C-reactive protein concentration and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000.
BACKGROUND
C-reactive protein is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although the relations between C-reactive protein and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been extensively studied in adults, the relations in children are not well understood.


RESULTS
Data from 2846 boys and girls 3 to 17 years of age who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999 to 2000, a cross-sectional survey of the US population, were used. In univariate analyses, significant associations were observed between C-reactive protein concentration--measured with a high-sensitivity assay--and age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and triglyceride concentrations in both sexes. In multiple linear regression analyses, body mass index was the best predictor of C-reactive protein concentration. Age was positively associated with C-reactive protein concentration among boys 3 to 17 years of age. Some race or ethnic differences were present as well among boys 8 to 17 years of age and girls 8 to 11 years of age. Systolic blood pressure was positively associated with C-reactive protein among girls 12 to 17 years of age.


CONCLUSIONS
Among the sociodemographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors, body mass index was the best predictor of C-reactive protein concentration in children.
Ford
Earl S
ES
Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga 30341, USA. EFord@cdc.gov
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States
D002097:C-Reactive Protein