Correlation of Serum Uric Acid and Creatinine in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition marked by declining renal function and is frequently associated with hyperuricemia, yet the precise relationship between serum uric acid and creatinine levels remains inconclusive. Understanding this relationship may aid in better clinical monitoring and disease management, especially in the absence of clear biomarkers for early CKD progression. Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between serum uric acid and creatinine levels in patients with CKD, evaluating the extent to which uric acid reflects renal function impairment and its potential as a clinical indicator. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 CKD patients at two diagnostic laboratories in Sialkot. Patients were selected via random sampling based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on recent laboratory data. Serum uric acid and creatinine levels were measured using the Beckman Coulter AU480 chemistry analyzer. Ethical approval was obtained, and all procedures complied with the Declaration of Helsinki. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and independent t-tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean serum uric acid and creatinine levels were 6.41 ± 1.48 mg/dL and 2.60 ± 1.45 mg/dL, respectively. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between uric acid and creatinine levels (r = 0.146, p = 0.039), indicating that although uric acid increases with declining renal function, the association is limited and likely influenced by other metabolic factors. Most patients (31%) were in Stage 3 CKD, with a higher prevalence in males (57.5%), and over half of the cohort was aged above 46 years. Conclusion: While hyperuricemia commonly coexists with CKD, its weak correlation with serum creatinine suggests it should not be solely relied upon as a biomarker for renal function. However, routine monitoring may aid in comprehensive patient management. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to assess the therapeutic value of uric acid-lowering interventions.