On the use of a continuous metabolic syndrome score in pediatric research

Joey C Eisenmann

Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA

author email corresponding author email

Cardiovascular Diabetology 2008, 7:17doi:10.1186/1475-2840-7-17


Published:	5 June 2008

Abstract

Background

The constellation of elevated levels of abdominal adiposity, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides and lowered high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol has been termed the metabolic syndrome. Given the current pediatric obesity epidemic, it is perhaps not surprising that recent reports suggest the emergence of the metabolic syndrome during childhood and adolescence. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the derivation and utility of the continuous metabolic syndrome score in pediatric epidemiologic research.

Methods/Design

Data were generated from published papers related to the topic.

Conclusion

Although there is no universal definition in children or adolescence, recent estimates indicate that approximately 2–10% of youth possess the metabolic syndrome phenotype. Since there is no clear definition and the prevalence rate is relatively low, several authors have derived a continuous score representing a composite risk factor index (i.e., the metabolic syndrome score). This paper provides an overview of the derivation and utility of the continuous metabolic syndrome score in pediatric epidemiological research.