Physiologic determinants of serum urate levels in adolescence.

During adolescence, serum urate increases and adult levels are achieved. Physiologic factors related to serum urate were investigated in a nationally representative population of 6,768 youths aged 12 to 17 years (the US Health Examination Survey). Serum urate concentration increases markedly from ages 12 to 14 years in males, and levels were related to sexual and skeletal maturation. Although similar relationships were observed in females, the association is less striking, probably because of earlier pubescence, which was not captured in this study, and a pronounced androgenic response. In the later stages of adolescence (ages 15 to 17 years for males and 13 to 17 years for females), body composition (body mass index and skinfold thickness), blood pressure, and hematocrit have stronger relationships than sexual and somatic maturation. These latter relationships are similar to those in adults. This survey affords a portrayal of physiologic interrelationships with serum uric acid during adolescence.