Percentage of uric acid. The norm of uric acid in the blood test. Treatment with medication
Uric acid is a metabolic product, namely purine bases, in the human body. The main site of uric acid production is the liver. In the body, the kidneys are responsible for removing uric acid.
The normal content of uric acid indicates the proper functioning of the body, and its increased content(hyperuricemia) - about disorders or diseases of the human body.
Normal levels of uric acid in the blood
- for children under 14 years of age, the norm is 120–320 µmol / l;
- for adult women - 150-350 µmol / l;
- for adult men - 210-420 µmol / l.
As can be seen from the above data, the least uric acid in the blood is observed in children, most of all in adult men. This is because male body needs a constant supply of proteins in the body to perform significant physical work. female body needs protein a little less, almost the same as children. But it is proteins that are the main source of purine bases in the body, from which uric acid is then formed.
Preparing for a uric acid blood test
To undergo a biochemical blood test, in which the level of uric acid is determined, the following rules must be followed the day before:
- do not eat for 6-8 hours before the analysis;
- Eliminate alcoholic beverages and protein-rich foods 2-3 days before donating blood.
The test results are usually prepared the day after the blood test.
Causes of hyperuricemia
The main causes of high levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) include:
Also, hyperuricemia can be caused by such diseases:
- Acute infectious diseases- tuberculosis, scarlet fever, pneumonia;
- Lymphoma, leukemia;
- Inflammation of the liver and biliary tract;
- Anemia due to a lack of vitamin B12;
- Chronic eczema;
- Diabetes;
- Various kidney diseases;
- Toxicosis associated with pregnancy;
- Acidosis - an increase in the acidity of the blood;
- Alcohol poisoning.
What does hyperuricemia indicate?
As you know, high levels of uric acid in the blood is the main symptom of the development of primary or secondary gout, as well as chronic arthritis. When diagnosing primary gout, a uric acid test is the main symptom by which the diagnosis is made. This disease is observed with a slow excretion of uric acid or its increased synthesis in the body.
When interacting with sodium, uric acid forms sodium urate crystals. These crystals are usually deposited in the kidneys, joints, or subcutaneous tissue. In the case of the formation of sodium urates in the kidneys, their inflammation and disruption of normal functioning are observed. With the deposition of sodium urate in the joints, chronic arthritis develops, which causes pain when bending injured joints. In the future, this can lead to complete failure of the joint.
Prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia
As a rule, an increase in uric acid levels is associated with eating foods rich in protein:
- liver;
- kidneys;
- brain;
- language;
- red meat;
- canned meat;
- meat broths;
- alcoholic drinks;
- coffee;
- chocolate;
- mustard;
- legumes.
In addition to these products, a large number of proteins and sodium salts are present in various puff pastry products, mushrooms, sorrel, spinach, cauliflower.
Often, to normalize the level of uric acid, it is enough to monitor the amount of these products and limit their amount in the diet.
- dairy products- low-fat kefir, cottage cheese;
- dairy;
- lean meat and fish in boiled form (no more than 3 times a week);
- eggs;
- fruit;
- juices;
- compotes;
- vegetables;
- vegetable soups;
- decoctions from wheat bran and rosehip.
With hyperuricemia, it is very important to adhere to the correct water regime. You need to drink about 2-3 liters clean water daily. The use of water containing lemon juice helps to eliminate lactic acid from the body.
Also, the cause of hyperuricemia is often increased weight. With its normalization, the level of uric acid in the body decreases.
At drug treatment Hyperuricemia commonly used drugs:
- Contributing to the active removal of uric acid from the body - various diuretic drugs;
- Reduces the production of uric acid in the body - allopurinol;
- Preventive drugs - colciquine.
Also used in the treatment of hyperuricemia folk remedies. For this purpose, decoctions and infusions of lingonberries, birch leaves, nettles are taken inside. For foot baths, infusions of calendula, chamomile and sage are used.
People over the age of 45 are recommended to donate blood for a uric acid test once a year.
However, it must be remembered that only a qualified doctor can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe a treatment that will lead to recovery. Therefore, if there is any suspicion of an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood, you should consult a doctor!
General conclusions about what you need to know
- Donate blood on an empty stomach for a biochemical analysis, excluding food from the diet a few days before, rich in protein, and alcoholic beverages;
- The next day, get the result of the analysis, with which you need to consult a doctor;
- With an increased level of uric acid, it is necessary to strictly limit the use of foods containing many proteins (meat, liver, kidneys, etc.);
- Try to drink 2-3 liters of pure water per day, preferably with the addition of a few drops lemon juice for a glass of water;
- Eat dairy and sour-milk products, vegetables and fruits;
- Use inside decoctions and infusions of nettle, lingonberry, birch leaves;
- For foot baths, use sage infusions.
