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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Cardiac dimensions and function in children with obesity

Anant Khositseth1, Umaporn Suthutvoravut, Nalinee Chongviriyaphan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. alaks@diamond.mahidol.ac.th

Indian Heart Journal
|January 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Obesity in children typically shows normal left ventricular (LV) dimensions and systolic function. However, the left ventricular myocardial performance index (LMPI) was abnormal in 33% of obese children, indicating potential early LV global dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Obesity Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood obesity can lead to changes in heart structure and function.
  • Cardiac dysfunction in youth may impact adult quality of life.
  • Early detection of cardiac changes in obese children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate left ventricular (LV) dimensions in obese children.
  • To assess LV systolic function in this population.
  • To determine the left ventricular myocardial performance index (LMPI) and its correlation with obesity severity.

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiography was performed on 33 obese children (mean age 9.8 years).
  • Measurements included LV dimensions, LV shortening fraction (LVFS), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and LMPI.
  • Children were categorized by obesity severity based on %IBW (ideal body weight).

Main Results:

  • Most LV dimensions and systolic function parameters (LVFS, LVEF) were within normal limits.
  • Two children (6%) showed mild LV dilatation.
  • Abnormal LMPI (>0.4) was observed in 33% of participants, irrespective of obesity severity.

Conclusions:

  • Obese children generally maintain normal LV dimensions and systolic function.
  • The LMPI is a sensitive indicator of subclinical LV global dysfunction in pediatric obesity.
  • Abnormal LMPI in 33% of cases suggests a need for early screening for cardiac dysfunction in obese children.
Abstract

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