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 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.