The level of uric acid in the blood today is of interest to a large number of people. Mostly men. Basically, the category "over forty". What is the secret of such a strange object of attention? Let's try to understand the cause of the incident, as well as consider the symptoms of the disease, list the means that minimize the possibility of exacerbation and indicate effective methods treatment.
Despite the fact that uric acid is the subject of close interest, it does not cause any inconvenience in itself. Moreover, uric acid plays an important useful role in the body: it not only removes excess nitrogen, but also protects tissue cells from acid radicals, since it can bind them.
A noticeable problem of excess uric acid becomes due to salts - urates, which begin to be deposited in the joints and tissues of a person upon reaching an unacceptably high concentration in the blood.
Therefore, it is important not to allow the level of uric acid in the blood to exceed the values that are considered normal. The amount of acid in the body is measured in micromoles per litre. The normal content differs depending on gender and age - in young people it is less than in the elderly, and in men it is more than in women:
Treatment - lowering the level of uric acid
There are not so many ways to lower the level of uric acid in the body, or rather, only two:
- Reduce the amount of acid formation in the blood
- Accelerate the removal of acid from the body
- The best method is to combine 1 and 2
Below we present well-known and not so well-known means, the action of which contributes to the first two points. It is important to remember that without an appropriate diet, or rather a correction of the diet, no ointment tablets will save you from gout. Therefore, we recommend that you consult your doctor on all issues related to this disease. You can find a table of "harmfulness" of products below. Let's move on to treatment, but, we repeat, our certificate will not replace a doctor's consultation.
molybdenum and uric acid
Molybdenum is known as essential element, affecting the withdrawal of uric acid, which is the end product of the breakdown of purines, tk. is part of xanthine oxidase - an enzyme that accelerates the processes of nitrogen and purine metabolism in the body. This enzyme without molybdenum is formed in insufficient quantities, the process of purine metabolism slows down, the kidneys cannot cope with the process of removing uric acid. Further, everything is according to a well-known scheme - acid accumulates in the tendons and joints, the concentration leads to the deposition of salts, pain and inflammation in the joints, their deformation, and, as a result, gout. Preparations with molybdenum:
Country Life, Molybdenum - Chelated Molybdenum Caps, 150 mcg, 100 Tablets.
Goutrol is a product from MRM, a company specializing in the production of enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants. Goutrol is designed to reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood by improving its excretion from the body. The first five days, it is recommended to take it in the morning and in the evening, then one tablet per day is enough.
MRM, Iso-Tech, Goutrol - 30 Vegetarian Capsules uric acid.
selenium and uric acid
Selenium affects the antioxidant defense mechanisms in the body, it is he who helps prevent the damaging effects of free radicals. Taking selenium for gout is also necessary because it allows you to reduce, and sometimes almost completely stop sharp pains in joints:
Nature's Way, Selenium - 200 mcg, 100 capsules accelerates the excretion of uric acid, consult your doctor before use.
Copper and uric acid
Preparations containing copper are known for controlling the level of uric acid and its content in the body. However, it is important to remember that both a lack and an excess of copper are harmful - both conditions can activate the action of free radicals, and this is unacceptable, because. increased risk of developing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.
Twinlab, Copper capsules - Before taking, be sure to consult with your doctor.
How to recognize elevated uric acid levels?
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to notice an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood without its analysis. In the body healthy person the content of this particular acid rarely exceeds .. 1 gram! Thus, if the acid level exceeds this indicator (or is more than 65 mg / l), hyperuricemia will occur and from that moment uric acid begins to form crystals. Upon reaching a level of 714 µmol / l or 120 mg / l, the patient will need serious medical treatment, but you will learn about this level only after the amount of urate reaches a critical mass in the joints (and gout develops), and before that moment it may pass a few months. Take a look at the blood test results of a 40-year-old man who only became aware of excess acid when... his foot was swollen:
The onset of the disease is diagnosed from the first attack. In the morning or in the middle of the night arises sharp pain in the thumb. By itself, it stops from several hours to several days and serves alarm signal for strict adherence to the diet in the future.
"Disobedience" entails a repetition of the attack. Development chronic disease can last from 3 to 40 years, although the next "attack" usually overtakes after a ten-year period. The rate of development of the disease is affected by the content of uric acid in the blood and the degree of kidney damage.
Detected gout in men becomes a signal to visit a rheumatologist. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is enough to examine a specialist and the result of an analysis of donated blood from a vein. An elevated level of uric acid, its salts (urates) indicates the presence of a disease in the body. The structure of urate crystals is acicular. They injure the joints from the inside, cause their inflammation. Treatment of the disease requires some more research.
In the group of uric acid sufferers, gouty toes are known to almost everyone. Although the disease can affect any joints. Gout is often confused with hallux valgus(bone on the foot). A “bump” next to the big toe is an orthopedic disease and most often occurs in women.
