Background: Several reports indicate that extracellular volume predicted by bioimpedance analysis method is associated with hydration status of hemodialysis patients.
Theory: Fundamentally, uric acid does not cross cell membranes by simple diffusion, either by facilitated diffusion or by active transport. In addition, uric acid cannot move through cell membranes in most tissues other than those involved in uric acid excretion. These facts support the interpretation that uric acid distribution volume would therefore correlate with extracellular volume.
Methods: We examined correlation between uric acid distribution volume calculated by uric acid mass-balance modeling from regular blood test results and extracellular volume predicted by bioimpedance analysis predicted by BCM (Fresenius Medical Care) in 53 patients.
Results: There was a significant correlation between uric acid distribution volume (x) and extracellular volume predicted by bioimpedance analysis (y): y = 0.69x + 3.39, r2 = 0.61, p < 0.0001. Bland-Altman analysis showed systematic error for uric acid distribution volume versus extracellular volume predicted by bioimpedance analysis (mean difference between uric acid distribution volume and extracellular volume predicted by bioimpedance analysis was 0.94 L, 95% confidence interval of difference was -3.29 to 5.17 L).
Conclusion: Uric acid distribution volume calculated by uric acid mass-balance modeling from regular blood test results may be an alternative marker of extracellular volume predicted by bioimpedance analysis.
Keywords: Dry weight; bioimpedance analysis; dialysis; extracellular fluid; hypotension.