Positive Associations between Body Mass Index and Hematological Parameters, Including RBCs, WBCs, and Platelet Counts, in Korean Children and Adolescents.

Hwal Rim Jeong,Hae Sang Lee,Young Suk Shim,Jin Soon Hwang

doi:10.3390/children9010109

Hwal Rim Jeong, Hae Sang Lee + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/children9010109

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Journal: Children	Publication Date: Jan 14, 2022
Citations: 15	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Soonchunhyang University, Ajou University Hospital

Abstract

We conducted this study to investigate the associations between hematological parameters and obesity in children and adolescents. The levels of hematological parameters (including white blood cells [WBCs], red blood cells [RBCs], hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [Hct], and platelets) of 7997 participants (4259 boys and 3738 girls) aged 10–18 years were recorded. The parameters were compared among participants with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Significantly higher mean levels of WBCs (7.16 vs. 6.16 × 103/mm3, p < 0.001), RBCs (4.90 vs. 4.82 × 106/mm3, p < 0.001), Hb (14.07 vs. 13.99 g/dL, p < 0.05), Hct (42.31 vs. 41.91%, p < 0.001), and platelets (311.87 vs. 282.66 × 103/mm3, p < 0.001) were found in the obese than normal weight group, respectively, after adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and sex. BMI SDS had significant positive associations with the levels of WBCs (β = 0.275, p < 0.001), RBCs (β = 0.028, p < 0.001), Hb (β = 0.034, p < 0.001), Hct (β = 0.152, p < 0.001), and platelets (β = 8.372, p < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic factors in a multiple linear regression analysis. A higher BMI was associated with elevated WBC, RBC, Hb, Hct, and platelet counts in children and adolescents. Because higher levels of hematological parameters are potential risk factors for obesity-related diseases, hematological parameters should be evaluated in obese children and adolescents.

Highlights

Obesity is characterized by excessive body fat mass or weight
OB individuals had higher mean levels of hematological parameters and serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and a lower serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C compared with non-OB individuals
The current study investigated the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and hematological parameters in Korean children and adolescents

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly worldwide, including among children [1]. Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, which contributes to atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome (MS) [2,3,4]. MS refers to a constellation of abnormalities, including central obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure [5]. MS is a precursor of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [6]. Childhood obesity leads to adult obesity and MS [7,8] and is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality [9]. Prevention and early treatment of childhood obesity and related comorbidities are important challenges for public health care systems

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