Serum uric acid-reduction and blood pressure changes in allopurinol administered hemodialysis patients; a pilot study

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most common diseases and is the main cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Hyperuricemia has been recognized as one of the main causes of hypertension; however, few studies have been conducted to determine the correlation between serum uric acid reduction and blood pressure changes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between serum uric acid-reduction and blood pressure changes in a group of hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 21 hemodialysis patients taking allopurinol for the first time. Serum uric acid, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were measured before taking allopurinol, then patients were followed for two months, and these parameters were remeasured. Data were collected and the correlation between serum uric acid-reduction and blood pressure changes was evaluated. Results: Most patients were female, with a mean age of 56.81 ± 15.59 years. Results showed that the correlation between serum uric acid reduction and blood pressure changes was statistically significant with a ratio of 3.6 reduction for systolic blood pressure and 2.17 for diastolic blood pressure per one unit of uric acid reduction (P<0.05). Conclusion: Uric acid reduction is correlated with blood pressure reduction with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.