Body Mass Index Percentile Research Articles

Changes in the prevalence of obesity in Czech adolescents between 2018 and 2022 and its current non-genetic correlates – HBSC study

BackgroundThe main aim of the study is to examine changes in the prevalence of obesity in Czech adolescents between 2018 and 2022 and its current non-genetic correlates with respect to the adolescents’ families’socioeconomic status (SES) in 2022.MethodsThe sample of 24,535 adolescents (n = 11,629/12,9062018/2022; boys: 50.4/50.6%2018/2022) aged 10.5–16.5 years that was analysed was drawn from two nationally representative cohorts of Czech youngsters from the last two cycles of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) online questionnaire survey from 2018 to 2022. Obesity is represented by the > 97th percentile interval on the World Health Organization Body Mass Index percentile chart, with distinctions by sex and the age of adolescents. The differences in the prevalence of obesity between boys and girls from all SES family categories in 2018 and 2022 were tested using a chi-square test (χ2). Multiple logistic regression analysis with repeated measures was used to analyse correlates of obesity in 2022.ResultsBetween 2018 and 2022, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity in girls or boys in any of the SES categories of families. Adolescents from low-SES families have the highest prevalence of obesity, 11% for boys and 5.8% for girls, significantly higher (p < .001) than its prevalence among adolescents from high-SES families, by + 4.8% points for boys and + 3.9% points for girls. Among adolescents from low-SES families, individuals who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) daily (p < .005) or vigorous PA three times per week (p < .05) were significantly less likely to be obese than their less active peers. Skipping breakfast significantly (p < .05) increased the odds of obesity, but only among adolescents from low-SES families. Shorter screen time (ST) significantly (p < .05) reduced the odds of obesity for all categories of adolescent SES.ConclusionsObesity is most pronounced in adolescents from low-SES families as a result of a long-term positive energy balance mediated by unbalanced behaviour. Significantly lower odds of obesity in adolescents from low-SES families were confirmed to be associated with regular practice of the recommended PA, shorter ST, and not skipping breakfast.

COVID-19 pandemic-related weight gain in the pediatric population declined after restrictions ended, except among obese patients.

Childhood obesity has become an important topic, not only of increasing relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic but specifically enhanced by it. Restrictions implemented to mitigate further outbreaks led to major constraints on daily physical activity, leading to a severe increase in body weight among children. This study highlights changes in BMI and weight development in children during and (in particular) after the COVID-19 restrictions in Austria, focusing on various socioeconomic factors. Weight development throughout the pandemic and socioeconomic factors were evaluated by anonymous cross-sectional surveys filled out by parents at a pediatric practice. This study included 388 children. The rate of obesity increased by 88.5%, from 6.4 to 12.1%, throughout the pandemic, reaching a maximum of 15.2% during the restrictions. Overall, age-adapted BMI z-scores increased significantly by 0.22 during the restrictions and remained increased by 0.19 compared to pre-pandemic levels. With the exception of obese children, all children in the study population experienced significant weight loss after the restrictions were lifted. Obese children continued to gain weight without any sign of the onset of normalization. Socioeconomic factors, such as participation in regular activity in the form of organized sport or the availability of an outdoor area, were associated with relevant differences before the pandemic but had no protective effect against intra-pandemic weight gain. A higher level of parental education was the only factor associated with less weight gain in children during the early phase of the pandemic. Austrian COVID-19 restrictions have had concerning effects on pediatric BMI, with very little effect of socioeconomic background. After restrictions were loosened, measurable weight loss occurred, but the significant increase in children's BMI percentiles persisted. No weight loss was observed among children who were obese prior to the pandemic. There is a need for broad projects tackling childhood obesity, as obese children are the most vulnerable group with the strongest and most severe long-term effects.

