CORRELATION OF SERUM URIC ACID CONCENTRATIONS AND THE CHILD-TURCOTTE-PUGH (CTP) SCORE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

Background: Chronic liver disease involves the progressive destruction of liver tissue, leading to fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Elevated serum uric acid levels may contribute to insulin resistance,metabolic syndrome, and oxidative stress, all of which are risk factors for the progression of liver disease. This study aimed to measure uric acid levels and assess their relationship with the severity of liver disease. Methods: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease, aged 20 to 65 years and of either gender, were included in the study. Based on the Child-Pugh score, patients were classified as A, B, and
C. Serum uric acid levels were measured and compared across these three groups. Results: There's a trend of increasing mean uric acid levels with higher CTP scores (severity). Class A (least severe) has the lowest mean uric acid level (4.39 ± 1.09 mg/dL). Class B has a moderately higher mean uric acid level (5.48 ± 1.55 mg/dL). Class C (most severe) has the highest mean uric acid level (8.19 ± 2.24mg/dL). The P-value (0.012*) indicates a statistically significant difference in uric acid levels between the groups. Patients with higher uric acid levels (>7.2 mg/dL) generally have worse liver function compared to those with lower uric acid levels (< 7.2 mg/dL). Conclusion: The current study suggests a link between increasing serum uric acid levels and worsening chronic liver disease (CLD) severity. Higher uric acid levels, often observed alongside elevated liver enzymes, maybe a potential risk factor for CLD progression.