Prevalence of cesarean delivery in preeclamptic patients with elevated uric acid

Objective: To study the prevalence of cesarean delivery in hyperuricemic preeclamptic patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 94 women with preeclampsia from July 2006 through to December 2007. Serum uric acid was measured on admission. Mode of delivery and neonatal outcome were also recorded. Results: Hyperuricemic preeclamptic mothers were associated with higher probability of delivery by caesarean section (33% versus 12%; p = 0.007). There was a significant negative correlation between uric acid levels and gestational age (rho = -0.456; p < 0.001) but a positive association between uric acid levels and admission to neonatal unit (p < 0.001). There were no neonatal deaths. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia in preeclamptic patients was associated with higher probability of cesarean delivery.