Adiposity predicts carotid intima-media thickness in healthy children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether anthropometric measurements, blood pressure (BP), fasting total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein are related to ultrasound measures of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in children and teenagers with no known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 599 subjects, 6 to 20 years of age (292 males, 307 females; 224 Hispanics, 210 European-Americans, 126 African-Americans, and 39 Asian-Americans) whose body mass index, waist circumference, BP, lipid profiles, and values for CIMT were determined.


RESULTS
Measures of CIMT were significantly greater in males than females (P=.006) and in African-Americans when compared with other ethnic groups (all P < .05). There were no relations between age, diastolic BP, or fasting levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein values and CIMT measures, regardless of sex or ethnic background. Stratified multiple regression analysis indicated that body mass index and waist circumference independently predicted CIMT in both males and females, even after controlling for age, weight, BP, fasting lipid levels, and ethnic background.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased body mass and adiposity are associated with increased intima-media thickness in children and teenagers. This association is present in children not considered overweight, underscoring the need for the continued promotion of adequate nutritional and physical exercise behavior during childhood.
Mittelman
Steven D
SD
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
Gilsanz
Paola
P
Mo
Ashley O
AO
Wood
John
J
Dorey
Frederick
F
Gilsanz
Vicente
V
D050154:Adiposity / Q000208:ethnology*; D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000208:ethnology*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012016:Reference Values; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
D008055:Lipids