High-normal serum uric acid predicts the development of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and preserved kidney function

AimsWe evaluated whether high-normal serum uric acid (SUA) levels can predict the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and preserved kidney function at baseline.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational longitudinal study of patients presenting at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pusan National University Hospital. A total of 512 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and preserved kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and normouricemia were included. The main outcome was development of CKD of stage 3 or greater. The patients were divided into four groups according to quartiles of SUA levels.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 62 (12.1%) patients had progressed to CKD 3 or greater. The group with the highest-normal range of SUA (Q4) showed a higher cumulative incidence of CKD stage 3 or greater than that of the other lower quartiles (Q4 vs. Q3; P = 0.037, Q4 vs. Q2; P < 0.001, Q4 vs. Q1; P < 0.001). In a univariate analysis, Q4 was significantly associated with the development of CKD 3 or greater (log-rank statistic, 31.93; P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, Q4 (hazard ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–7.71; P = 0.025) showed a significant association with CKD 3 or greater.ConclusionsHigh-normal SUA may predict the occurrence of CKD stage 3 or greater in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and preserved kidney function.