Hyperuricaemia in Females with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

The aim of our study was to assess serum uric acid (UA) in a large group of females with OSA before treatment (normal UA value is from 2.4 to 5.7 mg/dL). We studied 105 consecutive females (73.3% without es­trogen activity), mean age 58.5 ± 9.9 years, mean BMI = 33.3 ± 8.2 kg/m² with OSA (mean AHI = 35.6 ± 21.5, mean overnight SaO₂ = 89 ± 6.3%). We divided patients in two groups: 1st with hyperuricaemia-UA > 5.7 mg/dL (53 pts, 50.5%) and 2nd with normouricaemia-UA ≤ 5.7 mg/dL (52 pts, 49.5%). Concentartion of serum uric acid was similar in females with and without estrogen activity. Subjects with hyperuricaemia had significantly higher BMI (p < 0.001), lower mean SaO₂ (p < 0.01) and spent more time in desaturation below 90% (p < 0.01). This group had lower FVC, FEV₁ i PaO₂ (p < 0.001), higher PaCO₂ (p < 0.01) and morning glucose (p < 0.001). Females with OSA and hyperuricaemia presented higher prevalence of systemic hypertension (p < 0.001 ), coronary artery disease (p < 0.05), diabetes (not significant) and COPD (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed relation between serum uric acid, BMI and arterial hypertension. Conclusions: Hyperuricaemia is frequent in females with OSA. Increased UA levels were related especially to obesity and arterial hypertension. Lower: overnight SaO₂, FVC, FEV₁, PaO₂ and higher glucose concentration and PaCO₂ may play role in developing of hyperuricaemia.