Uric acid and gout
Distinguish between primary gout. The disease occurs in combination with increased blood pressure, metabolic disorders, expressed in a tendency to diabetes and obesity. Another reason is considered to be a purely genetic defect: the body lacks an enzyme that decomposes uric acid. The wounding effect of urates can also be experienced by the kidneys. It is no coincidence that 20% of patients with gout suffer from urolithiasis.
Secondary gout (arthritis) can develop against the background of kidney problems, with endocrine disorders and blood diseases, constant intake of diuretics ( hypertonic disease) and aspirin.
Methods for diagnosing the concentration of uric acid
To obtain a complete picture of the disease, a comprehensive examination is required:
- Ultrasound of the kidneys
- Examination of the endocrine glands, heart, blood vessels
- Comprehensive blood test
Attention: only complex treatment gout will help not only to cure it, but also to help improve the body as a whole.
Get rid of high uric acid levels
drug therapy for early stage disease is not shown. The level of acid is low, there are almost no relapses. Following the diet prescribed by the doctor is sufficient. It implies a categorical prohibition:
- for alcoholic drinks;
- rich broths;
- most fish and meat dishes;
- hot spices and snacks;
- legumes, mushrooms;
- chocolate, coffee, cocoa;
- tomatoes, spinach.
It is allowed to consume products with low content purines:
- Boiled potatoes and vegetables
- Fruits and juices
- Dairy
- honey, bread
Carefully study the tables of purine content in products and try not to exceed the norm. daily consumption purines - 800-900 mg.
Uric acid and food (table)
A diet aimed at reducing uric acid in the body involves eating foods low in purines, the result of the processing of which it is. Thus, the fewer purines, the more recommended the product. The most useful from this point of view are vegetables and fruits:
| Excretion of uric acid - vegetables | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Rhubarb | 2 | 6 |
| cucumbers | 2 | 6 |
| Onion | 4 | 10 |
| Green bell pepper | 4 | 10 |
| Tomatoes | 4 | 10 |
| Radish | 4 | 10 |
| radish | 4 | 10 |
| Potato | 6 | 15 |
| Carrot | 6 | 15 |
| Red bell pepper | 6 | 15 |
| Bamboo (shoots) | 6 | 15 |
| Chicory | 6 | 15 |
| Fennel | 7 | 15 |
| eggplant | 8 | 20 |
| zucchini | 8 | 20 |
| Beet | 8 | 20 |
| Chinese cabbage | 10 | 25 |
| Asparagus | 10 | 25 |
| White cabbage | 13 | 30 |
| Kohlrabi | 13 | 30 |
| Celery (root) | 13 | 30 |
| Leek | 17 | 40 |
| savoy cabbage | 17 | 40 |
| Green beans | 18 | 45 |
| Cauliflower | 19 | 45 |
| Broccoli | 21 | 50 |
| Brussels sprouts | 25 | 60 |
Cereals are also allies in the fight against undesirable consequences breakdown of purines:
| Isolation of uric acid - cereals | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Premium flour (millet) | 8 | 20 |
| Rice | 15 | 35 |
| Rye | 20 | 50 |
| Semolina | 25 | 55 |
| Barley | 34 | 80 |
| Wholemeal flour | 35 | 85 |
| Millet | 35 | 85 |
| Buckwheat | 63 | 150 |
Seeds and nuts, in general, are not a hindrance to the diet, but some of them should still be parted:
| Uric acid excretion - seeds and nuts | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Walnuts | 10 | 25 |
| hazelnuts | 13 | 30 |
| Almond | 13 | 30 |
| Sesame seeds | 37 | 88 |
| Peanut | 42 | 100 |
| poppy seeds | 70 | 154 |
| Sunflower seeds | 65 | 157 |
But it’s hard to make a mistake with cheeses - we definitely include them in the priority list of daily products:
| Isolation of uric acid - cheeses | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Processed cheese (60%) | 5 | 14 |
| Gouda (45%) | 7 | 17 |
| Processed cheese (20%) | 10 | 27 |
| Camembert (45% fat) | 12 | 31 |
| Sheep cheese | 12 | 31 |
There will be no big problems either from mushrooms:
Not from bread:
| Excretion of uric acid - bread | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| White bread | 7 | 16 |
| Buns | 9 | 22 |
| Crackers | 11 | 30 |
| Mixed flour bread | 19 | 46 |
| Wholemeal bread | 26 | 61 |
| Excretion of uric acid - bird | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Egg | 3 | 5 |
| turkey meat | 50 | 120 |
| Pheasant | 62 | 150 |
| Duck | 64 | 153 |
| Goose | 70 | 165 |
| Chicken | 125 | 300 |
Fish - be very careful, we count the acid content and remove it from daily use exactly:
| Excretion of uric acid - fish | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Smoked eel | 48 | 115 |
| Salmon caviar | 60 | 145 |
| Smoked mackerel | 76 | 182 |
| Herring | 88 | 210 |
| smoked salmon | 100 | 242 |
| Anchovies | 108 | 260 |
| Tuna in oil | 121 | 290 |
| Sardines in oil | 146 | 350 |
| Sprats | 223 | 535 |
