Highly sensitive C-reactive protein in metabolic syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome is known to predispose to atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation is significantly associated with the atherosclerotic process. Methods: We prospectively studied the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with various components of metabolic syndrome in 91 patients with metabolic syndrome at our tertiary care centre in South India. Results: The mean age of patients was 57.5 ± 9.8 years; there were 67 (73.6%) males. On univariate analysis, hs-CRP was found to be significantly increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (p < 0.021) and those with abnormal waist circumference (p<0.003). There was no significant association between hs-CRP and high triglycerides, hypertension, and reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Further, hs-CRP increased significantly with increasing number of components of metabolic syndrome (p< 0.008). Conclusions: Measurement of hs-CRP can be used as a surrogate marker of chronic inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome.