1.The Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperferritinemia
Ankhbayar B ; Chuluunbileg B ; Amartaivan J ; Nyamdorj D ; Sarantuya E ; Uurtuya Sh
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):30-35
Background:
Hyperferritinemia, characterized by elevated serum ferritin levels, affects approximately 5–25% of the general
population. Given the frequent coexistence of liver iron overload syndrome and metabolic syndrome—both of which
significantly contribute to global morbidity and mortality—it is essential to investigate their interconnections. However,
there is a lack of sufficient evidence, both in Mongolia and internationally, regarding the relationship between iron storage
indicators, metabolic syndrome, and its components. A deeper understanding of iron’s role in disease progression is
needed.
Aim:
This study aims to assess the association between hyperferritinemia and metabolic syndrome parameters.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical observational study was conducted on 159 male participants who
met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements
were taken. Blood samples were analyzed to determine glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) levels using an automated biochemical analyzer. Serum ferritin concentrations were measured via the ELISA
method (DRG Instruments GmbH, Germany), with hyperferritinemia defined as a serum ferritin level exceeding 400 ng/
ml. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the Harmonized criteria. Statistical analyses included the chi-square
test and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data, and
Spearman’s correlation test to assess relationships between glycemic levels, lipid parameters, and metabolic syndrome
components.
Results:
The findings indicate that 59 participants (37.1%) had metabolic syndrome, while 33 (20.8%) presented with
hyperferritinemia. The presence of metabolic syndrome and hyperglycemia increased the likelihood of developing hyperferritinemia
by 3.4 and 3.7 times, respectively, whereas abdominal obesity raised the risk by 2.2 times.
Conclusion
There was a significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and certain parameters of metabolic syndrome
among the male participants in this study.
2.Prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in patients with hemophilia
Narangerel B ; Ankhbayar D ; Munkhuu A ; Burenbayar Ch ; Odgerel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):42-45
Background:
Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are among the most common forms of anemia
worldwide. Although the underlying causes of ID may vary depending on a country’s developmental level, lifestyle, and
other factors, blood loss remains the principal cause leading to ID and subsequent IDA. In hemophilia, recurrent bleeding
due to deficiencies of coagulation factors (FVIII, FIX, FXI) can lead to ID, which may progress to IDA and adversely
affect the quality of life in these patients. The absence of studies evaluating the prevalence of ID and IDA among hemophiliac
patients in Mongolia provided the impetus for this investigation.
Aim:
To assess the prevalence of ID and IDA among patients with hemophilia.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45 patients with hemophilia registered at the Hemophilia
Comprehensive Center (HCC), Mongolia-Japan Hospital, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences.
All participants underwent laboratory testing, including complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin levels—were
performed using the SYSMEX XN2000 and COBAS BM6010 analyzers. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 27.0
and MS Excel 2010.
Results:
Among the 45 cases, 41 were Hemophilia A and 4 were Hemophilia B. Reduced serum iron levels were found in
33.3% (15), and low ferritin levels were observed in 22.2%. Detailed blood tests revealed microcytic hypochromic changes
in 43.9% (18) of Hemophilia A cases and in 100% (4) of Hemophilia B cases. The overall prevalence of ID was 13.3%,
while the prevalence of IDA was 22.2%. Among the IDA cases, 90.0% were classified as mild and 10.0% as moderate.
Notably, 80.0% of the IDA cases occurred in children under 15 years of age.
Conclusion
ID and IDA are common among hemophiliac patients. The high prevalence among children under 15 years
of age suggests an age-related predisposition, emphasizing the need to improve disease management and to implement
preventive measures against anemia in this population.
3.Management and monitoring of hypokalemia occurring during certain diseases
Temuulen Ts ; Maral B ; Baasanjargal B ; Agidulam Z ; Burenbayar Ch ; Ankhbayar D ; Tsogdulam S ; Amardulguun S ; Otgon-Erdene M ; Anujin G ; Khongorzul U1 ; Delgermaa Sh ; Odgerel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):51-54
Background:
Hypokalemia is considered when the serum potassium level is less than 3.5 mmol/L. Clinical research indicates
that hypokalemia affects 20% of hospitalized patients, and in 24% of these cases, inadequate interventions result
in life-threatening complications. At present, there is no research available on the prevalence, management, and outcomes
of hypokalemia in hospitalized patients, which justifies the need for this study.
Aim:
The study aimed to examine the prevalence of hypokalemia and the effectiveness of its management in hospitalized
patients within the internal medicine department, in relation to the knowledge of doctors and resident physicians.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based retrospective study included a total of 553 cases of patients hospitalized in
the Internal Medicine Department of the Mongolia Japan Hospital between January 2024 and August 2024. Patients with
a potassium level of <3.5 mmol/L were diagnosed with hypokalemia, and the effectiveness of potassium replacement
therapy was evaluated according to the method of supplementation employed.
Results:
The prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department was 9.8%
(54 cases). Based on the study criteria, 42 cases of hypokalemia were selected for further analysis, and a total of 118 potassium
replacements were performed through oral, intravenous, and mixed methods. Following potassium replacement
therapy, 37.3% (44) of patients achieved normalized potassium levels, while 62.7% (74) still had persistent hypokalemia.
Conclusion
According to the study results, the prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal
Medicine Department is 9.8%. The method of potassium replacement and the severity of hypokalemia do not impact the
normalization of potassium levels, with the critical factor being the proper dosage of supplementation. The knowledge
of doctors and resident physicians regarding hypokalemia is insufficient, and there is a need to implement guidelines and
protocols for potassium replacement therapy in daily clinical practice.