Di Ludovico Armando, Pucci Costanza, Grassi Giovanni, Chabert Gian Luca, Ledda Giuseppe, Mascioli Ilaria, La Bella Saverio, Ciarelli Francesca, Breda Luciana, Giannini Cosimo, Mohn Angelika, Chiarelli Francesco, Corsello Antonio
Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti"G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy.
Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Ital J Pediatr. 2025 Aug 12;51(1):251. doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-02090-9.
Pediatric obesity is a growing global health concern, associated with metabolic, cardiovascular, and kidney complications. Early identification and intervention are crucial to preventing long-term morbidity. This review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of childhood obesity, focusing on its impact on kidney health. We discuss non-invasive diagnostic tools, including kidney ultrasound, and evidence-based management strategies. Obesity in children is linked to hypertension, insulin resistance, and early signs of kidney dysfunction, including increased kidney echogenicity and hyperfiltration. Ultrasound findings may serve as early markers of kidney involvement, potentially guiding risk stratification and intervention. Addressing pediatric obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating lifestyle modifications, medical management, and early detection of organ damage. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the pathophysiology of pediatric obesity-related kidney damage, current evidence on ultrasound-based screening, and possible diagnostic techniques. Further research is needed to validate ultrasound as a routine screening tool for obesity-related kidney disease in children.
小儿肥胖是一个日益引起全球关注的健康问题，与代谢、心血管和肾脏并发症相关。早期识别和干预对于预防长期发病至关重要。本综述探讨儿童肥胖的流行病学、病理生理学和临床意义，重点关注其对肾脏健康的影响。我们讨论了包括肾脏超声在内的非侵入性诊断工具以及基于证据的管理策略。儿童肥胖与高血压、胰岛素抵抗以及肾脏功能障碍的早期迹象有关，包括肾脏回声增强和超滤过。超声检查结果可能作为肾脏受累的早期标志物，潜在地指导风险分层和干预。解决小儿肥胖问题需要多学科方法，包括生活方式改变、医学管理以及器官损伤的早期检测。本叙述性综述的目的是总结小儿肥胖相关肾脏损伤的病理生理学、基于超声筛查的现有证据以及可能的诊断技术。需要进一步研究以验证超声作为儿童肥胖相关肾病的常规筛查工具。
