Association between anthropometric parameters and carotid intima-media thickness in obese adolescents

Prevalence of obesity among adolescents is increasing in developing countries. Inflammation in obesity causes atherosclerosis which could develop into cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive subclinical marker of atherosclerosis. Determining the association between body size and atherosclerosis may allow early detection of atherosclerosis risk. Objectives: To assess the association between anthropometric parameters and CIMT in obese adolescents. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on adolescents with central obesity who visited the paediatric clinic of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Eating habits were obtained through food recall. Weight, height, waist circumference and thigh circumference were measured for calculation of body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). Obesity was defined as BMI >P95 according to age and sex. CIMT was obtained through B mode ultrasonography on the neck. Analysis was done using Spearman rho' to analyse association between BMI, waist circumference, WHR and CIMT. Results: There were 59 obese adolescents, comprising 32 (54.2%) males and 27 (45.8%) females. BMI, waist circumference and WHR were not significantly associated with CIMT in obese adolescents (p>0.05).