Estimation of Iron Defeciency Anemia among Obese & Overweight Children in Benha University Hospital

Shalaby, Mohsen Mohamed; Omar, Hanaa Ramadan; Abd El-Ghafar, Amira Osama; Ibrahim, Manar Elsayed

doi:10.21608/bmfj.2025.410733.2598

Estimation of Iron Defeciency Anemia among Obese & Overweight Children in Benha University Hospital

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Professor of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine - Benha University

² Lecturer of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine - Benha University

³ Lecturer of Clinical & Chemical Pathology Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

⁴ (M.B.B.CH - Faculty of Medicine - Benha University- 2023)

10.21608/bmfj.2025.410733.2598

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is a widespread nutritional issue that affects children and teenagers across the globe. Recent insights from the Global Burden of Disease report reveal that ID anemia is the only nonfatal condition listed among the top 10 causes of disability-adjusted life years for this age group.. This study aimed to assess screen and determine the frequency and relation between overweight (OW), obesity and ID among young children in Benha University Hospital. Methods: This cross sectional and case control study included 100 obese and OW children. All studied cases were subjected to Lab measurements [Complete blood count, Iron profile, kidney and liver function test]. Anthropometric measurements: Weight, Height, The body mass index (BMI). Results: ROC analysis was done for BMI to predict ID anemia. It revealed that the AUC was 0.766, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.660 - 0.871. The best cutoff point was > 28.2, at which sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 75.8%, 60%, 44%, and 85.7%, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to predict ID anemia. The model revealed that obesity was associated with 5 times increased risk of ID anemia (OR=5.007, 95% CI=1.801 - 13.923, P=0.002), controlling for age and gender. Conclusion: IDA is prevalent among OW and obese children, with obesity and female gender identified as significant risk factors. These findings highlight the need for early screening and targeted interventions to address this dual burden of malnutrition in pediatric populations.

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