Uric Acid Concentrations, Insulin Resistance and Pregnancy Outcome in Obese and Non-Obese Pregnant Women

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate of possible correlation between serum uric acid and insulin resistance in obese and non-obese pregnant women and its impact on pregnancy outcome.Methods: A cross section study was carried out on sixty pregnant women. The women were divided into two groups: Obese pregnant women (n=30), and non-obese healthy pregnant women (n=30) came for antenatal care in third trimester. Uric acid, glucose and insulin were measured in maternal serum. Insulin resistance and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) were calculated.Results: In this study we found serum uric acid level and insulin resistance were higher significantly in overweight and obese pregnant women (BMI ≥ 25kg/m²) 5.5±0.8mg/dl, 2.7±0.5 respectively as compared to non-obese healthy pregnant women (BMI 19.9– 25kg/m²) 4.0±0.6mg/dl, 1.6±0.4 respec-tively. There was significant correlation between serum uric acid concentration and insulin resistance among overweight and obese pregnant women.There was significant increase in mean birth weight and cesarean section in overweight and obese women and no significant difference in mean gestational age at birth between the two groups.Conclusion: Increasing uric acid concentrations were associated with insulin resistance in euglycemic, normotensive pregnant women with high body mass index (BMI ≥ 25kg/m²).Obesity, insulin resistance and serum uric acid increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pre-pregnancy health education is important to women with high body mass index.