Dysmetabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence.
The dysmetabolic syndrome, consisting of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinaemia and central obesity, has been well recognized as a major risk for cardiovascular disease in adults. Although the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors has also been identified in childhood, the occurrence of full-blown dysmetabolic syndrome at younger ages has only recently been investigated. In this article we attempted an overview of the data for children and adolescents, focused on the mechanisms and natural history of the disease, the prevalence among paediatric populations, the assessment and the treatment approaches.


CONCLUSIONS
There is substantial evidence that the dysmetabolic syndrome has its origins in childhood. In the face of the epidemic increase of obesity in children and adolescents, the development of effective screening and preventive strategies would be a major challenge for paediatricians.
Bitsori
Maria
M
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. bitmar@hol.gr
Kafatos
Anthony
A
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution
D001067:Appetite Depressants