Evaluation of Different Diagnostic Strategies in the Assessment and Management of Metabolic Syndrome Patients in South, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Metabolic syndrome (Mets), characterized by frequent co-occurrence of obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels and insulin resistance, demonstrates a higher likelihood than random chance and exhibits a notable genetic influence. It is a huge public health problem worldwide that is responsible for a growing number of premature deaths throughout the world. The study aims to investigate the levels of serum ferritin (SF), fibrinogen (FIB) and some Liver Function Tests (LFT) among metabolic syndrome patients in UCTH (University of Calabar Teaching Hospital). Materials and Methods: A total number of 120 subjects (60 controls and 60 tests) were selected. The SF, FIB and LFT testing were done using ELISA, dry weight clot method and colorimetric method, respectively. The result was presented in tables and graphs±SD and was obtained using student’s t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The highest percentage age range was 40-52 (42%), female subjects (52%) and married individuals (90%). Mets patient test subjects had higher mean values of the parameters than the control and were statistically significant (p<0.001). Males had higher levels of the parameters in contrast to females who had lower levels with the exception of FIB. The age range of Mets patients’, showed an increase in SF level as they got older and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). The AST and ALT also showed a decrease in the level as the age range increased and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that SF, FIB alongside AST and ALT should be included in a panel of tests for diagnosis of Mets in the hospitals for better assessment and management of patients.