Researchers looked at whether a specific blood marker could be linked to preeclampsia risk in older pregnant women. The marker is called the serum uric acid-to-creatinine ratio (SUA/sCr). They analyzed data from 2,296 pregnant women aged 35 and older. The study found that for each standard increase in this blood marker level, the odds of developing preeclampsia were 29% higher. Preeclampsia occurred in about 14% of the women in the study. The statistical analysis showed this link was significant. The study did not report on any specific safety concerns related to the marker itself, as it was an observational analysis of existing data. It is important to be careful with these results for a few reasons. This was a retrospective study, meaning researchers looked back at past medical records. This type of study can show a connection but cannot prove that the blood marker causes preeclampsia. The researchers also noted that the relationship might not be straightforward and that some of their more detailed findings need to be checked in other studies. Readers should understand this research identifies a potential indicator of risk that needs more investigation. It does not mean this test is ready to be used routinely by doctors. If you are pregnant, especially at an advanced age, you should continue to follow your doctor's recommended prenatal care and screenings.
Higher uric acid-to-creatinine ratio linked to preeclampsia risk in advanced maternal age pregnancyHigher uric acid ratio linked to increased preeclampsia risk in older pregnant women
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Key Takeaway
Consider SUA/sCr as a potential risk indicator for preeclampsia in advanced maternal age, but recognize this is an observational association.
A retrospective cohort study examined the association between serum uric acid-to-creatinine ratio (SUA/sCr) levels and preeclampsia risk in 2,296 pregnant women aged ≥35 years (advanced maternal age). The study setting and comparator groups were not reported. The primary outcome was risk of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia occurred in 14.29% of participants. Each standard deviation increase in SUA/sCr was associated with higher preeclampsia risk, with an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.13–1.47; P = 0.0001). The analysis indicated a positive association, though the absolute numbers for this effect were not reported.
Safety and tolerability data were not reported. Key limitations include the retrospective design, the need for cautious interpretation of a reported non-linear relationship, and the requirement for external validation of subgroup analysis findings. The E-value of 1.73 suggests moderate robustness to unmeasured confounding.
For practice, SUA/sCr may serve as a potential risk indicator for preeclampsia in this population, but this is an observational association, not evidence of causation. The retrospective nature and the need for validation of specific findings limit immediate clinical utility. The non-linear threshold effect mentioned in the study requires particularly cautious interpretation.
What this means for you:
An older study found a link between a blood marker and preeclampsia risk, but more research is needed to understand its usefulness. More on Preeclampsia
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View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundAdvanced maternal age is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia;however, reliable and easily accessible biomarkers for early risk stratification remain limited. The serum uric acid–to–creatinine ratio (SUA/sCr) has been proposed as an indicator of systemic oxidative stress, yet evidence regarding its association with preeclampsia remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between SUA/sCr levels and the risk of preeclampsia among women of advanced maternal age.Methodsa total of 2,296 pregnant women aged ≥35 years were included in this retrospective cohort study. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the association between SUA/sCr and preeclampsia, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to assess potential dose-response and non-linear relationships, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential effect modification.ResultsPreeclampsia occurred in 14.29% of the participants. After multivariable adjustment,each standard deviation increase in SUA/sCr was associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia(OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.13–1.47; P = 0.0001). Restricted cubic splines suggested no strong evidence of nonlinearity (P = 0.354), while a two-piecewise model indicated a suggestive change-point, with a suggested inflection point at an SUA/sCr value of approximately 8.18 (95% CI: 7.60–8.55);However, the threshold effect did not reach conventional statistical significance. Below this value, SUA/sCr was positively associated with preeclampsia risk, whereas no significant association was observed above it. The calculated E-value (1.73) indicated moderate robustness to unmeasured confounding. In subgroup analyses, the association differed by proteinuria status (P for interaction = 0.0146), which should be interpreted cautiously and warrants external validation.ConclusionHigher SUA/sCr levels in early pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia among women of advanced maternal age. These findings suggest that SUA/sCr may serve as a potential risk indicator in this population; however, the observed non-linear relationship should be interpreted cautiously and warrants further prospective validation.
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