Inflammatory markers in treated obese and non-obese pediatric hypertensive patients

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity, blood pressure (BP), and inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), in pediatric patients with hypertension receiving antihypertensive treatment. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 40 hypertensive pediatric patients aged 10–18 years, all undergoing at least three months of antihypertensive treatment. Participants were categorized into obese and non-obese groups based on body mass index (BMI). Group comparisons were performed, and correlations between BMI, BP, and inflammatory markers were analyzed. Serum IL-1 and TNF-α levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Both systolic BP (p=0.002) and diastolic BP (p<0.001) were significantly higher in obese patients. Median serum TNF-α was 2.37 (1.98–3.04) pg/mL in non-obese group, it was 3.04 (2.37–4.89) pg/mL, (p=0.032) in obese group. Median serum IL-1 was 1.23 (0.56–3.71) pg/mL in non-obese group, it was 2.47 (1.23–4.89) pg/mL, (p=0.035) in obese group. BMI showed a moderate correlation with SBP (r=0.484, p=0.002) and DBP (r=0.465, p=0.003), while its correlation with TNF-α was weak and borderline significant (r=0.312, p=0.05). No significant correlation was found between BMI and IL-1 (r=0.217, p=0.179). Conclusions Obesity in pediatric hypertension patients is associated with increased BP and elevated inflammatory markers, IL-1 and TNF-α. Effective weight management strategies should be integrated into pediatric hypertension treatment to mitigate inflammatory risks.