Comparison of echocardiographic findings with laboratory parameters in obese children

Aim The purpose of our study was to evaluate the association between insulin resistance and left ventricular size and function in obese children. Material and methods A total of 79 cases aged 10-16 years and diagnosed with obesity and 79 healthy and non-obese cases as controls were included in the study. Patient and control groups were divided into three groups in terms of age as group 1 (10-12 years), group 2 (12-14 years), and group 3 (14-16 years). Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and fasting insulin levels of the cases were assessed. Mitral valve E and A waves, left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, left atrium diameter, and septal wall thickness were measured using echocardiography.

Measurements of septal diastolic thicknesses, left atrium diameter, and left ventricular end-systolic diameter of all the three groups obtained by echocardiography were statistically higher compared with the controls. In all the patient groups, the mitral valve E/A ratio was >1. In groups 2 and 3, there was a positive correlation between fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR and left ventricular end-systolic diameter, end-diastolic diameter, and septal systolic and diastolic wall thicknesses.

In paediatric obesity, identification of early cardiac changes will be significant in allowing early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.