Epicardial adipose tissue and signs of metabolic syndrome in children

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and predictive parameters for metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight/obese prepubertal children. 73 prepubertal children, average age of 8.22 years, with no endocrine or syndromic causes of obesity or under drug therapy for chronic disease were enrolled. Weight, height, body circumferences and skinfolds' thickness were measured. BMI, BMI z score (z-BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) were calculated. Standard MS-related laboratory parameters were assessed. Finally, all children underwent echocardiographic measurement of EAT. A positive correlation between EAT and z-BMI was found only among overweight/obese children (r = 0.43, p = 0.001). In particular, data showed that 89 % of our sample had a waist (W) > 90th percentile. Statistical differences in diastolic blood pressure (DBP; p < 0.01) and EAT (p = 0.02) were observed on comparing W < 90th percentile vs W > 90th percentile patients. Besides, in patients with W > 90th percentile and family history of risk factors for MS, the value of EAT correlated positively with z-BMI, W, WtHR, triglycerides (Tg), insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and negatively with HDL. The EAT and the markers of MS probably share the same pathogenetic factors. Further studies might elucidate whether EAT deserves to be included among the diagnostic factors of MS.