Correlation between serum uric acid and pulmonary arterial hypertension based on echo probability in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome is the most common form of SRBDs. Recurrent hypoxia, which accompanies OSAHS, increases the degradation of ATP, which in turn increase uric acid concentration that can be used as a biomarker of tissue hypoxia in OSAHS. There is still debate about whether OSAHS is an independent contributor to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Aim of the work This study aimed to correlate serum uric acid levels and PAH in OSAHS patients. Methods We enrolled 100 patients diagnosed with OSAHS using polysomnography. Patients were divided into three severity groups: mild OSA (5 ≤ AHI < 15), moderate OSA (15 ≤ AHI < 30), and severe (30 ≤ AHI < 60). Serum uric acid was measured the morning after polysomnography. All patients underwent standard echocardiograms, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure calculation was done. Results Among our studied patients (66% males, 34% females), the mean age was 53.04 ± 8.45 years. Six percent, 38%, and 56% were diagnosed as mild, moderate, and severe OSAHS, respectively. The mean AHI was 31.93 ± 11.78 event. Pulmonary HTN was detected in 78% of patients. Those with elevated uric acid levels represented 92.3% of patients versus 9.1% of patients without pulmonary HTN, p < 0.001. The level of serum uric acid positively correlated with pulmonary HTN level. Conclusion Pulmonary arterial pressure correlated positively with serum uric acid level. Both serum uric acid level and PAP positively correlated with the severity of OSA. Further confirmation with right heart catheterization is essential. Trial registration NCT05967754 , on July 22, 2023 — retrospectively registered.