Triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio in children with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT The incidence of metabolic syndrome in children is increasing due to the obesity epidemic. Accessible biochemical studies are required to diagnose and treat it in a timely manner. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the usefulness of the triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) index as a predictor of metabolic syndrome according to the diagnostic criteria of the European initiative Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health EFects In Children and infantS (IDEFICS) in obese children 3 to 10 years of age. Descriptive, observational, retrospective study in the pediatric service of León General Hospital, Guanajuato, México, from January 2017 to December 2018. In a group of 73 obese children aged 3 to 10 years, it was found that the TG/HDL-c ratio has an odds ratio of 6 (95% CI 2–18) as a predictor of metabolic syndrome. A cut-off point of 2.4 for this index has a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 85%, likelihood ratio of 5.6, positive predictive value of 94%, and negative predictive value of 68% to diagnose metabolic syndrome with IDEFICS criteria. The TG/HDL-c index is a useful indicator to diagnose metabolic syndrome in children 3 to 10 years of age with obesity, in whom it is not possible to perform a comprehensive biochemical study.