Red cell distribution width and high sensitivity C-reactive protein as risk markers in hypertension.

ABSTRACT

Background: Even though red cell distribution width (RDW) and C reactive protein (CRP) are considered as markers of inflammation and cardiac injury studies on the diagnostic and/or prognostic applications of these parameters as renal markers in hypertension (HT) are scanty. Objective: To evaluate the association, if any, between RDW and high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) with renal complication in HT. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with clinically proved hypertension under treatment formed the test group and 60 age and sex matched healthy adults formed the control group. . Blood collected in EDTA was used for complete blood cell count (CBC). Serum was separated immediately after clotting and is used for the estimation of hs-CRP by particle enhanced immunonephelometry. Results: A significant elevation in hs-CRP was observed in both the male and female patients with HT compared to the control group. In the case of RDW even though the values were higher in the test group than control, the elevation was significant only in the male test subjects indicating they are at a higher risk than the females. Conclusion: The elevation of hs-CRP and RDW in the test group suggest that inflammation may be one of the cause or effect of hypertension. Long term inflammation may lead to chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease hence monitoring of these markers may be of use in predicting the outcome of hypertension.