Changes in iron profile after bariatric surgery in patients Changes in iron profile after bariatric surgery in patients referred to the obesity clinic at Hazrat Fatima Al-Zahra Hospital

Baratlou, A; Eghbali, F; Khosravi Mashizi, M; Soleimani, M

Changes in iron profile after bariatric surgery in patients Changes in iron profile after bariatric surgery in patients referred to the obesity clinic at Hazrat Fatima Al-Zahra Hospital

Authors

A Baratlou ¹

F Eghbali ²

M Khosravi Mashizi ¹

M Soleimani ³

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences

² Assistant Professor of General Surgery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Rasoul Akram Hospital

³ General Physician, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background and Objective: Obesity, as a global health crisis, not only imposes an economic burden but also increases the prevalence of obesity-related diseases. Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for weight loss in obese individuals; however, it is associated with potential complications, including nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the six-month changes in the iron profile following bariatric surgery in obese patients attending the Obesity Clinic at Hazrat Fatemeh Al-Zahra (S) Hospital. Materials & Methods: This cohort study was conducted on 146 obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery between October 2023 and October 2024. Patients with anemia-related conditions or those taking iron supplements or medications affecting iron metabolism were excluded. Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data, including iron profile indicators (ferritin, serum iron, hemoglobin, etc.), were extracted from the National Obesity Surgery Database and recorded before surgery and at three and six months postoperatively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests, including paired t-tests, in SPSS version 25. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant changes were observed in ferritin levels before and three months after surgery in OAGB, SAGI, and SG procedures. In OAGB, ferritin increased from 68.55 ± 72.84 before surgery to 87.75 ± 73.41 at three months postoperatively (P = 0.007). In SAGI, it increased from 87.14 ± 19.8 to 152.87 ± 68.62 (P = 0.03), and in SG, from 60.05 ± 34.81 to 82.63 ± 54.41 (P = 0.001). Additionally, in OAGB, MCV increased significantly from 84.41 ± 5.46 before surgery to 85.87 ± 5.1 at three months postoperatively (P = 0.001). After six months, a significant decrease in mean hemoglobin levels was observed in OAGB patients, dropping from 13.62 ± 1.34 before surgery to 13.14 ± 1.17 postoperatively (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Bariatric surgery has a significant impact on patients’ iron profiles, with variations depending on factors such as age and gender. The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and implementing nutritional interventions post-surgery to prevent deficiencies. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are recommended.

Keywords

Obesity

Bariatric Surgery

Nutritional Deficiencies

Iron Profile

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