Zespół metaboliczny u dzieci i młodzieży

The history of the metabolic syndrome dates back to the beginning of the 17th and 18th century. The research on diseases which are a part of the syndrome is associated with the names of the two distinguished anatomists and doctors - the Dutch Nicolaas Tulp and the Italian Joannes Babtista Morgagni. The frequency of occurrence of the metabolic syndrome is difficult to assess, due to the dependence of component parameters of the syndrome upon accepted norms. In the research conducted by Mieczysław Litwin, it was claimed that the frequency of occurrence of the metabolic syndrome in Polish children is 3% and approximately 21% in children with arterial hypertension. The complexity of anomalies which occur, compels one to form diagnostically unambiguous criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Attempts at defining the metabolic syndrome have been made since the first clinical observations were conducted. In 2007, the definition of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents was provided by IDF (International Diabetes Federation). The metabolic syndrome is characterized by the occurrence of lipid disorders, glucose intolerance and arterial hypertension. A connection was proved between the presence of the syndrome at the developmental age, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in later stages of one's life. In the face of a growing obesity epidemic present in societies, and consequently numerous civilization diseases, the prophylaxis of the metabolic syndrome ought to be implemented as early as at the developmental age. Seeking preventive measures in the development of arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular system disorders in the adult population induced many researchers to a deeper analysis of metabolic disorders in patients at the developmental age. Attempts at determining criteria which are simple and available in every-day medical practice show the significance of the problem, as well as the concern about improving the quality of life.