Evaluation of Serum Uric Acid and its Correlation with Decline in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate among the Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease is one of the most serious public health burdens globally, with significant morbidity, mortality, and reduced patient life expectancy. Many sub-Saharan African countries face double-burden challenges in the treatment of chronic kidney disease and its complications. This study aims to evaluate serum uric acid and its correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate, as well as other risk factors among chronic kidney disease patients on follow-up at Jimma University specialised referral hospital. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma University Medical Centre from August 6, 2022, to November 13, 2022. Using a consecutive sampling technique, a total of 140 CKD follow-up patients were recruited into the current study. Data were collected using interviewer-based structured questionnaires, record reviews, and physical examinations. The collected data were analysed by SPSS version 25.0. The correlation between eGFR and uric acid concentrations was examined by Pearson's correlation analyses. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were used to test predictors of serum uric acid in the study participants. Result: A total of 140 study participants were recruited for this study. Subjects included ( 54.3% [n=76]) men and (45.7% [n=64]) women, respectively. The mean ( SD) age of the study subjects was 51.04 +/- 9.02 years. The mean value of serum uric acid was 7.2 +/- 2.1mg/dl, whereas the mean of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 54.2 +/- 31 mL/min/1.73m2. Furthermore, the mean values of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen among participants in this study were 3.2 +/- 1.4 and 67.8 +/- 35.8 mg/dL. In the current study, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value was negatively correlated (r=-0.912, P<0.001) with uric acid. However, systolic blood pressure was positively correlated (r=0.584, P<0.001) with uric acid. Moreover, the eGFR value was negatively associated (beta=-0.060, P=<0.001) with uric acid among study participants. Conclusion: Based on the current study findings, an increase in serum uric acid was associated with a decrease in eGFR value. Increased serum uric acid, increased body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure are independent risk factors for disease progression in patients with CKD.