Changes in body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in relation to the reduction in body mass index in adolescents with obesity.

Introduction: Introduction: there are controversial data in relation to the reduction in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) needed to improve adiposity in the pediatric population with obesity. The aim of this work was to determine the minimum variation in BMI-SDS required to improve the values of adiposity markers and cardiometabolic risk factors in growing adolescents with obesity. Methods: a longitudinal study consisting of clinical evaluation (waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass index, and blood pressure) and blood testing (insulin resistance and lipid profile) was conducted in 350 adolescents with obesity (152 boys and 198 girls) aged 10.2-14.3 years who went through a combined intervention (12 months). Results: a decrease in SDS-BMI ≤ 0.5 was not associated with any significant improvement in the clinical features and blood testing recorded. A decrease in BMI-SDS > 0.5, and especially if > 1.0, was linked to a significant improvement in adiposity markers. A decrease in BMI-SDS > 0.5 was associated with a significant improvement in insulin resistance, and a decrease in BMI-SDS > 1.0 was associated with a significant decrease in the percentage of patients who showed high values of systolic blood pressure, HOMA-IR, and lipid profile Conclusions: improvement in body composition, insulin resistance, and lipid profile can be observed with reductions in BMI-SDS ≥ 0.5 in obese adolescents, while extended benefits are obtained by losing at least 1.0 BMI-SDS.

Introducción: Introducción: los datos en relación con la reducción del índice de masa corporal (IMC-SDS) necesario para mejorar la adiposidad en la población pediátrica con obesidad son controvertidos. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la variación mínima del IMC-SDS necesaria para mejorar los valores de los marcadores de adiposidad y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en adolescentes obesos. Métodos: estudio longitudinal clínico (perímetro de cintura, índice cintura-estatura e índice de masa grasa y presión arterial) y analítico (HOMA-R y perfil lipídico) realizado en 350 adolescentes con obesidad (152 niños y 198 niñas) de entre 10,2 y 14,3 años de edad que completaron una intervención combinada (12 meses). Resultados: una disminución en el índice de masa corporal (SDS-BMI) ≤ 0,5 no se asoció con ninguna mejora significativa de las características clínicas y analíticas registradas. Una disminución del IMC-SDS > 0,5, y especialmente si > 1,0, se relacionó con una mejora significativa de los marcadores clínicos de adiposidad. Una disminución del IMC-SDS > 0,5 se asoció con una mejora significativa de la resistencia a la insulina y una disminución del BMI-SDS > 1,0 se asoció con una disminución significativa del porcentaje de pacientes que mostraban valores altos de presión arterial sistólica, HOMA-IR y perfil lipídico Conclusiones: con una reducción del IMC-SDS ≥ 0,5 se observa una mejoría tanto en la composición corporal como en los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en los adolescentes obesos; no obstante, estos beneficios son mayores si la reducción del IMC-SDS es superior a 1.0.

Clinical data and basal gonadotropins in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty in girls.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze whether some auxological characteristics or a single basal gonadotropin measurement will be sufficient to distinguish the prepubertal from pubertal status. METHODS: Auxologycal characteristics were recorded and serum LH and FSH were measured by immunochemiluminescence assays before and after GnRH stimulation test in a sample of 241 Caucasian girls with breast budding between 6- and 8-years old. Peak LH levels higher than 5 IU/L were considered a pubertal response. Area under the curve, cut-off points, sensitivity, and specificity for auxologycal variables and basal gonadotropins levels were determined by receiver operating curves. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age at onset, weight, height, BMI and height velocity between both groups. Bone age was significantly higher in pubertal girls (P < 0.05), although with limited discriminatory capacity. The sensitivity and specificity for the basal LH levels were 89 and 82%, respectively, for a cut off point of 0.1 IU/L. All girls in the pubertal group had a basal LH higher than 1.0 IU/L (positive predictive value of 100%). There was a wide overlap of basal FSH and LH/FSH ratio between prepubertal and pubertal girls. CONCLUSIONS: Auxologycal characteristics should not be used only in the differential diagnosis between prepubertal from pubertal status in 6- to 8-year-old girls. We found a high specificity of a single basal LH sample and it would be useful for establishing the diagnosis of puberty in this age group, reducing the need for GnRH stimulation testing.

Are there any seasonal variations in 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone serum levels in children and adolescents with severe obesity?

