Pregnancy in xanthinuria: demonstration of fetal uric acid production?

This paper reports biochemical studies in a pregnant xanthinuric female (McKusick 27830) and compares the results with findings in three other xanthinurics studied by us, including a previously unreported female who had a nephrectomy for xanthine stones. The findings of raised levels of uric acid in plasma and urine at presentation in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the subsequent fall to almost undetectable levels 6 weeks post-partum, is regarded as evidence of the extent of fetal uric acid production and clearance by the maternal circulation.