Metabolic syndrome and lung function in Korean children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to investigate whether obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with pulmonary function in Korean children and adolescents. Data from the 2009-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey which is cross-sectional, nationwide, and representative survey were used. Adjusted regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of obesity and MetS with lung function in children and adolescents. A total of 763 children and adolescents aged 10-18 years were evaluated. We found no significant difference in FEV₁% predicted, FVC% predicted, and FEV₁/FVC ratio among the obesity groups. Subjects with MetS showed a significantly lower FEV₁ predicted (91.54 ± 0.74% vs 94.64 ± 0.73%, P = 0.004), lower FVC% predicted (91.86 ± 0.63% vs 95.20 ± 0.63%, P < 0.001), and lower FEV₁/FVC ratio (76.76 ± 0.43% vs 80.13 ± 0.43%, P < 0.001) than those without MetS. Elevated waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were independently associated with lower FEV₁/FVC ratio (all P < 0.05, respectively). Among MetS components, increased WC was the most important factor influencing lower FEV₁/FVC ratio. In conclusion, lung function in MetS patients was significantly lower, and the MetS component was independently associated.