| Excretion of uric acid - freshwater fish | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Zander | 46 | 110 |
| Pike | 58 | 140 |
| Carp | 63 | 150 |
| Salmon | 71 | 170 |
| Trout | 83 | 200 |
| Isolation of uric acid - marine fish | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Haddock | 54 | 135 |
| Flounder | 58 | 145 |
| Mackerel | 60 | 145 |
| Cod | 63 | 155 |
| Sea salmon (salmon) | 68 | 160 |
| Herring | 79 | 185 |
| Sea bass | 100 | 245 |
| Tuna | 107 | 255 |
| Halibut | 123 | 295 |
| Sardine | 144 | 345 |
| Isolation of uric acid - seafood | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| crayfish | 25 | 60 |
| oysters | 38 | 90 |
| Shrimps | 60 | 148 |
| lobsters | 73 | 175 |
| mussels | 154 | 370 |
And finally, the most "forbidden" product for those who struggle with increased level uric acid in the blood - meat and meat products. The use is practically prohibited:
| Excretion of uric acid - meat | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| Beef | 59 | 141 |
| Mutton | 60 | 147 |
| Pork | 63 | 151 |
| Veal | 64 | 151 |
| beef tongue | 67 | 161 |
| lamb | 76 | 183 |
| calf kidney | 88 | 211 |
| beef heart | 106 | 257 |
| Beef kidneys | 112 | 270 |
| Pork liver | 125 | 301 |
| Pork kidneys | 139 | 335 |
| calf liver | 180 | 461 |
| beef liver | 230 | 555 |
| calf thymus | 525 | 1261 |
| Isolation of uric acid - meat products | ||
| Product | Purines (mg/100g) | Uric acid (mg/100g) |
| sausages | 46 | 110 |
| Sausage "hunting" | 55 | 130 |
| boiled sausage | 54 | 130 |
| Liver pate | 74 | 175 |
| Ham | 83 | 198 |
Here is such a "grocery" alignment - observing the norms of using "purine excesses" you can easily control the amount of uric acid that appears in the body. Although, practice shows that giving up your favorite products is not as easy as it looks in the tables..
Uric acid is the main product of purine catabolism in human body. Most of it is synthesized in the liver metabolic processes associated with the so-called purine bases, and is excreted by the kidneys. In the human body, there is also a depot of uric acid, which is determined by the balance between its synthesis and excretion. This acid concentrated in blood plasma and extracellular fluids. With its excess content, health problems can arise, in particular, a disease such as gout develops. Excess uric acid is deposited in sodium, forming crystals with sharp edges. These crystals can accumulate in any tissues of the body, but most often in the joints, thereby causing pain attacks, they are especially felt during movement. Why is uric acid elevated? The reasons, treatment and diet for its reduction - we will consider all this in more detail.
Normal uric acid values
The level of uric acid in women, men and children is slightly different:
After the age of 60 normal values of this indicator in women and men are equalized and range from 210 to 430 µmol/l. How to determine what causes, treatment - we will consider all this a little lower.
What is hyperuricemia?
The term "hyperuricemia" means elevated levels of uric acid. There are primary and secondary hyperuricemia, in which there is an increased production of uric acid or a decrease in its excretion.
Primary hyperuricemia
Primary hyperuricemia is a congenital or idiopathic form. Approximately 1% of patients with a disease such as primary hyperuricemia have a fermentation defect in purine metabolism. This leads to excess synthesis of uric acid.
Most often, primary hyperuricemia is congenital and can be associated with conditions such as:
- Kelly-Sigmiller syndrome;
- Lesch-Nigan syndrome;
- increase in the synthesis of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (congenital metabolic disorder).
It should be noted that congenital form hyperuricemia is rare.
Secondary hyperuricemia
Secondary hyperuricemia may be associated with increased intake of purine from food and be accompanied by increased excretion (excretion) of uric acid in the urine. This fact may indicate malignant tumors, AIDS, diabetes mellitus, severe burns and hypereosinophilia syndrome (increased content of eosinophils in leukocyte formula- determined in general analysis blood). Also, this form of hyperuricemia can be caused by various pathological conditions.
Most often, uric acid levels increase due to a violation of the diet, more precisely, eating foods high in purines. These include legumes, liver, kidneys, tongue, brains and meat (beef, pork). Chicken meat, rabbit meat, turkey meat are safer in this sense, but it is also impossible to eat them without restriction. Gout is a disease in which there is a significant increase in uric acid in the blood. The (most common) causes of this condition are malnutrition. Uncontrolled consumption of high-calorie fatty foods leads to the development of this disease.