P083 Evaluation of OSA in children: Defining the scope of a paediatric sleep service

Abstract Introduction The sleep unit runs as a diagnostic paediatric service, and does not provide titrations as part of its scope. This study evaluates the requirement for titration studies for our patient cohort to better understand the scope of service. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects 0.7%-13% of the general paediatric population, where a normal AHI is &amp;lt;1, mild &amp;gt;1-4.99, moderate &amp;gt;5-9.9 and severe OSA &amp;gt;10. Method A retrospective audit was undertaken of patients who attended between January and April 2022. Patients &amp;lt;2 years old and oxygen titration studies were excluded. Data was obtained by collating information from electronic medical records and physician reports. Parameters analysed: study indication, gender, AHI, desaturations, and BMI percentile. Results Preliminary data (n=101) (males 59.6%, age 8.6 ±4.3SD) shows that 12.9% (Male n=7; age 8.9 ±4.9SD) of our paediatric patients have OSA. 61.5% were mild, 7.7% were moderate and 30.8% of those had severe OSA. Patients had an average oximetry of 96% (±1.3SD) at baseline and an average Nadir of 83% (±10.1SD). It was also found that 53.8% of patients with OSA had a BMI percentile well above the healthy range. Other preliminary findings show 58% of the patients were snorers, and 8.9% of the patients were diagnosed with periodic limb movements. Discussion Only patients with severe OSA were referred externally for bi-level studies. Of the remaining OSA positive patients, adenotonsillectomy was recommended for three subjects, and the rest received no bi-level intervention. The data suggests a diagnostic only laboratory is sufficient to service our paediatric population.

Relationship between adiponectin and blood pressure in obese Latino adolescent boys with a family history of type 2 diabetes

introductionAdipokines are associated with several pathological states including, metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. One of these adipokines, adiponectin is of particular interest as it has been shown to have numerous anti-inflammatory effects, However, the association between adiponectin and blood pressure remains inconclusive especially in the Latino adolescent with obesity.PurposeTo investigate the relationship between plasma adiponectin and blood pressure in Latino adolescents’ boys with obesity and a with a family history of Type 2 diabetes.MethodsThirty two Latino adolescent males with obesity aged 14–17 years with a family history of type 2 diabetes underwent a frequently sampled glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) to measure insulin sensitivity. Body composition was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Obesity was defined as having a BMI percentile ≥95. Blood pressure was assessed using the Dinamap automated blood pressure monitor, and the average of three readings was used in the analysis. Fasting plasma adiponectin was determined using radioimmunoassay.ResultsThere were moderate positive significant correlations for adiponectin and Systolic blood pressure(SBP) (rho = 0.436, p < 0.027) and Diastolic blood pressure(DBP) (rho = 0.41,p < 0.028). A multivariate liner regression showed that plasma adiponectin could significantly detect 19% of the variance in SBP (p = 0.017, and 33% for DBP (p = 0.017). In a simple linear regression adiponectin was not related to any of our variables (p < 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, adiponectin was positively and significantly correlated to blood pressure in Latino adolescent with obesity. Future studies should investigate this relationship in a large sample of Latino adolescent youth.

Computational fluid dynamics study in children with obstructive sleep apnea.

This study aims to identify characteristics in image-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Diagnostic study. Hospital-based cohort. Children with symptoms suggestive of OSA were recruited and underwent polysomnography. Three-dimensional models of computational fluid dynamics were derived from cone-beam computed tomography. A total of 68 children participated in the study (44 boys; mean age: 7.8 years), including 34 participants having moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] greater than 5 events/h), and 34 age, gender, and body mass index percentile matched participants having primary snoring (AHI less than 1). Children with moderate-to-severe OSA had a significantly higher total airway pressure (166.3 vs. 39.1 Pa, p = .009), total airway resistance (9851 vs. 2060 Newton-metre, p = .004) and velocity at a minimal cross-sectional area (65.7 vs. 8.8 metre per second, p = .017) than those with primary snoring. The optimal cut-off points for moderate-to-severe OSA were 46.2 Pa in the total airway pressure (area under the curve [AUC] = 73.2%), 2373 Newton-metre in the total airway resistance (AUC = 72.5%) and 12.6 metres per second in the velocity at a minimal cross-sectional area (AUC = 70.5%). The conditional logistic regression model revealed that total airway pressure, total airway resistance and velocity at minimal cross-sectional area were significantly associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe OSA. This study demonstrates that CFD could be a useful tool for evaluating upper airway patency in children with OSA.

The smaller firstborn: exploring the association of parity and fetal growth.

