Serum leptin level among malnourished children with and without pneumonia

ABSTRACT

Protein-energy malnutrition [PEM] is a significant problem among paediatric population, the most severe forms of PEM were marasmus and kwashiorkor. Infectious complications are important cause of death among children with PEM. PEM is a common cause of secondary immune deficiency and susceptibility to infection in humans. Malnutrition impairs the immunity through a variety of mechanisms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the serum leptin level in children with PEM with and without pneumonia. 60 children were included in the study; 20 were used as a control, 20 child had PEM with out infection and 20 child had PEM associated with pneumonia. All included children were subjected to nutritional assessments. Haematological tests [haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell [WBC] count and differentials including CD4 count and ratio, serum albumin, blood glucose, white blood cell count, urine nitrogen, and serum ferritin], and chest x-ray reports were done. The serum leptin level and CD4 ratio were significantly lower in both groups with PEM when compared to the control group [p < 0.001]. Also, serum leptin level and CD4 ratio were significantly lower in the groups with PEM and pneumonia one compared to the group with PEM without pneumonia [p<0.001]. The leptin hormone has an important role in immune system and its deficiency in PEM together with reduction of CD4 ratio are important factors for contracting infections