Under what conditions is uric acid elevated. The reasons. Treatment
Another reason for the increase in uric acid may be the weakening of the activity of the kidneys, unable to remove its excess from the body. In this case, it is possible to develop urolithiasis, i.e., the formation of kidney stones.
- pneumonia;
- tuberculosis;
- typhoid fever;
- erysipelas;
- leukemia;
- psoriasis;
- eczema;
- liver disease;
- severe form of diabetes;
- methyl alcohol poisoning.
A complete examination should be carried out in people whose uric acid is above normal, and no symptoms are observed, i.e. if this indicator in women has reached 400 µmol / l, and in men 500 µmol / l. This condition is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia and may indicate acute gouty arthritis. It is characterized by fluctuations in the content of uric acid from normal indicators up to several times exceeding them.
How to determine the concentration of uric acid in the body?
In order to find out the levels of uric acid, you need to do a blood test. For this study it is taken from a vein. This analysis does not require special preparation. But usually it is given in the morning on an empty stomach in the treatment room of a medical institution.
The medical worker must be presented with a referral for analysis, which the doctor must write out. It is quite possible that, in parallel with uric acid, blood urea, creatinine, glucose and other indicators will be examined to determine possible concomitant diseases.
What to do if uric acid is elevated?
High levels of uric acid mean the need for treatment. How to remove uric acid from the body, the doctor will tell. In some cases, specialists in hyperuricemia prescribe medicines, but the main treatment is to follow a certain diet, which must be followed for life. Moreover, if they are found accompanying illnesses, they need to be treated as much as possible. Very often, gout provokes overweight, obesity. Therefore, you need to try to bring the weight back to normal.
Of the chronic diseases, gout is most often accompanied by diabetes and atherosclerosis, in which case preventive maintenance treatment should be carried out periodically at least once a year.
At increased rates uric acid, you must constantly adhere to a certain diet.
- Meat rich broths are prohibited. And hence the soups on them too. Meat dishes should be limited to three times a week - no more. Moreover, the product must be chosen low-fat. And it is preferable to use it in boiled or baked form. Fatty foods are strictly prohibited.
- Salted, pickled and smoked products prohibited. It is also better to refuse shrimp and boiled crayfish. The diet should be salt-restricted, and the drinking regimen, on the contrary, should be strengthened. You need to drink about 2 liters of fluid per day. How to remove uric acid with mineral water? It is good to use alkaline water for this.
- Care should be taken with sorrel, mushrooms and cauliflower dishes.
- Legumes (peas, beans and others) with hyperuricemia should be sharply limited.
- It is better not to use lactic acid products (ryazhenka, "Snezhok", kefir, sour cream) at high levels of uric acid.
- and pastries from puff pastry, it is desirable to completely delete from the diet.
- Be careful with spices and spices. It is also desirable to exclude chocolate, it is allowed only sometimes in very limited quantities.
- Alcohol is prohibited, as well as kvass, various energy drinks and sodas, and very strong tea, too.
- Starvation is strictly contraindicated. Possible fasting days, it is better to spend them on dairy products and fruits.
Physiotherapy for gout
To lower the concentration of uric acid, doctors often prescribe physiotherapy procedures, such as plasmaphoresis. This procedure helps to cleanse the blood of uric acid salts. But this effect without dieting lasts a short time. Diet with high uric acid is required. Prohibited foods must be completely eliminated from the diet. Gout is a chronic disease, so a diet low in purine is essential.
Alternative methods of treatment for gout
Exist folk methods to lower uric acid levels. These are herbal pears, grapes and strawberry whiskers.
Well helps with gout tops of carrots. To do this, fresh leaves of one root crop are finely chopped, poured with boiling water. Insist until completely cooled, then filter. The medicine is ready, take it 1/4 cup at least 3 times a day.
Contribute to the excretion of uric acid and freshly squeezed juices of celery and carrots. They can be drunk individually or mixed in various proportions.
Conclusion
In what cases can uric acid be elevated, the causes, treatment of this condition have been sorted out. It should be remembered that for people with high rates uric acid the main therapy is proper nutrition and lifestyle without alcohol.
Uric acid (UA) is one of the most important markers of the state of purine metabolism in the body. In healthy people, normally, its rate can increase with increased consumption of foods containing purine nucleotides (fatty meat, offal, beer, etc.).
The pathological increase may be associated with the breakdown of cellular deoxyribonucleic acid after taking cytostatic drugs, widespread malignant tissue damage, severe atherosclerosis, cardiovascular pathologies, etc.