To investigate the association of parity with a range of neonatal anthropometric measurements in a cohort of uncomplicated term singleton pregnancies. Retrospective cohort study of patients with a singleton term birth at a single tertiary center (2014-2020) was carried out. The primary exposure was parity. The following neonatal anthropometric measures were considered: birthweight, head circumference, length, ponderal index, and neonatal body mass index (BMI). A total of 8134 patients met the study criteria, 1949 (24.0%) of whom were nulliparous. Compared with multiparous patients, infants of nulliparous patients had a lower mean percentile for birthweight (43.1 ± 26.4 vs. 48.3 ± 26.8 percentile, p < 0.001), head circumference (44.3 ± 26.4 vs. 48.1 ± 25.5 percentile, p < 0.001), length (52.6 ± 25.1 vs. 55.5 ± 24.6 percentile, p < 0.001), ponderal index (34.4 ± 24.0 vs. 37.6 ± 24.2 percentile, p < 0.001), and BMI (39.1 ± 27.1 vs. 43.9 ± 27.3 percentile, p < 0.001). In addition, infants of nulliparous patients had higher odds of having a small (< 10th percentile for gestational age) birthweight (aOR 1.32 [95% CI 1.12-1.56]), head circumference (aOR 1.54 [95% CI 1.29-1.84]), length (aOR 1.50 [95% CI 1.16-1.94]), ponderal index (aOR 1.30 [95% CI 1.12-1.51]), and body mass index (aOR 1.42 [95% CI 1.22-1.65]). Most neonatal anthropometric measures increased with parity until a parity of 2, where it seemed to reach a plateau. Parity has an independent impact on a wide range of neonatal anthropometric measures, suggesting that parity is associated with both fetal skeletal growth and body composition. In addition, the association of parity with fetal growth does not follow a continuous relationship but instead reaches a plateau after the second pregnancy.

Family and child responses to asthma symptoms and associations with sleep in urban children with asthma: Does child weight matter?

ABSTRACT Family asthma management is linked to children’s sleep, yet it is unclear how child and family responses to asthma symptoms affect sleep, particularly for children with overweight/obesity. We evaluated the associations between family asthma management and sleep, and whether these relationships varied by child weight status (healthy weight, overweight/obesity) among 188 children (aged 7–9; 51% Latino, 33% Black/African American, 15% non-Latino White) with persistent asthma from urban environments. Family asthma management was assessed using semi-structured interviews, sleep was assessed via actigraphy, and BMI percentiles and BMI z-scores were calculated from objective height and weight measurements. More effective family asthma management and symptom response were related to better sleep for children with a higher BMIz. Findings suggest that children with comorbid asthma and obesity from urban environments need multicomponent interventions to improve sleep.

SAT656 Weight Reduction After 6 Months Of Setmelanotide Treatment In Patients With Hypothalamic Obesity

