Continuous Cardiometabolic Risk Score Definitions in Early Childhood: a Scoping Review

Background: Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in young children has been measured using various approaches, including a continuous summary score that incorporates components such as adiposity, lipids, metabolic factors and blood pressure.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to comprehensively review definitions of continuous CMR scores in children <10 years of age.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted using a systematic search of four scientific databases up to June 2016. Inclusion criteria were children <10 years of age and report of a continuous CMR score.

Results: Ninety-one articles were included. Most studies were published from 2007 to 2016 (96%). Nearly all continuous CMR scores (90%) were calculated using the sum or the mean of z-scores, and many articles age-standardized and sex-standardized components within their own population. The mean number of variables included in the risk scores was 5 with a range of 3-11. The most commonly included score components were waist circumference (52%), triglycerides (87%), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (67%), glucose (43%) and systolic blood pressure (52%).

Importance: Continuous CMR scores are emerging frequently in the child health literature and are calculated using numerous methods with diverse components. This heterogeneity limits comparability across studies. A harmonized definition of CMR in childhood is needed.