Trajectory patterns for continuous metabolic syndrome score in childhood and the cardiovascular risk in adolescence

Abstract

We explored the association between the trajectory of the continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS) in childhood with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), which are known to increase cardiovascular disease risk in adolescence. The trajectory of cMetS in childhood (from 3 to 12 years of age) was identified in 833 children who participated in the Ewha Birth and Growth Study. The associations between cMetS and hs-CRP and CIMT were analyzed in 204 out of 833 children who participated in the follow-up at 13–15 years of age and measured hs-CRP and CIMT. Among the 833 children, three groups were classified: cMetS maintained at a low level (n = 198, 23.77%), middle level (n = 530, 63.63%), and at high levels (n = 105, 12.61%). The group with a stable-high cMetS trajectory showed significantly higher hs-CRP levels, and the statistical significance was maintained after adjusting for covariates. This study found that a consistently high cMetS in childhood was significantly associated with higher hs-CRP levels in adolescents, suggesting that it is necessary to intervene in metabolic risk factors early in life to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.

Handgrip strength thresholds associated with metabolic syndrome risk in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…How MetS is determined in children and adolescents overlooks developmental differences based on age and sex, and the IDF definition states that MetS cannot be diagnosed in children under 10 years of age [27]. One cohort study tracked individual cMetS from age 3 through adolescence and found a stable pattern [28]. Studies conducted in Chile and Spain have also assessed MetS risk using cMetS in children under 10 years of age [16,17].…”

Metabolic complications of obesity in children and adolescents

“…41) The cMetS remained stable throughout childhood. 42) NAFLD is often asymptomatic and can lead to irreversible complications, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis to prevent progression. The global prevalence of NAFLD is 4.2%-9.6% and can reach 38% in pediatric obese populations.…”

“…Additionally, in the International Childhood Cardiovascular Cohort Consortium (average follow-up, 22.3 years), cMetS in childhood was associated with a 2.1-fold higher risk of MetS in adulthood [ 41 ]. The cMetS remained stable throughout childhood [ 42 ]. NAFLD is often asymptomatic and can lead to irreversible complications, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis to prevent progression.…”