Puberty associated hypertension risk evaluation in obese male adolescents

Introduction. Childhood obesity is a vindicated risk factor both for early and late cardiovascular outcomes. Hypertension is one of the most significant comorbidities accompanying obesity. The risk of developing hypertension in obese patients is influenced by a variety of factors. There is a lack of knowledge in hypertension risk associated with puberty evaluation in obese adolescent boys.

Objective. The study was aimed to evaluate the risk of hypertension as a common comorbidity in obese adolescent boys regarding puberty.

Design and methods. The study involved 147 boys with obesity (code E66.0, ICD-10) aged 14-17 years old. Routine clinical examination was performed according to national standards. Family history and medical history data was collected. Anthropometrics were performed including weight and height measurement, body mass index calculation and evaluation using WHO tables and z-score. Laboratory study included blood testosterone levels determination. Instrumental study included 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. Hypertension diagnosis was defined using common criteria. Statistical analysis included use of descriptive and analytical methods.

Results. Odds ratio for having hypertension during obesity are associated with higher z-BMI score, Tanner puberty score and blood testosterone level.

Conclusions. We concluded that morbid obese boys in late adolescent age, having higher Tanner puberty score, higher zBMI score and higher blood testosterone show highest odds for having hypertension.

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