Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between the number of leukocytes and cardiovascular risks associated with birth characteristics, nutritional status and biochemical tests. MethodsCross-sectional study developed with 475 adolescents, born between 1992 and 2001, in the municipality of Viçosa (MG). Maternal medical records were analyzed in the hospital units, and the following was recorded: birth weight and length, head circumference, chest circumference, Apgar score, gestational age. In adolescents, body mass index, skinfold thickness, body composition, blood count, biochemical tests and clinical variables were also assessed. The statistical analyses was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and Data Analysis and Statistical Software (STATA) with Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and Linear Regression. Significance level was set at α<0.05. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of UFV for studies with human subjects. ResultsWeight and birth length, head and chest circumference were higher among boys. In adolescents, the number of leukocytes was higher in individuals with excess weight and body fat and high adiposity index, waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference. Only altered triglycerides showed differences between leukocyte medians. Regardless of the anthropometric variable of the final regression model, the stage of adolescence, number of platelets, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes were associated with the increase in leukocytes. ConclusionsThe birth variables were not associated with changes in leukocyte numbers, whereas the anthropometric variables were good indicators for a higher leukocyte count, regardless of the stage of adolescence and gender.
Highlights
The relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors in the early stages of life can be evidenced in the literature
Adolescence is a phase of exposure to several risk factors and many of the habits acquired in this phase are maintained in adulthood, with health consequences.[4]
Knowing the influence of birth conditions in the development of CVD, our objective was to evaluate the relationship of the number of leukocytes with the cardiovascular risks associated with birth characteristics, nutritional status, body composition, and biochemical tests
Summary
The relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors in the early stages of life can be evidenced in the literature. Birth weight is related to cardiovascular risk in adolescence.[1]. Considering the silent development of atherosclerosis and the role of excess weight in childhood and adolescence as CVRF,[2] the need for early investigation of these factors is emphasized in order to reduce morbidity and mortality rates from CVD in adulthood.[3]. Because of the association of inflammatory process with cardiovascular risk factors, especially in childhood and adolescence, different inflammatory markers involved in each stage of atheromatous plaque formation have been studied, including leukocytes.[5] The number of leukocytes is recognized as an inflammatory marker and predictor of cardiovascular events.[6] Leukocyte subpopulations are related to the inflammatory process.[7]
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