Impaired autonomic function in normotensive obese children

Peter L. Latchman, Madhu Mathur, Matthew N. Bartels, Robert S. Axtell, Ronald E. De Meersman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate baroreflex sensitivity and autonomic control in a cohort of normotensive obese (OB) children. Method A cross-sectional investigation, in which, baroreflex sensitivity and autonomic control were evaluated using transfer function and power spectral density analysis (PSDA) of the electrocardiogram and beat-to-beat blood pressures in normotensive OB children and normal weight normotensive controls. All methods used were noninvasive and data were captured while seated and at rest. Results The OB and control subjects non-obese (NO) were of similar age (OB 9.1 ± 1.9 years vs.NO9.2 ± 1.4 years). The OB group was classified as having a BMI greater than the 95th percentile adjusted for age and gender, and a NO group with a BMI at or less than the 95th percentile (BMI percentile OB. 97.5 ± 1.3 vs. NO 58.5 ± 24.1). Both groups had similar normotensive blood pressures. T tests revealed that baroreflex sensitivity and HFRR were significantly reduced in the OB 9.2 ± 2.7 vs. 15.2 ± 4.7 (ms/mmHg) and 6.7 ± 1.1 vs. 8.2 ± 1.1 ms 2, respectively, while LF SBP and LF/HF ratio were significantly increased in the OB 11.9 ± 5.6 vs. 8.2 ± 4.7 mmHg 2 and 1.2 ± 0.7 vs. 0.54 ± 0.3, respectively. Conclusions Normotensive OB children exhibited significantly reduced baroreflex sensitivity, parasympathetic control as well as increased sympathetic control when compared with healthy, NO controls. Findings in this investigation raise the awareness that autonomic dysfunction is present in young OB normotensive children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)319-323
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Autonomic Research
Volume21
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Autonomic modulation
  • Baroreflex sensitivity
  • Normotensive
  • Obese children

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Clinical Neurology

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