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in children with severe obesity. We hypothesized that severe obesity could modify the seasonal variations in 25(OH)D and PTH serum levels throughout the year. A cross-sectional clinical and blood testing (calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)D, and PTH) was carried out in 282 patients with severe obesity, aged 7.2-15.2 years. A control group was recruited (348 healthy children, aged 7.1-14.9 years). The criteria of the US Endocrine Society were used for the definition of hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism were more frequent (p < 0.05) in the obesity group (44.5 vs. 11.5% and 22.4 vs. 3.9%, respectively). There were seasonal variations in 25(OH)D levels in the obesity group, but they were lower (p < 0.05) with respect to the control group. In contrast, PTH levels were higher (p < 0.05) in the obesity group with respect to the control group, but there were no significant seasonal variations in PTH levels.Conclusion: Suboptimal vitamin D status and high levels of PTH are a common feature in pediatric population with severe obesity. In these patients, the seasonal variations in 25(OH)D were not modified, and PTH levels remained increased throughout the year, but without any seasonal variations. What is Known: • Obesity has been associated with lower 25(OH)D and higher PTH levels. • Relation among vitamin D and PTH through a natural year in children with obesity is partially known. What is New: • Seasonal variations in 25(OH)D are maintained in children with severe obesity, but PTH levels remained increased throughout the year, without seasonal variations. • -PTH levels in obesity are independent of vitamin D status and do not appear to represent secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Reference values of fat mass index and fat-free mass index in healthy Spanish adolescents / Valores de referencia del índice de masa grasa y el índice de masa libre de grasa en adolescentes españoles sanos

INTRODUCTION: body mass index (BMI) does not allow to discriminate the composition of the different body compartments. The aim of this study was to develop reference values for the fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in healthy adolescents using anthropometric techniques in order to provide reference standards for daily clinical practice. METHODS: a cross-sectional study in 1,040 healthy Caucasian adolescents (470 boys and 570 girls) aged 10.1 to 14.9 years. Weight, height, and skinfold thickness were recorded, and BMI, percentage of total body fat, FMI and FFMI, and FMI and FFMI percentiles were calculated. RESULTS: FFMI and FMI percentiles for healthy adolescents (both sexes) categorized by age are displayed. In boys a significant increase in FFMI is observed, and both the percentage of total body fat and FMI significantly decreased. In contrast, in girls the percentage of body fat mass, FMI, and FFMI significantly increased. Except at 10 years of age, FMI was higher (p < 0.05) in girls at all ages. FFMI was higher (p < 0.05) in boys at all ages. CONCLUSIONS: reference values of FMI and FFMI would be a very useful instrument in clinical practice for the diagnosis and, especially, the analysis of body composition changes during the treatment of childhood obesity

INTRODUCCIÓN: el índice de masa corporal (IMC) no permite discriminar la composición proporcional de los distintos compartimentos corporales. El objetivo de este estudio fue elaborar tablas del índice de masa grasa (IMG) y de masa libre de grasa (IMLG) a partir de la medida de los pliegues cutáneos, para que sirvan como patrones de referencia de los adolescentes sanos de ambos sexos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio transversal de 1040 adolescentes caucásicos sanos (470 varones y 570 mujeres) de entre 10,1 y 14,9 años de edad. Se registraron el peso, la talla y el grosor del pliegue cutáneo, y se calcularon el IMC, el porcentaje de grasa total, el IMG, el IMLG y los percentiles del IMG e IMLG. RESULTADOS: se exponen los valores medios del IMG y el IMLG con su distribución percentilada en ambos sexos. En los varones aparece un incremento (p < 0,05) del IMLG con la edad, mientras que el porcentaje de grasa total y el IMG desminuyen (p < 0,05). En cambio, en las mujeres, el porcentaje de grasa total, el IMG y el IMLG se incrementan (p < 0,05) con la edad. Salvo a la edad de 10 años, el IMG fue superior (p < 0,05) en las mujeres de todas las edades, mientras que el IMLG fue superior (p < 0,05) en los varones de todas las edades. CONCLUSIÓN: los valores de referencia del IMG y el IMLG podrían ser un instrumento útil en la práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y, especialmente, el análisis de los cambios de la composición corporal durante el tratamiento de la obesidad infantil

