[Uric acid, the kidney and cardiovascular mortality].

Hyperuricemia is one of the many metabolic changes that occur during the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Even though it is clear its genesis of high uric acid levels (decreased renal clearance, overproduction, summation of both factors), we do not know the significance with regard to its effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system. On the other hand, the exact role of hyperuricemia in the general population it is not even established . In the general population, many studies have shown a strong correlation between uric acid levels and CV morbidity and mortality. However there are many researches that suggest a role of innocent bystander of uric acid, even in presence of elevated serum levels. Recently, there is an accumulation of evidence that emphasize a close link between uric acid and CV disease, at least in the field of CKD. In the patient population participating to the PIRP project (Prevention of Progressive Renal Failure of the Emilia-Romagna Region), we have seen, even with multivariate analysis, an independent role of high levels of uric acid concerning both, the occurrence of CV events and CV mortality.