OBJECTIVE: To find out association of serum C - reactive protein (CRP) with obesity as an
inflammatory marker in obese pregnant women as compared to non-obese pregnant women.
METHODS: This comparative observational study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry,
Peoples Medical College for Girls Nawabshah, during the period of January 2010 to December
2010. A total of eighty pregnant women of age range 20 – 40 years in their 3rd trimester were recruited in the study. Of these forty were obese and forty non-obese women. Non-obese pregnant
women were grouped as control group. Serum C-reactive protein was measured by ELISA
method. Data analysis including independent t-test and correlation analysis was carried out. P
value up to 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS: Serum C - reactive protein concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.001) in obese
pregnant women as compared to control group (9.1 ± 0.12 mg /L vs 4.3 ± 0.16 mg /L), which indicate ongoing low grade systemic inflammation at more advanced level in obese pregnant
women.
CONCLUSION: In pregnant women, higher BMI is associated with higher C-reactive protein concentration. These findings highlight a state of low grade systemic inflammation in obese pregnant women. Measures should be taken to control profound weight increase during pregnancy to
avoid complications during or after pregnancy.
