Related Experiment Videos
Haemorheologic and fibrinolytic evaluation in obese children and adolescents
E Cacciari1, A Balsamo, G Palareti
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Bologna, Italy.
Insights
Obese children exhibit significant haemorheologic and haemostatic alterations, including higher blood viscosity and impaired fibrinolysis. These changes in pediatric obesity may increase the risk of vascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing health concern.
- Obesity is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular risks.
- Haemorheologic factors in pediatric obesity require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate haemorheologic and haemostatic parameters in obese children.
- To compare these parameters with those of healthy, non-obese children.
- To identify potential vascular risk factors in pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- Blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, and erythrocyte filtration time were measured.
- Euglobulin lysis time (ELT) was assessed, both basally and after DDAVP stimulation.
- Lipid profiles, insulin, glucose, and HbA1c levels were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Obese children showed significantly higher blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, and erythrocyte filtration time compared to controls.
- Elevated triglycerides, NEFA, pre-beta-lipoprotein, and insulin levels were observed in obese children.
- Impaired fibrinolysis, indicated by higher ELT, was found in obese children.
Conclusions:
- Obese children present with significant haemorheologic disturbances and altered haemostatic balance.
- These findings suggest that impaired fibrinolysis and altered blood rheology are risk factors for vascular changes in childhood.
- Early identification and management of these factors are crucial for preventing long-term vascular complications.
Abstract:
The haemorheologic condition was evaluated in 43 obese children and 35 controls. In 18 of the obese children and in 21 controls the euglobulin lysis time (ELT) was also studied. Blood viscosity at 94.5 and at 0.204 s-1 shear rates, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen and erythrocyte filtration time were significantly higher in obese than in control children. No significant differences were observed in haematocrit levels. Triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), pre-beta-lipoprotein and insulin rates were all significantly higher in obese than in control children. There were no significant differences in glycaemia and in haemoglobin A1 values. ELT, both basal and after stimulation with 1-deamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin (DDAVP), was significantly higher in the obese than in control children. The haemorheologic disturbances together with alterations of the haemostatic balance and fibrinolysis may be an important risk factor for the development of vascular changes at paediatric age.