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Uric Acid

Uric acid is a breakdown product of cell nuclei. 

Two-thirds are excreted in the urine and one-third in the stool. 

Changes in serum uric acid levels may be caused by:

  • Increased production of urates
  • Decreased excretion of urates

Uric Acid levels may rise in the presence of:

  • Renal failure
  • Gout
  • Cancer
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Starvation
  • Shock
  • Alcoholism
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Hemolysis
  • Trauma

Uric Acid levels may fall in the presence of:

  • Pregnancy
  • Wilson's Disease
  • Fanconi Syndrom
  • Uricosuric drugs (allopurinol, sulfinpyrazone, probenecid)

Normal Values*

Men 3.5-7.2 mg/dl 0.21-0.43 mmol/L
Women 1.5-6.0 mg/dl 0.09-0.36 mmol/L
Pregnancy 1.2-4.5 0.07-0.27 mmol/L

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.
Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300