[Risk factors for atherosclerosis in obese children aged 6-12 years].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing concern, contributing to metabolic and structural vascular changes.
• These changes increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in children.
• Early identification of risk factors for atherosclerosis in obese children is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess risk factors for atherosclerosis in obese children.
• To compare vascular and metabolic markers between obese children and a healthy control group.
• To evaluate the role of family history and lifestyle factors in childhood obesity-related vascular changes.

Main Methods:

• Study included 75 obese children (BMI >97th percentile, aged 6-12) and 36 healthy controls (BMI 75-90, aged 5-10).
• Evaluated family history of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and dyslipidemia.
• Measured BMI, waist circumference, lipid profiles (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), insulin, and intima-media thickness (IMT) via ultrasound.

Main Results:

• Obese children had a significantly higher prevalence of positive family history for obesity (82.6%) and CVD/dyslipidemia (72%) compared to controls.
• Obese children exhibited higher mean waist circumference (72.7 cm vs. 59.9 cm), elevated lipid levels, and nearly double the insulin levels.
• Mean IMT was significantly higher in obese children (0.36-0.37 mm) than in controls (0.32 mm), indicating early atherosclerotic changes.

Conclusions:

• Obesity and dyslipidemia are more prevalent in children with a familial predisposition to obesity and CVD.
• Significantly higher IMT in obese children suggests early-onset carotid atherosclerosis, detectable by ultrasound.
• Increased insulin levels in obese children may indicate insulin resistance, and parental knowledge gaps regarding obesity's long-term effects persist.