Analysis of C-reactive protein in obese patients during the preoperative period of bariatric surgery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between C-reactive protein levels and obesity in patients with severe obesity undergoing preoperative assessment for bariatric surgery, considering sex, age, body mass index, and comorbidities. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective study conducted at a private healthcare service in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Anonymized data from patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2023 and 2024 were analyzed, excluding revisional procedures. The variables assessed included sex, age, body mass index, comorbidities, and serum C-reactive protein levels. Results: The sample comprised 109 patients, predominantly female (86.2%), with a mean age of 34.87 years and a mean body mass index of 41.37 kg/m²; 53.2% presented class III obesity. Serum C-reactive protein levels consistent with high inflammatory risk (>3 mg/L) were observed in 78% of participants. The most frequent comorbidities were arthropathies (29.4%) and arterial hypertension (14.7%). A significant association was found between serum C-reactive protein levels and obesity grade (p=0.0006), particularly in class III obesity, with no association observed with sex, age, or other comorbidities. Conclusion: Elevated C-reactive protein levels were associated with a higher degree of obesity, reinforcing the presence of chronic inflammation in these patients.