If uric acid in the blood is elevated, the risk of developing a common pathology, which is also called the "kings' disease" (due to the consumption of expensive fatty foods), is significantly increased - this is gout. The same bump on the leg in the area thumb.
For reference. The level of uric acid is one of the most important markers in the initial diagnosis of gout and subsequent monitoring of the course of the disease.
Due to the utilization of MK from the body, excess nitrogen is excreted. In a healthy person, purines are formed due to natural process death and regeneration of cells, also, in small quantities, they come with food.
Normally, during their breakdown, uric acid is formed, which, after interacting with the enzyme xanthine oxidase in the liver, is transferred by the bloodstream to the kidneys. After filtration, about seventy percent of UA is excreted in the urine, and the remaining 30% is transported to the gastrointestinal tract and disposed of in the feces.
Attention. With massive destruction of cells, genetic predisposition to increased synthesis of uric acid, kidney disease, accompanied by a violation of the excretion of UA, etc., there is an increase in its level in the blood.
What is uric acid in the blood
An increase in the level of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia. Due to the fact that uric acid is eliminated from the body mainly with urine, an increase in its level may be associated with kidney damage.
With a decrease in its utilization from the body, it begins to accumulate in the blood in the form sodium salt. The development of hyperuricemia contributes to the crystallization of Na urates. This leads to the development of urolithiasis.
Long-term elevated uric acid in the blood can become a trigger factor in the development of gout, a pathology in which crystallized UA is deposited in the joint fluid, causing inflammation and damage to the joints. In the future, with the progression of the disease, uric acid urates accumulate in the organs (gouty lesions of the renal structures) and soft tissues.
Na urate crystallization in hyperuricemia is due to the extremely low solubility of the uric acid salt. It should be noted that hyperuricemia itself is not separate disease. It should be considered as a risk factor for metabolic disorders, as well as a symptom of certain diseases.
At the same time, it is important to remember that the level of uric acid in the blood is a rather labile indicator and depends on age, gender, cholesterol levels, alcohol consumption, etc.
Important. When interpreting the tests, it must be taken into account that in children the level of uric acid will be lower than in adults. Also, the rate of uric acid in the blood in women will be lower than in men. MK values are fully equalized only after sixty years.
Uric acid in urine
Severe hyperuricemia, respectively, is accompanied by increased levels of UA in the urine. However, kidney diseases, accompanied by a decrease in their filtration capacity, are accompanied by reduced level UA in the urine with its high content in the blood (due to reduced utilization).
Important. It should also be noted that for integrated assessment the state of kidney function and protein metabolism in the body, UA must be evaluated in combination with other non-protein nitrogenous substances: and urea.
Uric acid test
To determine the content of uric acid in the blood, a colorimetric (photometric) method is used. The test material is blood from a vein. Assay responses are recorded in micromoles per liter (µmol/l).
Increased (or reduced) content of uric acid in the urine is detected using the enzymatic (uricase) method. Daily urine is used as the test material. The results of the analysis are recorded per day in millimoles (mmol/day).
For a reliable assessment of the level of uric acid in the blood, the following rules must be observed:
- blood sampling must be carried out exclusively on an empty stomach;
- the use of tea, coffee, compotes, juices, carbonated drinks, as well as smoking is excluded for twelve hours;
- the use of alcoholic beverages can significantly affect the results of the analysis, so their intake should be excluded for a week;
- on the eve of diagnosis, a diet low in purines and proteins should be followed;
- a half-hour rest is necessary before blood sampling;
- for a day exclude psycho-emotional and physical stress;
- the doctor and laboratory assistants should be informed about the medications taken by the patient;
- children under five years of age should drink chilled water within half an hour before taking the test. boiled water(up to 150-200 milliliters).
The study of the values of uric acid in the blood is mandatory for: - diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of gout,
- control of therapy with cytostatic drugs,
- diagnosis of gestosis in pregnant women,
- lymphoproliferative diseases,
- assessment of the filtration capacity of the kidneys,
- ICD (urolithiasis),
- blood diseases.
UA in the blood must be examined in patients with symptoms of gout. For the disease are indicative:
- inflammation of the joints on one side (that is, the lesion is asymmetrical),
- sharp, burning pains,
- swelling,
- hyperemia skin over the inflamed joint.
The defeat of the big toe is especially characteristic, inflammation of the knee, ankle and other joints is less common. Also, the appearance of tophi is highly specific - gouty nodules (deposits of MK salts).
Attention! The level of UA in the urine is also examined for lead intoxication and the diagnosis of folic deficiency.
When interpreting the tests, factors should be taken into account in which an increase in uric acid in the blood will be false positive. These include:
- stress,
- heavy physical activity,
- excessive consumption of purines with food,
- use:
- steroid media,
- nicotinic acid,
- thiazide diuretics,
- furosemide,
- blockers,
- caffeine,
- ascorbic acid,
- cyclosporine,
- small doses of acetylsalicylic acid,
- calcitriol,
- clopidogrel,
- diclofenac,
- ibuprofen,
- indomethacin,
- piroxicam.
