Maternal hyperuricemia and adverse neonatal outcomes in normotensive pregnancies: Evidence from a prospective cohort study in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Adverse neonatal outcomes occurred in 37.5% of participants. Hyperuricemic women had significantly higher composite risk (62.5% vs. 12.5%; aRR = 4.32, 95% CI 2.92-6.39). Hyperuricemia independently predicted preterm birth (aRR = 3.63, 95% CI 1.70-7.72), SGA (aRR = 2.80, 95% CI 1.61-4.86), and stillbirth (aRR = 5.00, 95% CI 1.47-16.99). Maternal age ≥ 40 years, low education, < 4 antenatal visits, previous preterm birth, previous stillbirth, and obesity were also associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions. Maternal hyperuricemia is a strong predictor of preterm birth, SGA, and stillbirth. Routine SUA screening during antenatal care, combined with closer monitoring of high-risk women, could help improve neonatal outcomes.