Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in schoolchildren and adolescents in Turkey: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in the pediatric population.


METHODS
We studied 2,491 schoolchildren randomly selected aged 10-19 years using a multistage, stratified sampling design. Obese and overweight participants were called for further investigation (n = 456). Of these, 310 participants underwent OGTT. MS was defined according to IDF, NCEP and modified WHO guidelines.


RESULTS
The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 6.8% and 11.5%, respectively. While MS was found in 2.3% of the total population according to IDF guidelines, its prevalence was increased among overweight and obese individuals. MS prevalence was similar by both IDF and NCEP definitions but higher according to WHO definition. Individuals with MS were consistent by both IDF and NCEP definitions (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 99%, positive predictive value = 95.2%). IDF and WHO defined different individuals as having MS (sensitivity = 67.5%, specificity = 90%, positive predictive value = 67.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Although not as high as in developed countries, MS prevalence determined in schoolchildren and adolescents in Turkey warrants preventive measures. MS diagnosis in one of every three obese children shows that MS is an important public health problem in Turkey as well.
Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey. filizcizmeci@gmail.com
Filiz Mine
FM
Cizmecioglu
Nilay
N
Etiler
Onur
O
Hamzaoglu
Sukru
S
Hatun
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D019963:Clinical Chemistry Tests; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult