Metabolic syndrome in childhood cancer survivors: Delta BMI a risk
factor in lower middle-income countries
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is an important late effect of
childhood cancer. The combination of rising obesity and high prevalence
of under-nutrition at diagnosis, make this a unique population to study
in LMIC (lower middle-income countries). Method: Children <18
years of age at cancer diagnosis, in a single-centre in a LMIC, who were
disease free and had completed treatment at least 2 years prior to study
were included. MetSyn was defined using International Federation for
Diabetes criteria for Asian Indians. Univariate and multivariable
analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of risk factors on
MetSyn. Delta BMI (body mass index) was further studied using receiver
operating characteristic curve. Results: A high prevalence of MetSyn
(12.2%), central obesity (33%), and dyslipidemia (61.8%) was found in
a cohort of 500 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) at a mean follow-up age
of 17 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed male gender, OR
2.4(1.1-5.4), older age at diagnosis >10 years, OR
2.9(1.6-5), longer survival duration >10 years, OR
2.2(1.3-3.8), high BMI at diagnosis OR 3.2(1.5-6.9), high delta BMI
>50, OR 3.15(1.7-5.9) and cranial RT among children
<5 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, OR, 5.5(1.5-2), to
be independent predictors of MetSyn. Delta BMI (>50)
strongly predicted MetSyn among patients who were under-weight or normal
at diagnosis (OR, 12.5,1.7-92). Conclusion: Our CCS are at high risk of
MetSyn and its components at an early age. Monitoring delta BMI during
follow-up can be useful for screening CCS at risk for this modifiable
late effect of cancer treatment.