Comparison of high sensitivity C-reactive protein level between obese and non-obese pregnant women

ABSTRACT

To find out whether obesity is associated with low grade systemic inflammation as measured by serum c-reactive proteins [CRP] levels. Cooperative Observational Study. This was conducted in the department of Physiology BMSI, JPMC with the collaboration of gynecology and obstetric department of JPMC Karachi from October 2008 to May 2009. This study includes thirty obese pregnant women and thirty normal weight pregnant women as a control group of similar age, sex, height and gestational age. Subjects were randomly selected from gynae OPD of JPMC Karachi. The mean values of C - reactive protein concentration was higher in obese pregnant women as compared with control group [4.3 +/- 0.16 mg/L vs 9.0 +/- 12 mg/L]. It showed statistically significant positive correlation with body mass index [BMI]. Higher BMI was associated with higher C-Reactive proteins concentration. These findings suggest a state of low-grade systemic inflammation in obese pregnant women