The association of hematological parameters and metabolic syndrome in an older population: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective: Hematological parameters play a significant role in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its development in the elderly, but the association and different ability of each parameter to predict MetS have not been investigated in the very old populations. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional and longitudinal study included 18,907 participants aged over 65 years and followed up until MetS development with a mean duration of 4 years from the entry date. MetS was diagnosed according to the latest harmonized criteria with modification for waist circumference. Correlations between hematological parameters and MetS were analyzed and operating characteristic curves were compared among each parameter. Stratification was conducted by gender and age as follows: young-old (65-74 years), old-old (75-84 years), and oldest-old (85-94 years). Results: White blood cell count (WBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in both genders of young-old (65-74 years) and old-old (75-84 years) and platelet (PLT) in young-old (65-74 years) males were independent factors for risk of MetS. However, only WBC (P < 0.001) and Hb level (P < 0.001) in young-old (65-74 years) males and Hb level (P = 0.03) in old-old (75-84 years) females were independent factors of future MetS development. For predicting MetS, WBC and Hb levels were better markers than PLT in the old-old (75-84 years) and young-old (65-74 years) males group. In young-old (65-74 years) females, WBC was the most sensitive marker. Conclusions: Hematological parameters were associated with MetS, showing gender and age effects. These findings can be used for risk estimation of MetS development in the older population.

Keywords

• Hemoglobin
• metabolic syndrome estimation
• platelet
• the elderly
• white blood cell count