Predicting C reactive protein levels using the metabolic syndrome criteria in a nationally representative sample (2017-2018 NHANES data)

cross-validation
outcome transformation
boxCox
model comparison
linear regression
Published

12/10/20

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome is highly associated with inflammation, which is an independent risk factor for an acute coronary event. Studies suggest that as the criteria of metabolic syndrome increase, so does C-Reactive Protein (CRP), which is a marker of inflammation. Waist circumference has continually shown to influence CRP, and if decreased, then the CR{ will decrease as well. For men and women the criteria for metabolic syndrome include a waist circumference >40 cm and >35 cm, respectively.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a population-based, health survey of noninstitutionalized United States residents conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the CDC. NHANES uses a probability sampling method and oversamples for certain subgroups. Participants completed household surveys, which included demographic questions and medical history. Laboratory samples were collected and physical examinations were conducted. The population in this study consisted of adults age 20-79 from years 2017-2018. Further eligibility consisted of complete data on crp levels, waist circumference, ethnicity, sex, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure.

Questions

  1. Using the 2017-2018 NHANES data, how well can CRP level be predicted from waist circumference after adjusting for sex?

  2. Does the prediction meaningfully improve after adjusting for metabolic syndrome criteria and ethnicity?

Methods and Results

Please see attached analysis below