Abstract Disclosure: C.L. Roth: Other; Self; Received research support from Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A.H. Shoemaker: Advisory Board Member; Self; Received payments from Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc and Saniona for advisory boards and lectures. Other; Self; Received research support from Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. M. Gottschalk: Advisory Board Member; Self; Received compensation for consulting and participation on advisory boards from Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Other; Self; Received funding for clinical trials from Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. J. Miller: Other; Self; Received research support from Harmony Biosciences, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Soleno Therapeutics, and Tryp Therapeutics. G. Yuan: Employee; Self; Employee of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Stock Owner; Self; Has company-awarded RSU and options. S. Malhotra: Employee; Self; Employee of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Stock Owner; Self; Stockholder in in Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. C. Scimia: Employee; Self; Employee of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Stock Owner; Self; Has company-awarded RSU and options. M. Abuzzahab: Advisory Board Member; Self; Received compensation for advisory board participation from Consynance, Endo Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Consulting Fee; Self; Received compensation for consulting from Consynance, Endo Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Speaker; Self; Received compensation for speaking engagements from Consynance, Endo Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Other; Self; Received research support from Ascendis, Levo Pharmaceuticals, Lumos, NovoNordisk, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Saniona, and Soleno. Background: Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is an acquired form of severe obesity characterized by rapid and excessive weight gain resulting from insult to the hypothalamus—primarily caused by tumor invasion, resection, or radiotherapy—that can impair melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway signaling. Treatment with setmelanotide, an MC4R agonist, resulted in weight loss and hunger reduction at 16 weeks in a Phase 2 trial of patients with HO. Here, we report changes in age-appropriate weight-related parameters after 6 months of treatment with setmelanotide in patients with HO who entered a long-term extension (LTE) trial. Methods: A Phase 2, multicenter, open-label study (NCT04725240) examined the efficacy and safety of 16-week setmelanotide treatment in patients aged ≥6 to ≤40 years with a clinical diagnosis of HO. Patients who met the primary endpoint of ≥5% body mass index (BMI) reduction from baseline at Week 16 or experienced investigator-determined clinically meaningful benefit and demonstrated adequate safety were eligible to enroll in the LTE trial (NCT03651765). We assessed the proportion of patients who achieved ≥10% BMI reduction as well as changes in age-appropriate weight-related parameters (ie, mean percent change in body weight for adults [aged ≥18 years] and mean change in BMI Z score and percent of the 95th BMI percentile [%BMI95] for children [aged &amp;lt;18 years]) from index trial baseline to Month 6 of setmelanotide treatment. Results: Of 18 patients originally enrolled in the index trial, 14 (77.8%) continued into the LTE and 13 (72.2%) had received ≥6 months of setmelanotide treatment at the time of this analysis. HO was diagnosed in these patients secondary to treatment of craniopharyngioma (n=11), hypothalamic hamartoma (n=1), and juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (n=1). At Month 6, 11 of 13 patients (84.6% [90% confidence interval, 59.0%–97.2%) achieved ≥10% BMI reduction from index trial baseline; the remaining 2 patients achieved ≥5% reduction from baseline at Month 6. In adults (n=2), the mean (standard deviation [SD]) percent change in body weight from baseline to Month 6 was −16.2% (7.2%). In children (n=11), the mean (SD) change from baseline in BMI Z score was −1.7 (1.1) and in %BMI95 was −34.8 (14.9) percentage points at Month 6. The most frequent adverse events were nausea (n=9 [69.2%]), skin hyperpigmentation (n=5 [38.5%]), and vomiting (n=4 [30.8%]). Four serious adverse events were reported in 2 patients (Clostridium difficile colitis in 1 patient; malaise, septic shock, and influenza in 1 patient) and were determined not related or unlikely related to study drug. Conclusions: In a heterogeneous population of patients with HO secondary to treatment of hypothalamic tumors, 6 months of setmelanotide treatment was associated with sustained meaningful improvements in weight and BMI with no new safety signals. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

THU195 6-Month Subcutaneous Leuprolide Acetate Achieved And Maintained Hormonal And Clinical Suppression In All Weight Groups Of Children With Central Precocious Puberty

