Obesity and obesity related co-morbidities in a referral population of children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE

Although there is mounting evidence that childhood obesity is a risk factor for incident asthma, it remains unclear if there is a distinct "asthma-obesity" phenotype. This study characterized body composition, obesity related co-morbidities, and traditional risk factors for asthma in a cohort of children referred for asthma management in a pulmonary clinic. We hypothesized that children with asthma and obesity would have distinct risk factors and co-morbidities, particularly with respect to metabolic and sleep abnormalities.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

One hundred sixteen asthmatic children ages 4-18 years underwent comprehensive measurements of common asthma risk factors as well as measurements of obesity-related morbidities, including lung function tests, atopy, and assessments of sleep (overnight oximetry and actigraphy), physical activity (accelerometry), and metabolism. Characteristics of children who were obese (BMI > or =95th percentile) were compared to those who were not obese (BMI <95th percentile).

RESULTS

Obesity was present in 44% of participants. Obese participants had similar rates of atopy and family history of atopy, lung function, and asthma control at enrolment as their non-obese peers. A significantly higher proportion of obese participants had metabolic syndrome (23% vs. 0%) and habitual snoring (60% vs. 33%) compared to non-obese participants; insufficient sleep and nocturnal desaturations tended to be more prevalent among obese subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and obesity related co-morbidities were common in a referral population of children with asthma. The specific influence of metabolic abnormalities on asthma morbidity and management is still uncertain and likely will need to be addressed in prospective studies.