Background: Our aim was to associate serum uric acid (UA) with muscle mass, strength and functional capacity in kidney transplant patients (KTPs).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 113 KTPs. The fat-free mass and total and appendicular muscle mass were estimated by performing a bioelectrical impedance analysis. The strength was evaluated using the handgrip strength test (HGS) and the five times sit to stand test (5STS). The functional capacity was evaluated using the 4 m walk test and the short physical performance battery (SPPB).
Results: Linear regression showed that the UA levels were positively associated with the muscle mass, fat-free mass, appendicular muscle mass, muscle mass index and appendicular muscle mass index. The 5STS results (seconds) were inversely associated with the UA levels, showing that individuals with higher UA were more likely to have more strength. However, UA was not associated with the HGS, 4 m walk test and SPPB results.
Conclusion: UA levels were positively associated with muscle mass and strength, but not with functional capacity, in KTPs.
Keywords: muscle function; renal patients; sarcopenia; uric acid.