Abstract Disclosure: B.S. Miller: Consulting Fee; Self; Abbvie, Ascendis Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, BioMarin, Endo Pharmaceuticals, EMD Serono, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Tolmar Pharmaceuticals. Research Investigator; Self; Alexion, Abbvie, Aeterna Zentaris, Amicus, Lumos Pharma, Lysogene, Novo Nordisk, OPKO Health, Pfizer, Prevail Therapeutics, Sangamo Therapeutics. D. Boldt-Houle: Employee; Self; Tolmar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. S.N. Atkinson: Employee; Self; Tolmar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Background: Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of central precocious puberty (CPP).1 Thus, data on whether weight status affects the treatment of children with CPP would be valuable to help clinicians ensure correct management. We present secondary analyses of hormone and height velocity (HV) data from the pivotal trial of the first small-volume, long-acting, subcutaneously administered gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) for CPP, with the goal of assessing if the study drug adequately suppresses hormones in overweight and obese children. Methods: 62 children with treatment-naïve CPP received 2 doses of 45 mg subcutaneous leuprolide acetate at 24-week intervals over the 48-week study period. The BMI percentile for children was calculated based on the Center for Disease Control growth charts, accounting for height, weight, age, and gender. Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were assessed using a validated central Cobas ECLIA assay with a lower limit of detection of 0.100 IU/L. Estradiol (E2) concentrations were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a lower limit of detection of 10 pg/mL. HV was calculated as the change in height between visits/((number of weeks between visits)/52). Results: Mean GnRH-stimulated LH concentrations at screening, week 24, and week 48 were 24.5, 2.1, and 2.5 IU/L in non-overweight children, 10.5, 3.2, and 2.2 IU/L in overweight children, and 31.5, 4.8, and 1.9 IU/L in obese children, respectively. In these same groups, mean E2 concentrations at screening, week 24, and week 48 were 28.2, 10.5, and 10.3 pg/mL in non-overweight children, 17.8, 10.4, and 10.4 pg/mL in overweight children, and 25.9, 11.0, and 11.1 pg/mL in obese children, respectively. Mean HV at week 4, week 24, and week 48 was 10.2, 5.6, and 5.7 cm/year in non-overweight children, 7.7, 5.5, and 6.2 cm/year in overweight children, and 8.2, 4.9, and 6.6 cm/year in obese children, respectively. Conclusions: Subcutaneous leuprolide acetate effectively treated all overweight children without any requirement for weight-based dosing. This is consistent with results from previous studies of GnRHa efficacy in obese and normal-weight children with CPP.2 Clinicians should consider providing counseling and interventions that support healthy diets and lifestyles to children with above-normal BMI and their caregivers. References Cited 1.Liu G, Guo J, Zhang X, Lu Y, Miao J, Xue H. Obesity is a risk factor for central precocious puberty: a case-control study. BMC Pediatr. 2021;21(1):509.2. Chen M, Eugster EA. Central precocious puberty: update on diagnosis and treatment. Paediatr Drugs. 2015;17(4):273-281. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Interpersonal Discrimination, Neighborhood Inequities, and Children's Body Mass Index: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Psychosocial stressors have been implicated in childhood obesity, but the role of racism-related stressors is less clear. This study explored associations between neighborhood inequities, discrimination/harassment, and child body mass index (BMI). Parents of children aged 5-9 years from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds (n = 1307), completed surveys of their child's exposure to discrimination/harassment. Census tract data derived from addresses were used to construct an index of concentration at the extremes, a measure of neighborhood social polarization. Child's height and weight were obtained from medical records. Multiple regression and hierarchical models examined child's BMI and racism at the individual and census tract levels. Children residing in the most Black-homogenous census tracts had 8.2 percentage units higher BMI percentile (95% confidence interval, 1.5-14.9) compared with white-homogenous tracts (P = .03). Household income and home values were lower, poverty rates higher, and single parent households more common among Black-homogeneous census tracts. Almost 30% of children experienced discrimination/harassment in the past year, which was associated with a 5.28-unit higher BMI percentile (95% confidence interval, 1.72-8.84; P = .004). Discrimination and racial/economic segregation were correlated with higher child BMI. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand whether these factors may be related to weight gain trajectories and future health.

Serum Levels of Hormones Regulating Appetite in Patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Prenatal alcohol exposure is the cause of impaired growth and a wide range of developmental and behavioral disorders in the child. Improper eating patterns are commonly associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and may contribute to poor nutrition and growth restriction. To date, there have been only a few studies investigating the hormonal regulation of appetite in patients with FASD. We analyzed the levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), Agouti signaling protein (ASP), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), and kisspeptin (KISS1) in 57 patients with FASD and 23 healthy controls. A comparison of the hormone levels studied was also performed in subgroups of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND PAE), as well as in males and females. We have found no differences in hormone levels tested between affected individuals and the controls and between FASD subgroups. In addition, sex had no effect on hormone levels. However, we identified some associations between hormone concentrations and parameters describing the clinical status of patients with FASD. Most of them concerned ASP, which has shown a positive correlation with age and hormones involved in appetite and metabolism, such as proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We have also found a negative correlation of α-MSH with age, BMI percentile, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Furthermore, we found a weak negative correlation of NPY with HbA1c. Although FASD has been associated with impaired child growth and development, including nutrition and puberty onset, we did not identify differences in the levels of the hormones studied, which may suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure does not affect the levels of these metabolites.

Obesity, inflammation, and depression in adolescents.

