Association of serum uric acid with hypertriglyceridemia in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Uric acid (UA), a liver-derived metabolite, is intimately tied to metabolic disorders. Although ample research underscores its connection with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), studies focusing on adolescents remain limited. To fill the gaps in epidemiology,this study focused on analyzing the relationship between the levels of uric acid and HTG in a demographic sample comprising adolescents from the United States. Methods In this study, a total of 4,435 participants through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2020. The exposure variable was serum uric acid (SUA), the effect variable was HTG, and the covariates included demographic, questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory indicators. We utilized weighted logistic regression and meticulous subgroup evaluations to discern the intrinsic link between SUA and HTG. Stratified analyses augmented the validation of this association, while smooth curve fitting probed for potential nonlinear correlations. Results The study included 4,435 participants. Male adolescents exhibit elevated SUA levels. After adjusting for all variables, the weighted multiple logistic regression model revealed that SUA was positively correlated with HTG risk (OR = 1.006, 95% CI: 1.005–1.007). This relationship was consistent across the three tertiles group of SUA (T1: OR = 1.006 95% CI: 1.005–1.007; T2: OR = 1.006 95% CI: 1.005–1.007; T3: OR = 1.004 95% CI: 1.003–1.006; P for trend < 0.001). Stratified analyses confirmed that the positive correlation between SUA and HTG risk was significant, irrespective of sex, age or race. Conclusions In American children and adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, there was a pronounced association between SUA and HTG. SUA could serve as a risk indicator for HTG. It is recommended that children diagnosed with HTG should be regularly tested for SUA levels. In addition, it is recommended that SUA be included in the comprehensive care of children diagnosed with HTG.