Hemostatic balance alterations in obese children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Hematology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Childhood obesity is associated with metabolic abnormalities, including higher blood glucose, cholesterol, and insulin levels.
• Obesity in adults is linked to impaired fibrinolytic activity and altered coagulation, increasing thrombotic risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the fibrinolytic response and other clotting parameters in obese children compared to normal-weight controls.
• To assess potential early alterations in the clotting balance in prepubertal obese children.

Main Methods:

• Fibrinolytic response to venous occlusion and clotting parameters (ATIII, F VIII:C, F VIII:R Ag) were measured in obese children and controls.
• Platelet aggregation capacity was assessed using the Breddin method in a larger cohort of obese and normal prepubertal children.

Main Results:

• Obese children exhibited a significantly poorer fibrinolytic response after venous occlusion compared to controls (203.2 vs. 114.7 min, p<0.01).
• Lower levels of Antithrombin III (ATIII) were observed in obese children (p<0.01), with no significant changes in Factor VIII.
• Platelet aggregation capacity was altered in a high proportion of obese children (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Obese children demonstrate impaired fibrinolysis and altered platelet aggregation, indicating an early shift in the clotting balance.
• These hemostatic abnormalities in obese children resemble those seen in obese adults, suggesting a potential predisposition to thrombotic events.
• The findings highlight the need for early intervention strategies to address clotting dysregulation in pediatric obesity.