Correlation between Serum Homocysteine and Vitiligo Area Scoring Index

Iron-deficiency anemia in relation to body mass index among Iraqi primigravida women

Anemia affects approximately half a billion women of reproductive age worldwide, with 31% of pregnant women in Iraq aged 15-49 years experiencing anemia. This condition is associated with increased risks of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, including stillbirths, miscarriages, prematurity, and low birth weight. This study investigated the correlation between iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and body mass index (BMI) among primigravidae in Iraq. One hundred primiparous women in their third trimester were recruited from Baghdad Medical City Teaching Hospital and Teaching Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Karbala. Participants were categorized into four groups based on BMI: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m^2), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m^2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m^2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2). Demographic and medical history data were collected from the participants, and hematological investigations were conducted to measure hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and serum ferritin levels. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. The study enrolled 100 primiparous women, including 10 underweight, 24 normal weight, 28 overweight, and 38 obese participants. Analysis revealed a significant decrease in Hb levels among obese individuals compared to the normal weight group. Moreover, a significant difference in serum ferritin levels was observed between the obese and the other three groups (underweight, normal weight, and overweight). The findings indicated an inverse correlation between high BMI and serum ferritin and Hb levels. The study concluded that anemia is more common in obese pregnant women compared to normal-weight women. Furthermore, it demonstrates varying trends of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in relation to the body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women.

Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with vitiligo and their potential roles as disease activity biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hyperhomocysteinemia and folate and vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies have been reported in patients with vitiligo. Investigating the role of these conditions might shed light on the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B₁₂ levels in vitiligo patients.

METHODS

Online databases were searched on May 15, 2018, to identify studies comparing serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B₁₂ levels between patients with vitiligo and controls. A random effects model was used.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies involving a total of 1448 patients with vitiligo were included. Patients with vitiligo had significantly higher serum homocysteine levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.550, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.262-0.838; I² 87.3%) and lower vitamin B₁₂ levels (SMD -0.430, 95% CI -0.738 to -0.121; I² 85.3%) than controls. Serum folate levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (SMD -0.240, 95% CI -0.592 to 0.111; I² 85.5%). A subgroup analysis revealed that these findings correlated with disease activity.

LIMITATIONS

The included studies were heterogeneous. Serum homocysteine levels could be influenced by various factors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with vitiligo have higher serum homocysteine levels and lower vitamin B₁₂ levels than individuals without vitiligo.