A false decrease in uric acid levels in the blood is observed when:
- following a low purine diet
- drinking before the analysis of tea or coffee,
- treatment:
- allopurinol,
- glucocorticosteroids,
- warfarin,
- antiparkinsonian drugs,
- amlodipine
- verapamil,
- vinblastine
- methotrexate,
- spirolactone.
Also, it should be noted that the level of UA can fluctuate during the day. In the morning, the level of UA is higher than in the evening.
When assessing UA in urine, one should adhere to ground rules collection of daily urine. Therefore, the day before the study, products that stain urine and diuretic drugs are excluded. Urine excreted with the first morning portion is not counted.
All other material obtained during the day (including the morning portion the next day) must be collected in one container. The resulting material should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of four to eight degrees.
After sampling daily urine, its volume should be clearly determined, shaken and drained into a sterile container about five milliliters. This amount should be taken to the laboratory for analysis.
The referral form should indicate gender, age, weight, daily diuresis, and medications taken.
Attention! It is important to remember that women do not take urine during menstruation.
Normal values of MK in the blood
- for children under fourteen is in the range from 120 to 320 µmol / l;
- from the age of fourteen, sex differences are observed in the analyzes. Uric acid in the blood: the norm in women is from 150 to 350. The norm of uric acid in men is from 210 to 420.
It should also be borne in mind that the rate of uric acid in the blood may vary slightly in different laboratories.
Uric acid. Norm in daily urine
In babies up to a year, the results of the analysis should be in the range from 0.35 to 2.0 mmol / l.
From one to four years - from 0.5 to 2.5.
From four to eight years - from 0.6 to three.
From eight to fourteen - from 1.2 to six.
In children older than fourteen, UA in urine ranges from 1.48 to 4.43.
Uric acid in the blood is elevated. The reasons
An increase in UA in the blood is observed with:
- gout;
- alcohol abuse;
- myeloproliferative pathologies;
- diabetic ketoacidosis;
- AKI and CKD (acute and chronic insufficiency kidneys);
- gestosis in pregnant women;
- exhaustion after prolonged fasting;
- increased consumption of foods that contain purines;
- hereditary hyperuricemia;
- lymphomas;
- typhoid fever;
- malignant neoplasms;
- treatment with cytotoxic drugs;
- leukemia;
- acute heart failure;
- hypoparathyroidism and hypothyroidism;
- tuberculosis;
- genetically determined, pathologically increased synthesis of UA (Lesch-Nyhan syndrome);
- severe pneumonia;
- erysipelas;
- down syndrome;
- blood diseases (hemolytic and sickle cell anemia);
- exacerbation of psoriasis;
- lead intoxication.
Important. Also, uric acid in the blood is increased in patients with obesity, hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia.
Uric acid is low when:
- liver diseases (including alcoholic cirrhosis);
- Fanconi syndrome (a defect in the development of the renal tubules, accompanied by a decrease in the reabsorption of UA);
- hepatocerebral dystrophy (Wilson-Konovalov);
- lack of xanthine oxidase (xanthinuria);
- lymphogranulomatosis;
- abnormal production of ADH (antidiuretic hormone);
- following a low purine diet.
Changes in urine levels
- gout,
- blood cancers,
- Lesch-Nyhan syndrome,
- cystinosis,
- hepatitis of viral etiology,
- sickle cell anemia,
- severe pneumonia,
- after epileptic seizures
- hepatocerebral dystrophy.
A decrease in UA in daily urine is detected in patients with:
- xanthinuria,
- folic deficiency states,
- lead poisoning,
- severe muscle atrophy.
How to lower uric acid
With gout drug therapy is selected individually and depends on the severity of gouty arthritis and the presence of complications. For cupping acute attack use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine.
In order to prevent relapses of gouty arthritis, antihyperuricemic therapy (allopurinol) is selected. As an alternative to allopurinol, uricosuric drugs (probenecid, sulfinpyrazone) can be prescribed.
In patients with hyperuricemia caused by treatment with thiazide diuretics, the use of losartan (an angiotensin II receptor antagonist) is advisable.
It is also possible to use potassium citrate (Urocyte-K). The drug contributes to the active utilization of MK crystals.
Non-drug treatment consists of:
- weight normalization;
- increased fluid intake;
- following a low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diet, with an increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids(diet with high uric acid is required);
- refusal to take alcoholic beverages.
The diet for hyperuricemia provides for the maximum restriction of foods containing a lot of purines (fatty meat and fish, mushrooms, sorrel, chocolate, cocoa, nuts, spinach, asparagus, legumes, eggs, offal, beer). In the period of exacerbation of gouty arthritis, these products are completely excluded.
