Impaired metabolic health over-time and high abdominal fat are prospectively associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in children: The IDEFICS study

Background: Metabolic risk and inflammatory state have an early life onset and are associated with future diseases. Objectives: To assess the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic health with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cross-sectionally and longitudinally, in children. Methods: 2913 European children (2-10 years) from eight countries from the IDEFICS study were investigated. Data were collected at baseline and 2 years later (follow-up). A MetS z-score was computed with waist circumference (WC), insulin resistance index, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Metabolically unhealthy (MU) status was assessed. Multi-level linear and logistic regressions were performed. Results: Among the MetS markers, WC was more consistently associated with hsCRP cross-sectional and prospectively. Baseline MetS score was significantly associated with greater risk of high hsCRP at follow-up and with prevalence and incidence of hsCRP. Those children who became MU overtime were significantly (P <.05) associated with future higher levels of hsCRP, independently of weight status at baseline. Conclusions: Transition over time to a MU state was associated with higher levels of hsCRP at follow-up, independent of weight status at baseline. Screening of metabolic factors and routine measurement of WC are needed to prevent inflammatory status and related chronic diseases in children.