Positive association between LDH to albumin ratio and arthritis: A cross-sectional NHANES study (1999–2010)

Arthritis is a prevalent condition posing a significant threat to human health. The lactate dehydrogenase to albumin ratio (LAR) has been recognized as a key indicator for the onset and progression of various diseases. However, its association with arthritis remains incompletely investigated. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2010). Arthritis identification was based on self-reported information. We employed weighted logistic regression analysis to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between log2-transformed LAR (log2(LAR)) and arthritis. We also employed subgroup and sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of results. Among 8616 participants, 2229 had arthritis. After full covariate adjustment, log2(LAR) was significantly associated with arthritis (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.16-2.01; P = .003). Participants in the highest log2(LAR) quartile had a 37% higher arthritis risk versus the lowest quartile (adjusted OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.07-1.74; P = .013). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed result stability. Elevated log2(LAR) levels were associated with increased risk of arthritis (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.16-2.01; P = .003).