Features of social adaptability and autonomic stability of adolescents with metabolic syndrome

Aim. To identify the features of social adaptability and autonomic stability of adolescents with metabolic syndrome. Methods. The parameters of social adaptation and autonomic stability of 300 obese adolescents were studied. The main group included 150 adolescents (mean age 14.0±0.12 years) who were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The comparison group consisted of 150 adolescents (mean age 13.9±0.14 years) with primary uncomplicated obesity. A two-factor personality questionnaire of M. Gavlinova («society - autonomic nervous system») was used. Anthropometric indices (body weight, body mass index, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip circumference ratio) were evaluated, the blood pressure was measured. General and biochemical blood tests and urine tests were performed (determination of the level of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, lipoproteins of high and low density, uric acid), as well as instrumental investigations. Results. In the group of adolescents with metabolic syndrome the mean body mass index 29.21±0.37 was significantly higher (p <0.001) compared to 26.07±0.46 in the group of patients with uncomplicated obesity. The waist/hip circumference ratio was significantly higher in adolescents with metabolic syndrome: 0.89±0.41 vs. 0.80±0.12 in the control group. In 92.71% of adolescents with metabolic syndrome arterial hypertension was diagnosed. In adolescents of the first group found were and laboratory markers of the metabolic syndrome: dyslipidemia in the form of hypertriglyceridemia (2.04±0.08 mmol/l) and decrease of the concentration of high-density lipoproteins (1.1±0.04 mmol/l). The average fasting blood glucose level was 5.78±0.02 mmol/l, the index of the model of homeostasis assessment for insulin resistance was 6.64±0.21. In the group of adolescents with metabolic syndrome the average score on the scale of social adaptation was low (8.48±0.13), whereas in the group without metabolic syndrome it was 13.51±0.22, which was significantly higher than in the main group (p <0.001), and was evidence of normal social adaptation. Low level of social adaptation was observed more frequently in girls than boys in both groups. Established was a correlation between the body mass index and social adaptability (r=-0.358), and with autonomic stability (r=0.378), p <0.05. Conclusion. Social adaptability and autonomic stability of adolescents with metabolic syndrome depend on the severity of clinical and metabolic changes and on the sex, thus this must be taken into account during treatment and rehabilitation.

adolescents, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, social adaptation, autonomic stability