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High sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations, birthweight and cardiovascular risk markers in Brazilian children
P H Rondó1, J A Pereira, J O Lemos
1Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. phcrondo@usp.br
Insights
High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is not associated with birthweight in children, unlike in adults. However, hs-CRP shows concerning associations with cardiovascular disease risk factors like waist circumference and blood pressure in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiovascular health
- Biomarkers of inflammation
- Public health nutrition
Background:
- High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low birthweight are known cardiovascular disease (CVD) predictors in adults.
- Adult studies show a link between higher hs-CRP concentrations and low birthweight.
- This study investigates these relationships in childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between hs-CRP and birthweight in children.
- To examine the relationship between hs-CRP and other CVD risk markers in childhood.
Main Methods:
- Included 459 Brazilian children aged 5-8 years.
- Measured hs-CRP, nutritional status (BMI, waist circumference), lipid profile, glucose, insulin sensitivity (HOMA), and blood pressure.
- Utilized multivariate linear regression to analyze associations.
Main Results:
- No association was found between hs-CRP and birthweight in children.
- Positive associations were observed between hs-CRP and gender, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure (SBP).
- Negative associations were found between hs-CRP and age and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c).
Conclusions:
- The lack of association between hs-CRP and birthweight in children suggests this relationship may strengthen with age.
- Significant associations between hs-CRP and CVD risk factors (waist circumference, HDL-c, SBP) in young children are concerning, particularly in females.
- High prevalence of abnormal hs-CRP, waist circumference, HDL-c, and SBP values in the studied children warrants attention.
Background/Objectives:
High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low birthweight have emerged as predictors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In studies involving adults, higher concentrations of hs-CRP have been associated with low birthweight. This study assessed the relationship between hs-CRP and birthweight, and other risk markers for CVDs in childhood.
Subjects/Methods:
A total of 459 Brazilian children aged 5-8 years were included in the study. hs-CRP was measured by particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. The nutritional status of the children was assessed by BMI and waist circumference. Total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides and glucose were measured by enzymatic methods. Insulin sensitivity was determined by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method. Blood pressure was measured by the HDI/Pulse Wave CR-2000 equipment (Hypertension Diagnostics, Eagan, MN, USA). A multivariate linear regression analysis investigated the association between hs-CRP and birthweight, and risk markers for CVDs.
Results:
There were positive associations between hs-CRP and gender (P=0.001), waist circumference (P<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P=0.03), and negative associations between hs-CRP and age (P<0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (P=0.005) (R²=0.14). Abnormal values of hs-CRP, waist circumference, HDL-c and SBP, respectively, were observed in 27.7, 26.4, 14.4 and 34.7% of the children.
Conclusions:
Opposite to studies involving adults, there was no association between hs-CRP and birthweight, implying that time may strengthen the relationship, considering that hs-CRP-concentration-associated metabolic changes increase from childhood to adulthood. The associations between hs-CRP and waist circumference, HDL-c and SBP in very young ages is a matter of concern, especially in females, in view of the large number of children with abnormal values of these measurements.
