Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) are well-known independent predictors of cardiovascular disease especially in adulthood. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the statistical significance of the relationship between childhood CIMT, blood pressure and BMI. This systematic review and meta-analysis was therefore conducted to ascertain the relationship. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Three electronic databases were searched, namely EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Data were extracted independently by two review authors. Quantitative data were analyzed using Review Manager. RESULTS: The meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model and standard mean difference. The results of the meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in CIMT of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.41-1.31) between normotensive versus hypertensive children. Again, overweight and moderately obese children had higher CIMT values as compared to normal weight children with a pooled standard mean difference of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.24-1.20) and 2.75 (95% CI: 0.73-4.77) respectively. The pooled standard mean difference of systolic and diastolic blood pressures was found to be 2.44 (95% CI: 1.69-3.19) and 1.28 (95% CI: 0.65-1.92) respectively between normal weight and overweight/obese children. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis found a significant difference in CIMT between normotensive and hypertensive children, with overweight and moderately obese children having higher CIMT values. Thus, conducting CIMT screening for obese or overweight children and children with increased blood pressure can provide valuable information about their cardiovascular disease risk.