Abstract
Introduction: Adult OSA is a known risk factor for metabolic diseases, but still unexplored in children. Obesity, an important cofactor, is increasing in the pediatric population.
Aim: To study the metabolic profile and the levels of TNF-α in in obese and non obese children with obstructive breathing disorders.
Methods: Children of both genders, aged 6 to12 years, with obstructive breathing disorders were included. Children were divided in 2 groups, non obese and obese (Z score > +2). diorespirarory sleep study. In the morning after the sleep study, blood samples were taken for analysis. The lipids, glucose, insulin, tyroxin and TNF-α levels were determined. Results were compared for the 2 groups.
Results: 17 children, median age of 6.5 years, 10 obese- and 7 non obese, were included. There glucose level was 85 mg/dL in both groups. Insulin level was higher in the obese group (10,7±2,36 mU/L X 6,7±3,29 mU/L, p<0.01). There were no difference in total cholesterol (168,4±37 mg/dL X 181,5±33, p>0.05), HDL (56,8±14,5 mg/dL X 49,5±17,8 mg/dL,p>0.05) and LDL (98,6±27,7 mg/dL X 110,7±28 mg/dL) in the non obese and obese group, respectively. TGL levels were higher in the obese group (106,5±37 mg/dL X 64,3±23 mg/dL).Thyroxin and TSH levels did not differ in both groups. The average TNF-α was 0,36±0,09 pg/ml, but differed in obese 0,56±0,53 pg/ml and 0.10±0,07 pg/ml (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Obesity may cause additional metabolic changes (increased insulin resistance and TGL levels) in children with obstructive breathing disorders. The metabolic inflammatory profile must be investigated for a better understanding of OBD in childhood.
- © 2011 ERS