Association of Lead Exposure, Serum Uric Acid and Parameters of Renal Function in Nigerian Lead-Exposed Workers

Background: The presence of hyperuricemia and renal function impairment, especially inthe absence of urate stone formation is strongly suggestive of lead nephropathy. The evaluationof this association is essential in areas where lead exposure is still prevalent and uncontrolledObjective: To determine the relationship between serum uric acid and renal function indicesin lead-exposed workersMethods: A cross-sectional study of 190 adults with occupational lead exposure and 80adults (comparison group), matched for age and sex was performed in Port Harcourt, SouthsouthNigeria. Blood lead was used as the biomarker of lead exposure while serum urea,serum creatinine, urine albumin (using urine albumin:creatinine ratio), estimated glomerularfiltration rate (GFR) and serum uric acid were the renal function indices measuredResults: Occupationally lead-exposed subjects had a significantly (p = 0.008) highermean±SD blood lead levels (50.37±24.58 μg/dL) than the comparison group (41.40±26.85).The mean±SD serum urea (8.6±2.3 mg/dL), creatinine (1.0±0.2 mg/dL) and serum uric acid(4.6±1.2 mg/dL) were significantly (p 0.01) higher in the study subjects than the comparisongroup (7.6±2.4, 0.9±0.2, and 3.9±1.1 mg/dL, respectively). The mean±SD creatinineclearance was significantly (p = 0.002) lower in the study subjects than the comparisongroup (98.9±21.3 vs. 108.2±25.2 mL/min/1.72 m2). Serum uric acid level correlated positivelywith serum creatinine (r = 0.134) and negatively with GFR (r = -0.151)Conclusion: People with occupational lead exposure are at risk of developing hyperuricemiaand renal impairment