Metabolic Syndrome Patients Need Iron Monitoring

The addition of serum ferritin to routine evaluation of metabolic syndrome patients would help identify a subgroup of patients at risk for iron-related tissue damage.

"The metabolic syndrome, clinically defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII), affects approximately 25% of western adults," Dr. Domenico Girelli, and colleagues from the University of Verona, write. "The metabolic syndrome is closely linked to insulin resistance and implies an increased cardiovascular risk," they note. "Accumulating evidence suggests a link between body iron excess and insulin metabolism."

To further investigate, the researchers examined the prevalence of iron overload in 269 metabolic syndrome patients and 210 controls. The researchers performed laboratory analyses, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and defined a potentially relevant iron overload as ferritin greater than 300 mcg/L in men and greater than 200 mcg/L in women.

"Mean ferritin levels were higher in metabolic syndrome subjects than in control subjects and increased linearly with the increasing number of metabolic syndrome features" (p < 0.001), Dr. Girelli’s team reports.

None of the metabolic syndrome features differed significantly between metabolic syndrome patients with or without hyperferritinemia. Metabolic syndrome patients had a significantly higher prevalence of iron overload than control subjects.
Multiple linear or logistic regression models were used to test independent associations between body iron excess and metabolic syndrome features. The models revealed that triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio and body mass index were independent predictors.
The investigators conclude that metabolic syndrome patients with elevated serum ferritin may be at risk of iron-related tissue damage and may be candidates for therapeutic intervention.
Diabetes Care 2005;28:2061-2063.

============================

Learn about the new Steps-To-Health Program. A program like no other. It will motivate your patients to increasing their physical activity while they are having fun.
https://www.steps-to-health.org/