Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents Survived From Acute Iymphoblastic Ieukemia



Reisi N¹ ; Fathipour A¹ ; Hashemipour M¹ ; Adibi A² ; Farajzadegan Z³ ; Moafi A¹ ; Amini A¹ ; Tabibi AP⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2009

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in survivor of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study fifty-five acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases younger than 21 years-old (the mean age: 10.4 years) were selected randomly from those who referred to Al-Zahra and Seyedolshohada hospitals in Isfahan from Aug to Feb 2007. The metabolic syndrome was defined based on criteria analogous to those of the modified adult treatment III (ATP III). We measured body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum lipoproteins and insulin levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Findings: 20% (11/55) of participants had metabolic syndrome. 91% (10/11) of affected subjects were male (P = 0.025) and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) was more in males compare to the females (30% versus 4.5%, P = 0.019). 25% (14/55) of cases were obese while 71% (10/14) of them had metabolic syndrome (P < 0.0001). High plasma insulin level and high blood pressure were detected in subjects with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.004 and P < 0.0001 respectively). No meaningful correlation was found between fasting blood sugar, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride and metabolic syndrome (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia are at risk for metabolic syndrome and its complications. The most prevalent risk factor in our study was obesity. Therefore close follow up in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated patients is highly recommended. © 2009, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.