placental-origin syndromes such as fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth, and intrauterine fetal death. Twenty relevant articles published between 2017 and 2025 were included, integrating pathophysiological, clinical, and predictive findings. Studies consistently show that hyperuricemia is associated with a higher risk of severe PE, FGR, and preterm birth, particularly when the UA/creatinine ratio adjusted for renal function is used. Although UA demonstrates moderate diagnostic utility and lacks standardization, its low cost and wide availability consolidate it as a complementary biomarker of clinical interest. Prospective research is required to establish trimester-specific cutoff values and to evaluate whether therapeutic modulation impacts maternal–fetal outcomes.

Keywords

uric acid, obstetric syndromes, preeclampsia, pregnancy

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