Study of some physiological and hematological parameters in obese women with arthritis

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Obesity and overweight refers to excessive buildup of fat in the body. Arthritis is a group of medical disorders associated with obesity and being overweight. Obesity associated with rheumatoid arthritis is more pronounced in women. In this study, we aimed to evaluate some physiological and hematological parameters in obese women with arthritis. Materials and Methods: This study included 90 women aged between 18 and 68 years. The women were divided into three groups based on their BMI as Obese (n=30), Obese+RA (n=30) and normal lean women as controls (n=30). Blood drawn from each participant was tested for their complete blood tests, lipid profiles, C-reactive protein reaction and presence of rheumatoid factor. Data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Our study revealed the mean +SE for age, WHR and BMI to be elevated in women in the obese as well as Obese+RA groups and to be significantly higher in comparison to women in the control group. Except for HDL, all the other lipid parameters were seen elevated in the obese and Obese+RA group and showed significant difference from the control group. Similarly, among the complete blood count indices only ESR, WBC and PLT were found to be significantly elevated in obese and Obese+RA groups. The prevalence percentage for CRP and RF was seen to be highest in individuals belonging to the Obese+RA group. Conclusion: Obese women as well as obese women with RA have elevated hematological and physiological parameters when compared to lean women.