Obesity may affect the blood tests used to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis in women, according to a study published in Arthritis Care & Research.
Blood tests that help determine rheumatoid arthritis involve testing for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which assess inflammation levels. The tests also help determine how well treatment is working in affected patients.
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Researchers examined data on 2,103 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and compared it with data from the general population.
The study shows a higher body mass index is linked to greater C-reactive protein, especially among women with severe obesity, women with rheumatoid arthritis and in the general population.
Additionally, there was a link between obesity and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in women.
In men, on the other hand, lower BMI was associated with greater C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.