Uric Acid as a Biomarker of Metabolic Syndrome in Sudanese Adults

Serum uric acid (SUA) is considered as a component and a marker of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our aim is to investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia and its relationships to MetS and its components such as hypertension (HTN), glucose intolerance, obesity and hyperlipidemia among Sudanese population. Method: This is a descriptive cross sectional study, held in Khartoum State, Sudan. The study was performed with a sample of 219, adults, attending the clinics set by the Sudanese Society of Hypertension on the occasion of the International day of hypertension from 2015 to 2016. Using World Health Organization WHO) definition, direct measurements were obtained for metabolic syndrome components; anthropometric screenings included: measurement of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). The clinical and biochemical screenings included: measurement of blood pressure (BP) and determination of fasting lipid profile, glucose concentrations and serum uric acid. Results: This study enrolled 219 participants aged 18 – 75 year. MetS prevalence was 25.1 % among the entire group, (41.8% males, & 58.1% females). Hyperurecemia was detected in (41.1%) among the study group (52.2 % males, 47.7% females P >0.05). 60% of the MetS cases were found to suffer from Hyperurecemia. (P < 0.01). In the overall group, SUA concentrations ranged from 3.0 – 12.0 mg/dl, with a mean of 6.0 ±1.7 mg/dl. Hyperurecemia was significantly positively correlated with BMI (r=.226, p= .001), triglyceride (r= .247, p=.000), and cholesterol (r= .184, p=.007). Conclusion: Hyperuricemia was highly prevalent among Sudanese population. Additionally, for those with hyperuricemia, the odds ratios (95% CI) for metabolic syndrome were 3.61 (95% CI, .591~ .749) and for fasting blood glucose 0. 478 (95% CI, .392~.593). SUA can be considered as a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than fasting glucose, though not as good as hyperlipidemia and obesity.