Also, with gout, it is harmful to use any fatty, fried, spicy food, carbonated sugary drinks, alcohol and strong tea.
Important. If possible, it is desirable to completely eliminate the intake of alcohol. In the period of stable remission, a glass of dry wine is allowed, no more than three times a week.
Also, it is important to limit the intake of foods containing fructose as much as possible. The use of sweets, berries, fruits, syrups, ketchup is limited.
Baking and puff pastry should be replaced with whole grain products. You should also increase your intake of vegetables.
It is better to give preference to dairy products that have reduced content fats. Low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, cereals cooked in diluted milk are useful.
Increased fluid intake (in the absence of cardiovascular diseases and kidney pathologies) also contributes to a decrease in UA and the achievement of stable remission.
The materials are published for review and are not a prescription for treatment! We recommend that you contact a hematologist at your healthcare facility!
Uric acid must be present in the blood without fail, since it is it that ensures the course of a number of biochemical processes during protein metabolism. This acid is synthesized by the liver from proteins and its increase may indicate a number of serious pathologies.
The normal content of uric acid in the blood is necessary for the following reasons:
- To stimulate brain activity. Through this acid, there is a direct effect on the adrenaline hormone, which leads to stimulation of the active activity of the brain.
- As a strong antioxidant, uric acid prevents the degeneration of body cells which prevents tumors from forming.
Note: chemical structure uric acid is very similar to caffeine, hence increased activity those people who have it above the norm at the genetic level.
Gout on the leg is one of the signs of deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints.
The human body must strictly control the content of this acid. At the same time, the norm of uric acid in the blood in women and men differs significantly. In the first case, it is 160-320 micromoles per liter, and in the second - 200-400. It should also be noted that the rate of uric acid in the blood in children is lower than in adults, ranging from 120 to 300 micromoles per liter.
Table: norm of uric acid in the blood
Why does the level of this acid rise?
If the acid content increases, then this condition is called hyperuricemia.. It happens more often in men than in women. Hyperuricemia can occur in the form of a jump under the following conditions:
- If the patient consumes too many protein foods such as eggs and meat.
- Athletes under severe stress.
- In case the patient for a long time is on a starvation diet.
Important! If the increase in uric acid is due to the above reasons, then this indicator returns to normal immediately after the effect of the factor that led to the increase ends.
The level of this acid also rises against the background of nephrolithiasis. There are several factors that increase its concentration:
- Violation of the liver, due to which a lot of uric acid is synthesized.
- Decreased excretory function of the kidneys.
- The patient eats a large number of foods from which uric acid is synthesized.
Important! Most often, an increase in the level of this acid occurs against the background of a violation of the functions of the liver and kidneys.
Other causes that indirectly affect the kidneys and liver:
- leukemia;
- obesity;
- long-term use of certain medications;
- decreased synthesis of B vitamins, etc.
Why is uric acid low?
A decrease in uric acid in the blood occurs in the following cases:
- Due to the use of drugs such as diuretics;
- With the development of Wilson-Konovalov's disease;
- If the patient has Fanconi syndrome;
- If the patient's diet includes an insufficient amount of nucleic acids.
Important! In most cases, a decrease in the level of uric acid indicates the presence of genetic diseases hereditary nature, which significantly complicates therapy.
Symptoms
If the patient's body is in excess of the norm of this acid, then as a result, he may manifest various diseases. In young children, it may be psoriasis or diathesis. Men have problems with joints, especially those who have reached the age of 50. Most patients have problems with thumbs on the feet, as well as elbows, shoulders, etc. In this case, pain can occur with minor movements, aggravated at night.
Important! Due to the above reasons, a still quite young man may lose the ability for an active life and even full movement.
If urates are deposited in the urinary system, then patients suffer from pain in the groin, lower back, and also the lateral sections of the abdomen. These patients may develop cystitis involving the ureters. Stones formed often prevent normal excretion urine.
With the deposition of uric acid salts in the heart, myocardial infarction can develop in acute form. If affected nervous system sick, then there is chronic fatigue, insomnia and fatigue.
How to treat the pathology of the change in the norm
If any of the above symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a specialist. The analysis can be carried out in any clinic.
First of all, in the fight against hyperuricemia, a diet is used to reduce the amount of foods in the diet from which the liver produces uric acid. To do this, you need to exclude the use of fatty meat, liver and kidneys, lard, smoked meats, fish products, chocolate and sweets, salted and pickled vegetables, coffee and black tea, alcohol.
Advice! Experts recommend unloading every week. Such a fasting day can be aimed at the use of kefir-curd products, fruits, watermelon, etc. It is better to eat often, but in small portions (up to six times a day on average).
Table: The diet is recognized as one of the most effective methods in the fight against high lactic acid