Reference values of fat mass index and fat-free mass index in healthy Spanish adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: body mass index (BMI) does not allow to discriminate the composition of the different body compartments. The aim of this study was to develop reference values for the fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in healthy adolescents using anthropometric techniques in order to provide reference standards for daily clinical practice. Methods: a cross-sectional study in 1,040 healthy Caucasian adolescents (470 boys and 570 girls) aged 10.1 to 14.9 years. Weight, height, and skinfold thickness were recorded, and BMI, percentage of total body fat, FMI and FFMI, and FMI and FFMI percentiles were calculated. Results: FFMI and FMI percentiles for healthy adolescents (both sexes) categorized by age are displayed. In boys a significant increase in FFMI is observed, and both the percentage of total body fat and FMI significantly decreased. In contrast, in girls the percentage of body fat mass, FMI, and FFMI significantly increased. Except at 10 years of age, FMI was higher (p < 0.05) in girls at all ages. FFMI was higher (p < 0.05) in boys at all ages. Conclusions: reference values of FMI and FFMI would be a very useful instrument in clinical practice for the diagnosis and, especially, the analysis of body composition changes during the treatment of childhood obesity.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el índice de masa corporal (IMC) no permite discriminar la composición proporcional de los distintos compartimentos corporales. El objetivo de este estudio fue elaborar tablas del índice de masa grasa (IMG) y de masa libre de grasa (IMLG) a partir de la medida de los pliegues cutáneos, para que sirvan como patrones de referencia de los adolescentes sanos de ambos sexos. Material y métodos: estudio transversal de 1040 adolescentes caucásicos sanos (470 varones y 570 mujeres) de entre 10,1 y 14,9 años de edad. Se registraron el peso, la talla y el grosor del pliegue cutáneo, y se calcularon el IMC, el porcentaje de grasa total, el IMG, el IMLG y los percentiles del IMG e IMLG. Resultados: se exponen los valores medios del IMG y el IMLG con su distribución percentilada en ambos sexos. En los varones aparece un incremento (p < 0,05) del IMLG con la edad, mientras que el porcentaje de grasa total y el IMG desminuyen (p < 0,05). En cambio, en las mujeres, el porcentaje de grasa total, el IMG y el IMLG se incrementan (p < 0,05) con la edad. Salvo a la edad de 10 años, el IMG fue superior (p < 0,05) en las mujeres de todas las edades, mientras que el IMLG fue superior (p < 0,05) en los varones de todas las edades. Conclusión: los valores de referencia del IMG y el IMLG podrían ser un instrumento útil en la práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y, especialmente, el análisis de los cambios de la composición corporal durante el tratamiento de la obesidad infantil.

Prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D y factores asociados en la edad infantojuvenil / Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and associated factors in Spanish population of school children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Analizar la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D y factores asociados en escolares y adolescentes residentes en una región del norte peninsular. DISEÑO: Estudio descriptivo transversal (muestreo de conveniencia). Emplazamiento: Atención primaria. PARTICIPANTES: Fueron incluidos 602 sujetos sanos de raza caucásica con edades comprendidas entre 3,1 y 15,4 años. Mediciones principales: Se ha calculado la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D (variable dependiente) según los criterios de la US Endocrine Society: deficiencia (calcidiol < 20 ng/ml), insuficiencia (calcidiol: 20-29 ng/ml) y suficiencia (calcidiol ≥ 30 ng/ml). Se han registrado como variables independientes: sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal, lugar de residencia y estación del año, analizándose su asociación con la hipovitaminosis D mediante regresión logística múltiple. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D era del 60,4% (insuficiencia: 44,6%; deficiencia: 15,8%). Las variables asociadas con la hipovitaminosis D eran el sexo femenino (OR: 1,6; IC 95%: 1,1-2,3), la edad puberal (OR: 1,8; IC 95%: 1,2-2,6), las estaciones de otoño (OR: 9,5; IC 95%: 4,8-18,7), invierno (OR: 8,8; IC 95%: 4,5-17,5) y primavera (OR: 13,2; IC 95%: 6,4-27,5), el entorno urbano (OR:1,6; IC 95%: 1,1-2,2) y la obesidad severa (OR: 4,4; IC 95%: 1,9-10,3). CONCLUSIONES: En la población infantojuvenil existe una alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D, y los factores asociados son el sexo femenino, la edad puberal, el otoño, el invierno y la primavera, la obesidad severa y el entorno urbano. Habría que considerar la necesidad de administrar suplementos vitamínicos o ingerir mayores cantidades de sus fuentes dietéticas naturales y/o alimentos enriquecidos durante los meses de otoño, invierno y primavera

