Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of serum uric acid (SUA) and recurrent cerebral infarction in elderly patients. Methods A total of 1 033 acute ischemic stroke patients from 4 hospitals in Shangdong Province from January 2006 to December 2008 were recruited in the study. Data on demographic characteristics, life style, history of disease, SUA at admission and history of cerebral infarction were collected for all participants. Multi-variate non-conditioned logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation of SUA and recurrent cerebral infarction. Results The SUA 1evel was significantly higher in the patients with recurrence of cerebral infarction than in those with primary cerebral infarction. After adjustment for multivariate, the odds ratio (OD) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of recurrence was 1.002 (1.000?1.003) for every increased unit, indicating the association of SUA and recurrent cerebral infarction. Logistic analysis was then conducted according to quartile of SUA level. The results showed that the OD (95% CI) of recurrence was 1.951 (1.340?2.839) and 1.670 (1.140?2.448), respectively for the patients with SUA of 263 to 333μmol/L and ≥333μmol/L, when compared to those with SUA ＜211μmol/L. But there was no significant difference in those with SUA of 211 to 263μmol/L. Conclusion Elevated SUA is an independent predictor for the recurrence of cerebral infarction.