Uric acid levels correlate with the severity of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most frequent complication in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and is associated with age, DM duration, and HbA1c levels. In addition, higher uric acid (UA) levels are reported in patients with DSP.

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether UA levels correlate with DSP severity.

METHODS: We extracted the demographic data, clinical history, neurological and electrophysiological examinations and laboratory findings of 115 patients diagnosed with DSP from January 2012 to December 2015.

RESULTS: The mean age of the total cohort was 62±13years, with 61% men. A positive correlation was demonstrated between uric acid levels and increasing sensory symptoms, and more abnormal electrophysiological findings and vibration perception thresholds. In addition, correlations with gait abnormality, the presence of paraproteinemia and creatine kinase levels were found.

DISCUSSION: Our study results show that uric acid levels correlate with clinical and electrophysiological severity of DSP, providing additional evidence for the relationship between the two, and a potential therapeutic target for DSP.