Evidence for contemporary arterial stiffening in obese children and adolescents using pulse wave velocity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

•In meta-analysis at all sites, PWV was greater in obese children vs, non-obese controls.•This was no longer significant when high risk of bias studies were removed.•Differences varied by site, with carotid measures most significant.•More research is needed to understand longitudinal changes and impact of puberty.

IntroductionPulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI) may provide information on future cardiovascular risk. Reports are conflicting on whether obese children show evidence of raised PWV and AI.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis of published studies using EMBASE, Web-of-Science and PUBMED databases for studies reporting PWV and AI in obese versus non-obese controls( 90% in PWV and AI meta-analyses).ConclusionThere is moderate evidence that obese children have increased arterial stiffening, especially in central arteries. This supports concerns about future CVD risk in obese children. Developing effective obesity interventions must remain a health priority.