Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Components and High Atherogenic Index in Obese Nondiabetic Children

Ashraf Soliman; Noor Hamed; Fawzia Alyafei; Nada Alaaraj; Shayma Mohamed

doi:10.1530/endoabs.99.EP649

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of distinct Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) components and plasma AIP among obese children and adolescents, and to evaluate their anthropometric measures in comparison to their parents, thereby considering genetic and environmental influences.

Methodology: Anthropometric and biochemical profiles of 91 randomly selected obese children and young adolescents (mean age: 10.5±2.7 years) were meticulously analyzed. This cohort attended the Pediatric Clinic of Hamad Medical Center (HGH) in Doha (Qatar) between January 2018 and December 2020. Recorded data encompassed age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as key biochemical parameters such as lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), and alanine transferase (ALT) levels, which were subsequently compared to age-matched normative values.

Results: Among mothers, 44% were overweight (BMI >25 < 30 kg/m²), while 52.7% were obese (BMI>30 kg/m²; range 24.5 - 51.5 kg/m²). Similarly, 18% of fathers were overweight, while 64% were obese (range 21.5 - 51.2 kg/m²). A significant correlation emerged between the BMI of obese children and young adolescents and their maternal BMI (r: 0.34, P=0.01), although not with paternal BMI. Obese children exhibited heightened prevalence rates of dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Applying modified adult MetS criteria, MetS was evident in 30.2% of this obese cohort, with 76.7% displaying elevated AIP.

Prevalence (%) of different metabolic components in obese children.
Obese children and young adolescents(n=91)	Prevalence
AIC > 5.7%	21%
Fasting blood glucose >5.6mmol/l	32%
Low Hb < 11g/l	10%
LDL > 2.9 mmol/l	16.2%
HDL < 1.1 mmol/l	40%
Triglycerides > 1.7 mmol/l	18.6%
Cholesterol > 4.5 mmol/l	32.6%
Atherogenic index of plasma > 0.23	76.7%
Pre-hypertension BP >85th percentile	16.2%
Hypertension BP >95th percentile	11.2%
ALT > 35 IU/l	12%
Vitamin D < 50 nmol/l	78.50%

Discussion and Conclusion: The 30% prevalence of MetS among our obese, nondiabetic children and young adolescents underscores the pressing need for early detection and nationwide preventive strategies. Moreover, the notable 76.7% occurrence of high AIP emphasizes the augmented risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), necessitating early interventions to normalize atherogenic lipemia. The strong relationship between parental overweight and child obesity underscores the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Recommendations: studies suggest that interventions aimed at reducing dietary carbohydrate intake and promoting weight loss may hold potential in mitigating atherogenic dyslipidemia and its associated cardiovascular risks.

Endocrine Abstracts

EP649