The prevalence of depression and obesity among adolescents has markedly increased over the last few decades. A bidirectional relationship has been proposed between depression and obesity in adolescence, but it remains poorly understood. Inflammation is a phenomenon that has been implicated in both disorders. Thus, a cross-sectional study was designed to investigate inflammation as a factor in the association between obesity and depression. The goal of this study is to better understand the interplay between these two disorders. The study sample consisted of female and male, black and white adolescents aged 15-18 years. Participants were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5. Depression severity was determined using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS). Participants completed the Childhood Trust Events Survey (CTES) and received an Early Life Stress (ELS) score based on the survey results. Those with a score of ≥4 were placed in the ELS group and those with a score ≤ 3 were placed in the non-ELS group. Anthropometric measures and a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan were performed for body composition. Blood samples were collected to measure inflammatory factors. Adolescents with MDD (n = 47) had significantly elevated body mass index (BMI) percentiles compared to the controls (n = 47) (77.11 ± 3.58 vs. 59.63 ± 4.40), and increased adiposity measures, including total fat (p = 0.016), trunk fat (p = 0.016), and trunk/total fat ratio (p = 0.021). Levels of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, leptin, and adiponectin varied significantly between the MDD and control groups, however, significance was not retained when BMI percentile and ELS score were controlled. There was a significant and positive relationship between QIDS and multiple measures of adiposity such as BMI percentile, visceral abdominal tissue, and trunk/total ratio. Depression severity was best predicted by ELS score, visceral adipose tissue, and adiponectin level. Adolescents with MDD had increased levels of inflammatory factors and many measures of adiposity. Thus, the treatment of adolescent depression should include a focus on managing body composition and reducing chronic inflammation to potentially improve treatment outcomes.

Blended learning versus online education: impact to elementary students’ engagement in physical activity and Body Mass Index

Examining the impacts of blended and online learning settings on children’s fitness and body mass index in a sample of public elementary school pupils in the Philippines is the main objective of this study. A 16-week pre-test and post-test control group in a quasi-experimental approach. The experimental group received blended education, whereas the control group exclusively took classes online. The experimental and control groups consisted of 2 classes from an elementary school in Angeles and Mabalacat City. Anthropometrical characteristics were compared between groups using ANOVA. Pre-test and post-treatment body mass index percentiles and PA levels were compared using a paired t-test. First, there were no significant variance in the individuals’ anthropometrical characteristics between the two groups before intervention. Additionally, the blended learning group outperformed the online learning group on the post-test in terms of physical activity. After intervention, the mean BMI of the blended learning group decreased, but online students showed no improvement. Last but not least, when compared to the online learning group, the BMI percentile of the students in the blended learning group is within the usual range. The benefit of blended learning on the pupils’ physical composition was highlighted. Pupils’ levels of physical activity and body composition have improved as an outcome of the adjustment from traditional to online and blended learning settings. For the benefit of the students, it is advisable to make the most of a blended learning strategy and, if at all possible, return to the full face-to-face method.

Analysis of possible risk factors for the severity of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

This study aimed to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI) percentile, asthma, sex, and age on the paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity. Furthermore, to determine the possible predictive role of the BMI percentile and age in severe OSA. This retrospective study included 921 children aged 2-18years diagnosed with OSA by polysomnography. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Spearman's correlation, Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analyses were performedand area under the curve (AUC) was determined. We observed a significant association between a higher BMI percentile and the severity of OSA (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.15). The correlation also was significant under (p = 0.007, ρ = 0.11) and over 7 (p = 0.0002, ρ = 0.23) years of age. There was no association between the severity of OSA and the presence of asthma (p = 0.9) or sex (p = 0.891), respectively. Age was significantly related to OSA severity (p = 0.01, ρ = 0.08). Although both the BMI percentile (0.59 AUC [0.54-0.65]) and age (0.58 AUC [0.52-0.63]) predicted severe OSA, according to the sensitivity and specificity values of the ROC curve, the association presents a slight clinical relevance. OSA severity is determined by the BMI percentile and age in children; however, these factors are unsuitable for predicting severe OSA in clinical practice. Based on our results, obesity is also a significant risk factor for OSA in younger children. Our study highlights that older, overweight, and obese children have a higher risk for severe OSA.

IGF1 Genetic Polymorphism and the Association between Vitamin D Status and BMI Percentiles in Children.

