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Weight status of children with sickle cell disease

Anjulika Chawla1, Philippa G Sprinz, Jennifer Welch

  • 1Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Hasbro Children's Hospital, 593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903, USA. achawla@lifespan.org

Pediatrics
|March 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Nearly a quarter of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are overweight or obese. Higher hemoglobin levels correlate with increased weight status in pediatric SCD patients, warranting further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Public Health
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Historically, children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) often presented as underweight.
  • Advances in SCD treatment, such as hydroxyurea, have shown potential for improving growth trajectories.
  • This study investigates the relationship between hemoglobin levels and weight status in pediatric SCD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels are associated with increased weight status in children and adolescents with SCD.
  • To determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in a pediatric SCD population in New England.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review was conducted on 675 patients aged 2-19 years across 6 institutions in New England between 2007-2009.
  • Data collected included height, weight, baseline Hb levels, demographics, and comorbidities.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles were used to define underweight (<5th percentile) and overweight/obesity (≥85th/≥95th percentile).

Main Results:

  • In the study sample, 22.4% of children and adolescents with SCD were overweight or obese, while 6.7% were underweight.
  • Overweight/obesity was associated with non-Hb SS or Hb Sβ(0) genotypes and higher baseline Hb levels.
  • Each 1 g/dL increase in baseline Hb levels was associated with a 36% increased odds of being overweight/obese, after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion (nearly one-quarter) of children and adolescents with SCD in New England are overweight or obese.
  • Underweight status was linked to male gender, older age, and SCD-related complications.
  • Further longitudinal studies are essential to understand the long-term effects of elevated BMI on morbidity and mortality in individuals with SCD.
Abstract

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