A study to determine association of serum uric acid level with age related macular degeneration

To study the association of serum uric acid level with age related macular degeneration, if any.

In this hospital based, observational, case control study, 100 patients presenting to our out patient department over a period of one year were included. The selected participants were grouped into the ARMD group which included 50 eyes with non neovascular ARMD and neovascular ARMD) and 50 eyes in control group. All participants were undergone complete ophthalmic evaluation along with serum uric acid level determination.

50 eyes of 50 patients diagnosed as having AMD and 50 eyes of 50 patients do not having AMD who served as a control were included in this study. The mean age was 66 years (49-85years). On an average higher serum uric acid were observed amongst males as compared to females (median: male vs female kruskal Wallace test H=22.5, DF=1, p<0.001). The average serum uric acid level were higher in patients with neovascular AMD (mean=505.00 ± std dev =13.57 μmol/l, n=19), than in the non-neovascular AMD (mean=322.93 ± std dev =26.26μmol/l, n=31), as compared to control group =318.42 ± std dev =76.23 μmol/l, n=50). On comparing the standardized serum uric acid level between neovascular AMD and control group, there was a statistically significant difference was observed. (H=40.734, DF=1, p<0.001).

A statistically significant correlation exists between serum uric acid level and severity of age related macular degeneration. Patients with neovascular age related macular degeneration present with a higher serum uric acid level as compared to patients with non neovascular age related maculae degeneration. Also, males had a significantly higher serum uric acid level as compared to females.