Association of Obesity-Induced Systemic Inflammation with Severity and Radiological Progression of Osteoarthropathy in Adult Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51985/Keywords:
C-reactive protein; Interleukin-6; Obesity; Osteoarthropathy; Radiographic progression; Systemic inflammationAbstract
Abstract
Objective: To determine the association of obesity-induced systemic inflammation with the severity and radiological progression of osteoarthropathy in adult patients.
Study Design and Setting: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Federal Government Polyclinic Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI), Islamabad, over two years, from August 2023 to August 2025.
Methodology: Non-probability consecutive sampling was used to enroll 387 adult participants aged 18–65 years. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Standard assays were used to measure laboratory parameters, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fasting glucose, and lipid profile. The radiological severity was determined using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 51.4 ± 8.8 years. Obese participants (n = 193) had significantly higher BMI (29.6 ± 3.4 kg/m²) than non-obese participants (23.5 ± 2.8 kg/m², p < 0.001). The median (interquartile range, IQR) hs-CRP was 4.8 (3.1–6.9) mg/L in obese participants and 2.1 (1.3–3.4) mg/L in non-obese participants (p < 0.001). Severe radiographic osteoarthropathy (KL grade 3–4) occurred in 42.3% of obese participants versus 24.7% of non-obese participants (÷² = 13.91, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: These results indicate that systemic inflammation, rather than mechanical loading, leads to disease pathology. Early detection could facilitate preventive and individualized approaches for obese patients in orthopedics.
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