Association between leptin and weight gain in patients receiving iron treatment

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between leptin and weight gain in patients receiving iron treatment.

Materials and Methods: A total of 42 female patients who were diagnosed with IDA were included in the study. Whole blood count, serum iron, serum unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), serum ferritin level were measured at the time of diagnosis and on month one after treatment; serum hepcidin level and serum leptin level were measured at the time of diagnosis and 96 hours after commencement of parenteral therapy; body weight and appetite alterations were recorded at the time of diagnosis and on month one.

Results: A statistically significant difference was not found between hepcidin and leptin values at the time of diagnosis and after treatment. Increased appetite was detected in 22 (52.4%) patients on month one after treatment. While mean weight of all patients was 69.6 +/- 17.9 kg at the time of diagnosis, it was 70.7 +/- 17.5 kg on month one after treatment and there was a statistically significant difference between two values.

Conclusion: Our study revealed that appetite and body weight increased following iron therapy, consistently with our observations and hypothesis. However no significant relationship was found with leptin levels and weight increase.