The effect of normal pregnancy upon the renal handling of uric acid.

Twenty-four women were investigated serially during and after normal pregnancy. Plasma uric acid concentration appeared to be inversely related to uric acid clearance under infusion conditions, and comparison with simultaneous inulin clearance suggested an alteration in renal function resulting in increased 'net tubular reabsorption' of uric acid as pregnancy progressed. No difference was detected between primigravidae and multigravidae. The implications of these changes are discussed with reference to the renal handling of uric in pre-eclampsia.