Serum leptin concentrations in children with mild-to-moderate protein-energy malnutrition

Background : The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between nutritional anthropometric parameters and serum leptin concentrations in otherwise healthy children with mild-to-moderate protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) secondary to inadequate energy intake. Methods : Eighty-one otherwise healthy children with poor appetite and inadequate energy intake were enrolled in the study. The anthropometric values were evaluated in all subjects. Fasting serum leptin concentrations were assessed. Results : Of the 81 otherwise healthy children, 30 were found to have mild-to-moderate PEM. The control group consisted of 51 healthy children who had normal anthropometric values, even though they had inadequate energy intake. There was a significant difference in serum leptin concentrations between the two groups (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between mean serum leptin concentrations and percentage of standard weight for height in the patient and the control group (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that percentage of standard BMI was the best predictor for serum leptin concentrations (P < 0.05). Conclusion : In addition to BMI, percentage of standard weight for height is a valuable nutritional anthropometric parameter for serum leptin concentrations in PEM and inadequate energy intake. However in the present study, percentage of standard BMI was the best predictor for serum leptin concentrations. Serum leptin concentrations are low not only in severe PEM, but also in children with mild-to-moderate PEM without chronic disease.