Echocardiographic Systolic and Diastolic Function Parameters Are Not Significantly Altered in Isolated Pediatric Excess Weight

Given the increasing burden pf pediatric excess weight, we employed echocardiography to assess the presence and extent of cardiac dysfunction in a cohort of excess weight children compared to normal weight controls.

46 excess weight children and 28 normal weight controls underwent clinical examination, standard transthoracic echocardiography, and Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI). Recorded parameters were normalized when possible.

Fractional shortening was normal in all subjects. A minority of participants (all of whom had excess weight) exhibited an ejection fraction of under 55%. M-mode and TDI systolic function parameters were mostly normal. There were conflicting results with respect to some diastolic function parameters (early diastolic flow propagation velocity, isovolumic relaxation time), but generally the diastolic function was also within normal limits.

Standard echocardiographic systolic and diastolic function parameters do not appear to be significantly altered in isolated pediatric excess weight. However, a thorough examination is advised in these children, as subtle changes may be identified in some, signaling a need for closer follow-up.