Association of hemogram parameters with body mass index in knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between hemogram parameters, which are low-cost, easy, routinely applied low-grade inflammation indicators, and severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and obesity. Materials and Methods: This study involved 140 KOA patients aged 45 to 85 who underwent knee radiographs, weight and height measurements, and routine laboratory tests. Recorded data included demographic information (gender, age), body mass index (BMI), routine hemogram, and laboratory parameters. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scores (mild: KL 1-3, severe: KL 4) and four groups according to their BMI (BMI 35). Results: The findings revealed significantly elevated levels of serum Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in severe KOA compared to mild KOA (P30 in mild KOA groups, while mean blood NLR was notably higher in patients with BMI=30-35 in severe KOA groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that NLR and NMR could provide a new perspective on the relationship between obesity and mild KOA in clinical practice, presenting a cost-effective and easily applicable alternative for determining disease prognosis and progression.