Q: What does overproduction of uric acid mean with regards to preeclampsia?

A: An overproduction of uric acid occurs when there is excessive breakdown of cells, or a kidney problem with the inability of the kidneys to excrete uric acid. Preeclampsia is a disease that can affect different organs, including the kidneys. It's not that the uric acid in and of itself is harmful, but an increase in the serum uric acid could be a sign of increased kidney disease and a worsening of preeclampsia. As preeclampsia gets worse, the uric adic can also increase. That's why doctors usually use the serum uric acid as one measure to gauge severity of preeclampsia.

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