The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relation to leptin levels in obese children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and frequency of metabolic risk factors in pubertal obese children, and to evaluate the relation between metabolic syndrome and plasma leptin levels. Material and Methods: In this study, 451 pubertal children and adolescents aged between 8-18 years admitted with complaints of excess weight. The ones with a body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) ≥1.81 were included in this study. In all cases, medical history, physical examination, anthropometric measurements, results of biochemical and hormonal assays were evaluated. MS was diagnosed according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) consensus criteria. Result: Fifty five percent of the study group were males and 45% were females. The median ages for girls and boys were 12.3 (8.0-16.4) and 12.6 (8.9-16.2) years, respectively. There were 89 (19.8%) children with MS. It was found that leptin had a positive relationship with BMI, waist and hip circumference, insulin level, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and LDL cholesterol level, and a negative one with age and HDL cholesterol in all obese cases. However no relation was found between leptin and fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels. On the other hand, leptin was higher in those with hypertension. Conclusion: An increased prevalence of obesity, together with metabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia and abnormal blood pressure were observed in childhood, contributing to the onset of MS at younger ages. Leptin was markedly elevated in obese patients with MS. At the same time, it was found associated with metabolic risk factors. Therefore a high leptin level may be a risk factor for MS. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.