Evaluation of the Association of Serum Uric Acid Levels and Stroke in Emergency Department Patients

Aim: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and fatality. While clinical and imaging methods are commonly used in stroke management, biochemical parameters such as serum uric acid (SUA) level are largely overlooked. This study aimed to examine the relationship between high or low SUA levels and both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.<br /> Material and Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center observational study. The study included all consecutive patients who were consulted from the emergency department (ED) to neurology and/or neurosurgery between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Data of the patients were obtained from the hospital computer system and ED records. While SUA levels of <= 2.8 mg/dL indicated hypouricemia, levels of >= 7 mg/dL were considered hyperuricemia.<br /> Results: A total of 1186 adult patients were included in the study. It was observed that 484 of them were diagnosed with stroke, 394 were ischemic stroke, and 90 were hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke patients had higher median SUA levels (p<0.001). The median SUA level of ischemic stroke patients was higher than hemorrhagic stroke patients (p<0.001). Hyperuricemia increased the risk of ischemic stroke 2.4-fold (OR: 2.402, 95% CI: 1.792-3.221, p<0.001). Hypouricemia decreased the risk of ischemic stroke (OR: 0.272, 95% CI: 0.129-0.577, p<0.001).<br /> Conclusion: SUA levels are associated with stroke and ischemic stroke. Hyperuricemia may be useful as an additional parameter to strengthen the diagnosis of possible stroke in ED. SUA levels of patients at risk for stroke can be useful in terms of follow-up of these patients and the precautions to be planned.