Obesity-induced hematologic changes in children in sub-Saharan Africa are poorly documented. The aim of this study is to determine obese adolescents’ hematological profiles and analyze the associations between some anthropometric and hematological parameters. A cross-sectional and comparative study was carried out in Brazzaville among adolescents attending school. A total of 82 adolescents (aged 11 - 17 years: mean age: 14.9 years), were enrolled in the study and were divided into 45 obese, 17 overweight and 20 normal-weight subjects. Anthropometric measurements were performed. Blood samples were taken to determine the number of leukocytes, red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Our results show that values of hematological parameters noted in obese adolescents were significantly higher than normal-weight subjects: leukocytes, 7.14 vs. 6.17 (×1012/L); red blood cells, 4.90 vs. 4.84 (×106/mm3); platelets, 305.03 vs. 380.41 (×106/L), hemoglobin, 14.16 vs. 13.92 (g/dL), hematocrit, 42.62% vs. 40.83%. The same trend was found after adjustment for age and sex. After adjustment for age, the BMI Z-score remained closely correlated with all hematological variables. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between waist circumference and red blood cell levels (r = 0.258; p = 0.024), and hemoglobin levels (r = 0.213; p = 0.031). In conclusion, these results highlight the need to strengthen the management of obese children in order to prevent potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
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