Abstract

VILLARAN, Ralph et al. Uric acid levels at the high altitude and to level of the sea. Rev Med Hered [online]. 2000, vol.11, n.1, pp.07-14. ISSN 1018-130X.

Objective: To determine the effect of altitude in serum uric acid levels in residents who live in moderate altitude areas. Material and methods: Six hundred adult-male permanent residents, who had their annual medical exam at Toquepala and Ilo Hospitals (3100 and 10 meters above sea level respectively) were studied. From these, 478 (235 from Toquepala and 243 from Ilo) did not have previous history of diseases or use of medications known to affect serum uric acid levels. In all of them, age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), hematocrit, uric acid and creatinine levels were registered. Also the consumption of meat and fish was evaluated. Results: The mean values of uric acid in Toquepala and Ilo inhabitants were 5.91 mg/dl and 5.86 mg/dl, with a prevalence of hyperuricemia of 13.62% y 18.93% respectively, so there was no difference between both groups, but in both groups was found a significant correlation among serum uric acid levels and weight, BMI, and DBP; and also a correlation with creatinine levels in Toquepala inhabitants. However, the multiple regression analysis in Toquepala inhabitants, showed that the only variable that was significantly correlated with uric acid levels was creatinine. It was not found any correlation related to age, height, SBP or hematocrit in either population. Conclusion: There is no significant effect of altitude on serum uric acid levels in inhabitants of moderate altitude areas. ( Rev Med Hered 2000; 11:7-14 ).

Keywords : Uric acid; altitude; hematocrit.

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