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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: relation of age and obesity in children

L J Balcer1, G T Liu, S Forman

  • 1Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA. lbalcer@mail.med.upenn.edu

Neurology
|March 17, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is less common in younger children diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Older children and adolescents with IIH show significantly higher rates of obesity, indicating an age-related association.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The association between obesity and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, in pediatric populations requires further clarification.
  • Previous studies have suggested a link between obesity and IIH, but age-specific trends in children are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between age and obesity prevalence in children diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
  • To determine if obesity rates differ across various pediatric age groups presenting with IIH.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for 45 consecutive pediatric patients newly diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
  • Data collected from two medical centers.
  • Patients categorized into age groups: 3-11 years, 12-14 years, and 15-17 years. Obesity status determined based on established criteria.

Main Results:

  • Obesity prevalence was 43% in children aged 3-11 years.
  • Obesity rates increased significantly with age: 81% in the 12-14 year group and 91% in the 15-17 year group (p = 0.01).
  • A statistically significant trend shows younger children with IIH are less likely to be obese compared to older children and adolescents.

Conclusions:

  • Age is a significant factor in obesity prevalence among children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
  • Adolescents with IIH exhibit a markedly higher likelihood of being obese compared to younger children.
  • Findings suggest that age-specific management strategies and obesity interventions may be warranted for pediatric IIH patients.

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