[Definitions for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in children]

To present a monographic review of different definitions for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MS) in children.

Consult and literature review.

We included in the review articles in relation to the different definitions used for the diagnosis of MS worldwide.

There are significant differences in both criteria for MS in children and adults. Some of these definitions include hyperglycemia after an oral glucose load, while others only consider fasting glycemia; other differences include obesity criteria with different cutoffs for waist circumference (CC) or body mass index (BMI); different values ​​for dyslipidemia criteria for triglycerides (TGC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); and different cutoffs for defining high blood pressure (HTA). The approach to each definition differs from the importance that each component or risk factor assumes.

It is important to establish an appropriate definition for the diagnosis of MS in children, under the great controversies reported by authors and expert committees. This variability in the prevalence of MS populations from the use of different criteria makes it difficult to know the prevalence of MS for certain. Having a national consensus would serve to propose appropriate public health actions that could allow us to reduce the rates of morbidity and high costs for health institutions.