When is a serum uric acid level considered abnormal in the context of pregnancy?

In pregnancy, serum uric acid levels can provide important insights into a woman’s health, especially regarding conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. A serum uric acid level surpassing 0.36 mmol/L is recognized as abnormal and may indicate potential complications.

During a normal pregnancy, uric acid levels are typically lower due to increased renal clearance. An elevated uric acid level above this threshold can signal decreased renal profusion or other issues related to placental function. Thus, monitoring uric acid levels helps midwives and healthcare providers assess the risk of hypertensive disorders, ensuring appropriate management of both maternal and fetal well-being.

Other thresholds, such as the lower limit specified or arbitrary targets, don't adequately reflect the clinical significance associated with elevated uric acid in the pregnancy context, leading to an incorrect interpretation of normal levels.