Lipid profile in anemia: Is there any correlation?

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the pattern of lipid profile among subjects with or without anemia. Methods: All proven cases of anemia (hemoglobin <13 g% in men and <12 g% in women), irrespective of the causes, were included as cases. The controls were age-and sex-matched population without anemia. Patients with underlying diseases/medication that could affect either lipid profile or anemia were excluded from the study. The data collected include demographics and laboratory investigations such as complete hemogram, random blood sugar, serum creatinine, liver function tests, serum ferritin, serum iron, and fasting lipid profile. Results: A total of 200 participants were included in the study, which includes 100 cases and 100 controls. The mean cholesterol in patients with anemia is 122.47 ± 29.32 mg/dl, whereas in controls is 160.43 ± 38.91 mg/dl. The mean serum triglyceride level in patients with anemia was 89.41 ± 33.1532 mg/dl and in control group was 111.45 ± 40.6632 mg/dl. Mean high-density lipoprotein levels were 36.13 ± 12.8132 mg/dl in anemic patients and 45 ± 13.032 mg/dl in control group, whereas low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level was 70.12 ± 21.64 mg/dl in the anemic group and 100.45 ± 30.8032 mg/dl in control group. Very LDL levels were higher in control group (21.96 ± 8.132 mg/dl) compared to the anemic group (18.34 ± 7.6432 mg/dl). The differences between two groups with regard to all lipoprotein levels were statistically significant; all the values being lower in anemic patients. Conclusion: Lipoproteins levels were significantly lower in anemic patients compared to nonanemic patients, and the reduction was proportionate to the severity of anemia. Type of anemia did not have any effect on lipid profile.