Abstract:

The aim of this study is to investigate the hematological parameters and iron levels in obese children and adolescents in different age groups. Materials and Methods: This study included hundreds of four children and adolescents aged 3-18 years, followed by the Republic University School of Medicine, Children's Endocrinology Clinic. As a control group, 158 healthy children were taken in the same age and gender. The children were divided into group 1 (3-7 years old), group 2 (7-12 years old) and group 3 (12-18 years old). Hematological parameters, serum iron, iron bonding capacity (FeBK) and ferritin levels were compared, correlations with the Body Mass Index (VKI) were studied. Results: The average age was similar in control groups (10,66±3,40; 55.8 percent girls) and cases (10±4,16 percent girls). When compared with serum iron, FeBK, transferrin saturation and ferritin levels, in the age group of 12-18 years old, serum iron and transferrin saturation were lower, while ferritin and FeBK levels were higher (p<0,001). In the age group of 7-12 years, the levels of ferritin and FeBK were higher in obese children, while other parameters were similar. When the body mass index compared the correlations of the hematological parameters with the standard deviation (VKI-SDS), the VKI-SDS White Globe Number (r=0,46, p<0,001), the Absolute Nutrophil Number (r=0,40, p<0.001) and Ferritin (r=0,36, p<0,001) showed a positive correlation with the Transferrin Saturation Percentage (r=-0,22, p=0,02). The result: Obese adolescents tend to iron deficiency due to low saturation index. When researching the iron state in obesity, ferritin levels alone can be misleading.

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