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the prevalence of hypovitaminosisD and associated factors in school children and adolescents living in a region of northern Spain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (convenience sampling). SETTING: Primary Health Care. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 602 Caucasian individuals (aged 3.1 to 15.4 years) were included in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence of hypovitaminosisD were calculated (dependent variable). HypovitaminosisD is defined according to the US Endocrine Society criteria: deficiency (calcidiol < 20 ng/mL), insufficiency (calcidiol: 20-29 ng/mL), and sufficiency (calcidiol ≥ 30 ng/mL). Gender, age, body mass index, residence, and season of the year were recorded (independent variables), and their association with hypovitaminosis D was analysed by multiple regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 60.4% (insufficiency: 44.6%; deficiency: 15.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated to hypovitaminosis D were being female (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.3), pubertal age (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.6), autumn (OR: 9.5; 95% CI: 4.8-18.7), winter (OR: 8.8; 95% CI: 4.5-17.5) and spring time (OR: 13.2; 95% CI: 6.4-27.5), living in urban areas (OR:1.6; CI 95%: 1.1-2.2), and severe obesity (OR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.9-10.3). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosisD in juvenile populations. being female, pubertal age, autumn, winter and spring seasons, severe obesity, and living in urban areas are factors associated to hypovitaminosisD. Consideration should be given to the administration of vitamin supplements and/or the increase in the ingestion of natural vitamin D dietary sources

[Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and associated factors in Spanish population of school children and adolescents]. / Prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D y factores asociados en la edad infantojuvenil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the prevalence of hypovitaminosisD and associated factors in school children and adolescents living in a region of northern Spain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (convenience sampling). SETTING: Primary Health Care. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 602 Caucasian individuals (aged 3.1 to 15.4years) were included in the study. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence of hypovitaminosisD were calculated (dependent variable). HypovitaminosisD is defined according to the US Endocrine Society criteria: deficiency (calcidiol <20ng/mL), insufficiency (calcidiol: 20-29ng/mL), and sufficiency (calcidiol ≥30ng/mL). Gender, age, body mass index, residence, and season of the year were recorded (independent variables), and their association with hypovitaminosisD was analysed by multiple regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypovitaminosisD was 60.4% (insufficiency: 44.6%; deficiency: 15.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated to hypovitaminosisD were being female (OR: 1.6; 95%CI: 1.1-2.3), pubertal age (OR: 1.8; 95%CI: 1.2-2.6), autumn (OR: 9.5; 95%CI: 4.8-18.7), winter (OR: 8.8; 95%CI: 4.5-17.5) and spring time (OR: 13.2; 95%CI: 6.4-27.5), living in urban areas (OR:1.6; CI95%: 1.1-2.2), and severe obesity (OR: 4.4; 95%CI: 1.9-10.3). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosisD in juvenile populations. being female, pubertal age, autumn, winter and spring seasons, severe obesity, and living in urban areas are factors associated to hypovitaminosisD. Consideration should be given to the administration of vitamin supplements and/or the increase in the ingestion of natural vitaminD dietary sources.

Vitamin D deficiency in children with epilepsy taking valproate and levetiracetam as monotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate if valproate (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV) as monotherapy are associated with vitamin D deficiency among children with epilepsy. MATERIAL & METHODS: A cross-sectional clinical (seizure types, aetiology of epilepsy, dosage, drug levels, and duration of AED treatment) and blood testing (calcium, phosphorus, 25-OHD and PTH) study was accomplished in 90 epileptic children (AED group: 59 receiving VPA, and 31 receiving LEV) and a control group (244 healthy subjects). 25-OHD levels were categorized as low (<20ng/ml), borderline (20-29ng/ml), or normal (>30ng/ml) RESULTS: The average dosage of VPA and LEV was 20.7±4.7mg/kg/d and 24.1±7.9mg/kg/d, respectively. The mean duration of VPA therapy was 2.5±1.4years, and with LEV was 2.3±1.6years. Mean calcium and 25-OHD levels were significantly higher (p <0.05) in the control group. There was a negative correlation (p <0.01) between 25-OHD and VPA levels (r=-0.442). Vitamin D deficiency (%) was significantly higher (p <0.05) in VPA (24.1%) and LEV (35.5%) groups than in control group (14%). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that VPA monotherapy (OR: 1.9, CI 95%: 1.1-3.8) and LEV monotherapy (OR: 3.3, CI 95%: 1.5-7.5) were associated with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is common in children with epilepsy taking VPA or LEV. Hence vitamin D status of children treated with VPA and LEV should be regularly monitored and vitamin D supplements should be considered on an individual basis.