Both the IGF1 axis and hypovitaminosis D play a role in childhood obesity, either as a cause or a causality. While some studies suggest an interrelation between vitamin D status, IGF1, and obesity, this mechanism remains obscure. The aim of this study, therefore, was to explore associations between four genetic polymorphisms in the IGF1 axis in hypovitaminosis D-related obesity. The study included 116 pre-pubertal Israeli Arab children (52 girls), mean age 9.4 ± 2.6. Serum 25(OH)D was measured and anthropometric measures were obtained. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral EDTA-treated anti-coagulated blood using a standard protocol. Genotypes were determined using the Taqman allelic discrimination assay. The IGF genetic score was computed according to the additive genetic score model. A moderate-to-high negative correlation (r = 0.580, p < 0.05) was seen between the vitamin D status and body mass index (BMI) percentile of participants with high GS. Yet, no correlations were seen between vitamin D status and BMI percentile for participants with a low-to-moderate genetic score (GS) (GS ≤ 2). These results suggest that IGF1 genetic scores associated with elevated circulating IGF1 may indicate a tendency toward developing hypovitaminosis D-associated obesity.

Motor Competence and Body Mass Index in the Preschool Years: A Pooled Cross-Sectional Analysis of 5545 Children from Eight Countries.

One in five preschool children are overweight/obese, and increased weight status over time increases the risks of poorer future health. Motor skill competence may be a protective factor, giving children the ability to participate in health-enhancing physical activity. Yet, we do not know when the relationship between motor competence and weight status first emerges or whether it is evident across the body mass index(BMI) spectrum. This study examined the association between motor skill competence and BMI in a multi-country sample of 5545 preschoolers (54.36 ± 9.15months of age; 50.5% boys) from eight countries. Quantile regression analyses were used to explore the associations between motor skill competence (assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second/Third Edition) and quantiles of BMI (15th; 50th; 85th; and 97th percentiles), adjusted for sex, age in months, and country. Negative associations of locomotor skills, ball skills, and overall motor skill competence with BMI percentiles (p < 0.005) were seen, which became stronger at the higher end of the BMI distribution (97th percentile). Regardless of sex, for each raw score point increase in locomotor skills, ball skills, and overall motor skill competence scores, BMI is reduced by 8.9%, 6.8%, and 5.1%, respectively, for those preschoolers at the 97th BMI percentile onwards. Public health policies should position motor skill competence as critical for children's obesity prevention from early childhood onwards. Robust longitudinal and experimental designs are encouraged to explore a possible causal pathway between motor skill competence and BMI from early childhood.

Nutcracker syndrome in pediatrics: initial findings and long-term follow-up results.

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) describes a set of symptoms and signs resulting from compression of the left renal vein (LRV). There is a lack of knowledge about its natural course, diagnosis, and management, especially in children. Herein, we present our single-center experience with a large number of patients who have long-term follow-up results. All patients with NCS diagnosed between January 2011 and March 2021 were included and their data were obtained retrospectively. A total of 123 NCS patients (85 females) were included. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 12 (IQR 10-14) years, and BMI percentiles were below 5% in 38% of the cases. At the time of diagnosis, two-thirds of the patients were asymptomatic. The most common laboratory finding was nephritic proteinuria (98%), followed by microscopic hematuria (16%). Signs of LRV compression were significantly more evident in upright position Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) examination. All patients have been followed conservatively; hematuria and/or proteinuria resolved in 43 of the 108 patients (40%) within 35.8 ± 25.8months of follow-up. Control DUS was performed in 52 patients after a mean period of 39.1 ± 21.3months. The median peak velocity and diameter ratios of the LRV in the upright position were found to be decreased significantly when compared to the initial assessment (p < 0.05). Normal DUS findings were noted in 13 patients at the final evaluation. In unexplained proteinuria and/or hematuria, NCS should be considered, especially in asthenic adolescents. Our results support conservative management in children as the first-line treatment approach.

Recent Secular Trends of Body Mass Index in Individuals With Bipolar Disorders and in the General Population.

