FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:Pam Barber, Columbus Children's Hospital, (614) 722-4598Amy Nance, Columbus Children's Hospital, (614) 722-4592
Embargoed for release May 5, 2002
COLUMBUS CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE RELEASES STUDY FINDINGS SHOWING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND HYPERTENSION AMONG CHILDREN
Growing Epidemic Forces Physicians to Take Proactive Measures Using Education and Intervention
BALTIMORE, MAY 5, 2002 -- As the number of overweight children increases at an alarming rate, so does the need for more detailed studies regarding childhood obesity. Researchers at the Columbus Children's Research Institute (CRI), located on the campus of Columbus Children's Hospital, recently released important study findings on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and hypertension (high blood pressure) among children. According to the study, earlier onset of hypertension in children is associated with increased BMI, which is a significant risk factor for many diseases in adulthood including type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Researcher Donald Batisky, M.D., medical director, Renal Dialysis Unit, presented the findings Sunday, May 5 at the 2002 Pediatric Academic Societies' (PAS) annual meeting in Baltimore.
"We originally thought children with a higher BMI would have primary hypertension, and this study confirmed that belief," Dr. Batisky said. "Obesity among children is a serious concern, as are the consequences like cardiovascular disease or other complications. We're treating children by suggesting lifestyle changes and implementing dietary guidelines, as well as using pharmacological methods."
Being overweight typically causes hypertension or high blood pressure. In a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, initial results showed 13 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are overweight, up from 11 percent in the previous survey conducted from 1988 to 1994. The effects of hypertension, which include stroke, coronary heart disease, artherosclerosis and kidney disease, can begin during childhood. Uncontrolled elevated blood pressure can cause organ damage.
"Parents are aware that children are obese, but the obstacle that remains is that there is little reimbursement for exercise programs or nutrition counseling," Dr. Batisky said. "However, more insurance carriers are beginning to reimburse for these types of programs. We hope to raise more awareness of the issue as we study hypertension prospectively."
Columbus Children's Hospital ranks among the top 10 in National Institutes of Health research awards and grants to freestanding children's hospitals in the country. With nearly 500,000 patient visits each year, Children's Hospital is a 110-year-old pediatric healthcare network treating newborns through age 21. In 2001, the Children's Research Institute conducted more than 105 research projects. Pediatric Clinical Trials International (PCTI), a site management organization affiliated with the hospital, also coordinated more than 50 clinical trials. In addition to having one of the largest ambulatory programs in the country, Children's offers specialty programs and services. Each year, more than 75,000 consumers receive health and wellness education and 2,000 students from 100 institutions and 500 residents receive training at Children's. More information on Children's Hospital of Columbus is available by calling (614) 722-KIDS (5437) or through the hospital's Web site at http://www.columbuschildrens.com.
# # #
RSS