Assessing the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and kidney function in hypertensive patients in southern part of Nigeria’’
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Abstract
Background: Low-grade vascular inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and is commonly observed in individuals with impaired renal function. Hypertension, a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has been associated with elevated inflammatory markers and declining kidney function. This study compared serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) levels and renal function between hypertensive patients and normotensive individuals.
Methods: This hospital-based case–control study included 300 participants recruited at Central Hospital, Warri, Nigeria, between January 2023 and March 2024. Participants comprised 200 adults with hypertension and 100 normotensive controls. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum HSCRP levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were measured. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Hypertensive participants were significantly older than controls (58.11 ± 13.03 vs 43.71 ± 10.67 years; p<0.001) and had a higher proportion of females (73.5% vs 47.0%; p=0.007). Impaired renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) was more prevalent among hypertensives than controls (26.5% vs 8.0%; p=0.004). Mean HSCRP levels were significantly higher in hypertensive patients (4.22 ± 3.30 vs 1.51 ± 1.48 mg/L; p<0.001). Among hypertensives, HSCRP showed a weak but significant negative correlation with eGFR (r=–0.142; p=0.044).
Conclusion: Hypertensive patients exhibit increased inflammatory burden and a higher prevalence of renal impairment. The inverse association between HSCRP and eGFR suggests that inflammation may contribute to declining kidney function, underscoring the need for early detection of subclinical inflammation and renal dysfunction in hypertension.
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