Epicardial adiposity in children with obesity and metabolic syndrome

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Syndrome Research

Background:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiac diseases.
• Early detection of cardiac changes in obese children is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine epicardial adipose tissue thickness in obese children.
• To identify factors related to epicardial adipose tissue thickness in this population.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 94 children, categorized into obesity with metabolic syndrome (MS), obesity without MS, and control groups.
• Evaluation of auxological values, metabolic markers (glucose, insulin, ALT), lipid profiles, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
• Echocardiography used to measure epicardial adipose tissue thickness, interventricular septum thickness, and left ventricular mass.

Main Results:

• Obese children exhibited significantly higher weight, BMI, waist circumference, insulin, alanine transaminase, and hs-CRP levels compared to controls.
• Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly greater in both obese groups (0.64±0.23 cm with MS; 0.60±0.20 cm without MS) versus controls (0.27±0.12 cm).
• Interventricular septum thickness and left ventricular mass were significantly elevated in obese children without MS.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric obesity exerts unfavorable effects on the heart, beginning in adolescence.
• Increased epicardial adipose tissue is a key indicator of cardiac risk in obese children.
• Cardiac structural changes are evident in obese children, underscoring the need for early intervention.