The aims of this study were to investigate secular trends and distribution of body mass index (BMI) among individuals with bipolar disorders and the general population between 2008 and 2019. Data were from the Swedish National Quality Register for Bipolar Disorder, where 24,423 adults with bipolar disorders were identified, and from the national Swedish Living Conditions Surveys, where 77,485 adults from the general population were identified. Quantile regression was used to compare the 15th, 50th, and 85th percentiles of BMI across age and study years. The study sample included 22,127 individuals with bipolar disorders (mean age, 48 years; 63% women) and 71,894 individuals from the general population (mean age, 52 years; 51% women). BMI percentiles were higher among individuals with bipolar disorders. At the 50th percentile, the BMI group differences were 1.1 (95% CI=0.8-1.14) for men and 1.8 (95% CI=1.5-2.1) for women. The gap was widest at the 85th BMI percentile: men, 2.3 (95% CI=1.8-2.8); women, 4.1 (95% CI=3.7-4.6). BMI increased over time in both study groups, but more in the group with bipolar disorders. The changes per decade in mean BMI were 0.4 (95% CI=0.3-0.5) among men in the general population, 1.1 (95% CI=0.7-1.4) among men with bipolar disorders, 0.6 (95% CI=0.5-0.7) among women in the general population, and 1.4 (95% CI=1.1-1.7) among women with bipolar disorders. Women with bipolar disorders had the highest prevalence and the greatest rate of increase of obesity. In 2019, the obesity prevalence was 33% among women and 29% among men with bipolar disorders, compared with 13% and 15%, respectively, among women and men in the general population. Adults with bipolar disorders had a higher BMI and a higher prevalence of obesity than the general population, indicating a higher cardiometabolic risk. Annually, BMI increased more in the group with bipolar disorders than in the general population, particularly among women and among those with high BMI.

Assessment of rehabilitation effects in children with mild intellectual disability

Research on effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes continues to investigate impact of therapeutic interventions on various motor parameters in children with intellectual disability (ID). This study compared the effectiveness of rehabilitation, reflected by physical fitness, static balance, and dynamic balance measurements, in children with mild ID. A total of 70 children with mild ID were enrolled for the study and were divided into two equal groups based on their body mass index (BMI) percentile, reflecting obesity or normal weight. Physical fitness was assessed using the Eurofit Special Test, whereas balance was evaluated with single-leg stance and timed up and go tests. The examinations were performed twice: At the beginning and at the end of a six-month therapy programme. Improvements were shown in the muscle strength of the upper limbs (p < 0.001) and lower limbs (p = 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.005), and static balance (p < 0.001) for the entire cohort. The effects of rehabilitation did not differ significantly between the children with obesity and those with a normal weight. These results may be important from the viewpoint of clinical practice and preventive measures, as they present evidence showing that rehabilitation is equally effective in both obese and normal weight children with mild ID. Therefore, these findings may be of assistance to those designing therapeutic programmes in special education centres.

Elective musculoskeletal surgery is associated with postoperative weight changes in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Patients of elective orthopedic surgeries often reduce activity levels during postoperative recovery. It is unclear whether these extended periods of modified activities lead to weight changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in body mass index percentile in pediatric patients over 2.5 years following primary musculoskeletal surgeries. Institutional records for utilized current procedural terminology codes were used to identify patients aged 21 years or younger who underwent elective surgery at a single pediatric orthopedic institution between October 2016 and December 2018. Non-primary surgeries and patients without preoperative body mass index measurements were excluded. Demographic characteristics, height, weight, and body mass index within 30 months of surgery were collected. Body mass index relative to age was calculated. Analysis of body mass index changes at follow-up intervals of 3-7, 9-18, and 24-30 months after surgery was performed for the overall sample, within surgical categories, and within preoperative weight classifications. A total of 1566 patients (53.1% female, average age 12.4 years) were included. Over one-third of patients were overweight or obese at presentation. The average change in body mass index percentile relative to baseline was increased at all follow-up intervals. Values reached significance at 9-18 months (p = .002) and 24-30 months (p = .001). While underweight and normal-weight patients had increased body mass index at all three timepoints, overweight or obese patients decreased. Patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures may experience significant changes in body mass index percentile postoperatively. At extremes of weight, patients experience improvement toward the mean, but most patients may undergo body mass index increases beyond what would be expected during normal growth. Retrospective level III.