This tool estimates the proportion of uric acid filtered by the kidneys that is ultimately excreted in the urine. It involves comparing the urine uric acid concentration to the serum uric acid concentration, alongside creatinine levels in both urine and serum. A simplified example: if 100 units of uric acid are filtered by the kidneys, and 10 units appear in the urine, the fractional excretion is 10%.
Assessing this proportion helps differentiate between various causes of hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels in the blood), such as overproduction or decreased excretion. This distinction is crucial for effective treatment. Historically, understanding uric acid handling by the kidneys has been fundamental in diagnosing and managing gout and kidney stones. This digital tool streamlines a previously manual calculation, improving efficiency and accessibility.
