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Metabolic syndrome in adolescents with spinal cord dysfunction
Mindy Dopler Nelson1, Lana M Widman, Richard Ted Abresch
1University of California Department of Nutrition, Davis, California, USA.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|September 19, 2007
Summary
Adolescents with spinal cord injury (SCI) and spina bifida (SB) have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, especially when obese. This highlights risks for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions increasing cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk.
- Adolescents with spinal cord injury (SCI) and spina bifida (SB) may face unique metabolic challenges due to immobility and altered physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome components in adolescents with SCI and SB.
- To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome, obesity, and these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-four adolescents (SCI/SB) and 60 controls (obesity-oversampled) aged 11-20 years were studied.
- Obesity defined by trunk fat percentage; metabolic syndrome by ≥3 components (obesity, low HDL, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, insulin resistance).
- Fasting serum glucose, insulin, and lipids were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 32.4% in SB and 55% in SCI groups.
- Obesity significantly increased metabolic syndrome frequency: SB (45.8%), SCI (100%), controls (63.2%).
- Nonobese subjects had substantially lower rates (SB 0%, SCI 10%, controls 2.4%).
Conclusions:
- Adolescents with SB/SCI exhibit a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, particularly those who are obese.
- These findings underscore the critical need for monitoring and managing metabolic health in this vulnerable population.
- Early intervention is crucial to mitigate long-term risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.
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