Detection of metabolic syndrome features among childhood cancer survivors: A target to prevent disease

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Authors: Adriana Aparecida Siviero-Miachon, Angela Maria Spinola-Castro, Gil Guerra-Junior

Published Date September 2008 Volume 2008:4(4) Pages 825 - 836

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S2881

Adriana Aparecida Siviero-Miachon¹, Angela Maria Spinola-Castro¹, Gil Guerra-Junior²

¹Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Sao Paulo – UNIFESP/EPM, Brazil; ²Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, State University of Campinas – FCM/UNICAMP, Brazil

Abstract: Along with the growing epidemic of obesity, the risk of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease morbidity, and mortality are increasing markedly. Several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as visceral obesity, glucose intolerance, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia commonly cluster together as a condition currently known as metabolic syndrome. Thus far, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction are the primary events of the metabolic syndrome. Several groups have recommended clinical criteria for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in adults. Nonetheless, in what concerns children and adolescents, there are no unified definitions, and modified adult criteria have been suggested by many authors, despite major problems. Some pediatric disease states are at risk for premature cardiovascular disease, with clinical coronary events occurring very early in adult life. Survivors of specific pediatric cancer groups, particularly acute lymphocytic leukemia, central nervous system tumors, sarcomas, lymphomas, testicular cancer, and following bone marrow transplantation, may develop metabolic syndrome traits due to: hormonal deficiencies (growth hormone deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and gonadal failure), drug or radiotherapy damage, endothelial impairment, physical inactivity, adipose tissue dysfunction, and/or drug-induced magnesium deficiency. In conclusion, some primary and secondary prevention remarks are proposed in order to reduce premature cardiovascular disease risk in this particular group of patients.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome X, cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, obesity, growth hormone/deficiency, endothelium, vascular/physiopathology