Characteristics of the Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood and Adolescence

1 Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases,

2 Clinic of Children and Genetic Diseases, “Sv. Georgy” University Hospital, Plovdiv, Medical University, Plovdiv

 

Abstract:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) was considered as a disease of adulthood until recently. At present, however, disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetic conditions, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, that are all components of MS are becoming more common in children and adolescents. During the growth and development the children and adolescents undergo pronounced physiological changes, so it is difficult to establish precise criteria for the presence of MS. The deviation of certain anthropometric and biochemical parameters from the norm is based on percentiles, that depend on age and gender. In relation to this, a consensus statement of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2007 defined an obligatory criterion for MS in children and adolescents an increased waist circumference above the 90th percentile and presence of at least 2 of the following 4 alterations: triglycerides (TG) above the 95th percentile; HDLcholesterol below the 5th percentile; systolic or diastolic blood pressure above the 95th percentile; impaired glucose tolerance. In children over 16 years of age the IDF criteria for MS, which are valid for individuals in adulthood, can be used. The prevalence of MS in children and adolescents is gradually rising, mainly due to the unhealthy lifestyle in the modern society. A targeted strategy to assess risk factors for the development of MS in this age group is needed as well as an accurate diagnosis and treatment of all components of the syndrome in order to prevent complications and

associated diseases in later life.

 

Keywords: metabolic syndrome, obesity; childhood, adolescence