Study of serum leptin level in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to measure serum leptin levels in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease and to examine its possible role in growth in these children. Background Leptin has been shown to be an integral component of energy homeostasis and regulation of body weight. Leptin regulates adipose tissue mass and correlates with the fat mass. Research on the physiological function of leptin has primarily focused on its role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Children with congenital heart disease are at increased risk for poor growth. Several factors may play a role in poor growth, including feeding difficulties, increased caloric requirements, and the effects of cardiac lesions on growth regulation. Patients and methods This study was carried out over 1 year on 35 patients with congenital heart disease [20 patients were acyanotic (12 boys, 8 girls) and 15 patients were cyanotic (9 boys, 6 girls)] in the Pediatric Cardiology Department in Menoufia University Hospital and 35 apparently healthy children of the same age (range: 3 months–12 years), sex, and socioeconomic status. All patients and controls were subjected to a complete assessment of history, a thorough clinical examination, chest radiograph, ECG, echocardiography, and measurement of serum leptin level. Results Children with cyanotic congenital heart disease had statistically significant lower weight, length, mid-arm circumference, and BMI. There was no statistically significant difference in serum leptin levels in the cyanotic, acyanotic, and control groups. Serum leptin level was correlated positively with BMI and mid-arm circumference in all groups. Conclusion Serum leptin level did not change in children with acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart disease, suggesting that other factors may regulate nutrient intake, growth, weight, and energy input and output in these children.