Resumo Objetivo: Estabelecer valores de referência ultrassonográficos de volumes tireoidianos em crianças de até três anos de idade, por ser exame essencial no diagnóstico de doença tireoidiana infantil. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo conduzido em cidade do sudeste brasileiro suficiente em iodo. Participaram 100 crianças saudáveis, submetidas a exame clinicoantropométrico e ultrassonografia cervical seguindo protocolos convencionais. Características como ecotextura e volumes dos lobos e da tireoide total foram obtidos. Segundo a idade, as crianças foram distribuídas em cinco grupos: < 2 meses; 2-12 meses; 12-18 meses; 18-24 meses; e 24-36 meses. Resultados: No grupo < 2 meses os volumes tireoidianos foram menores (p < 0,001) do que nos demais (0,4 mL; 0,18-0,70 mL). Além dessa idade, o volume total médio foi 1,0 mL (0,30-2,0 mL) e não diferiu entre os grupos. Não foram observadas diferenças entre lobos ou relacionadas a gênero. Houve correlação (r = 0,347; p = 0,001) entre índice de massa corporal e volume total. Conclusão: As dimensões tireoidianas foram menores até dois meses (0,35 ± 0,16 mL), e a partir dessa idade os mesmos valores de referência podem ser usados até 36 meses (0,85 ± 0,42 mL). Tais dados podem orientar a investigação diagnóstica, especialmente no hipotireoidismo congênito.

Abstract Objective: To establish ultrasound reference values for thyroid volumes in children up to 3 years of age, given that ultrasound of the thyroid is an essential examination in the diagnosis of childhood thyroid disease. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in an iodine-sufficient city in southeastern Brazil. A total of 100 healthy children underwent clinical evaluation, anthropometric examination, and cervical ultrasound in accordance with conventional protocols. We evaluated characteristics such as echotexture, thyroid lobe volume, and total thyroid volume. The children were divided into five groups, by age: < 2 months; 2-12 months; 12-18 months; 18-24 months; and 24-36 months. Results: The mean thyroid volume was lower in the < 2 month age group than in the other groups (0.4 mL vs. 0.18-0.70 mL; p < 0.001). For the subjects between 2 and 36 months of age, the mean volume was 1.0 mL (range, 0.30-2.0 mL). No other significant differences were observed between groups, thyroid lobes, or gender. However, body mass index correlated significantly with total thyroid volume (r = 0.347; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The mean thyroid dimensions were smallest in the < 2 month age group (0.35 ± 0.16 mL). For the subjects between 2 and 36 months of age, a reference value of 0.85 ± 0.42 mL can be used. Our data could guide the diagnostic investigation of thyroid disease, especially congenital hypothyroidism, in childhood.

Resumo O desenvolvimento de novos métodos de análise microbiológica requer uma avaliação da igualdade ou superioridade deste em relação a um método padrão ouro − método rotineiramente utilizado. Este processo de avaliação denomina-se validação. O método é validado se seu desempenho estiver satisfatoriamente de acordo com os parâmetros analisados. Neste trabalho, abordamos os critérios para a validação de novos métodos de análise microbiológica da AOAC, FDA e da ISO 16140.

Abstract The development of new methods for microbiological analysis of food requires an assessment of their equality or superiority in relation to a routinely used gold standard method. This evaluation process is called validation. The method is validated if its performance is satisfactorily in accordance with the analyzed parameters. This study address the validation criteria of new microbiological analysis methods developed by AOAC, FDA, and ISO 16140.

Resumo O tamarindo é uma fruta tropical de grande importância para a agricultura familiar e pode ser utilizada como matéria-prima para suco pronto para beber. No entanto, existem poucos dados na literatura sobre sua estabilidade. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a estabilidade do suco de tamarindo durante o armazenamento em temperatura ambiente (~28 °C) por 180 dias. Duas formulações foram produzidas, sendo um tratamento controle (pH 2,5) e um suco com acidez parcialmente reduzida (pH 3,5). Análises físico-químicas (pH, acidez e sólidos solúveis), de cor, sensoriais e microbiológicas foram realizadas para ambos os sucos, durante o armazenamento. Os resultados mostraram que os sucos foram estáveis em relação a todos os parâmetros físico-químicos analisados. Além disso, mantiveram escores de aceitação global estáveis, apesar de pequenas mudanças nos atributos − gosto de tamarindo, ácido e doce − para o suco parcialmente neutralizado (pH 3,5). Os sucos apresentaram também estabilidade microbiológica no período analisado, o que indicou um processo de fabricação e tratamento térmico eficientes. Portanto, ambos os sucos podem ser armazenados à temperatura ambiente, sem apresentar perda de qualidade.

Abstract Tamarind is a tropical fruit with relevant importance for family agriculture, and can be used as raw material for a ready-to-drink juice; however, there are few data in the literature associated with the tamarind juice storage stability. This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, sensory and microbiological stability of tamarind juice throughout storage at room temperature (~28 °C) for 180 days. Two juice formulations were produced, a control (pH 2.5), and the formulation with acidity reduction (pH 3.5). Physicochemical (pH, acidity, and soluble solids), sensory and microbiological analyses were performed for both juices along storage. The results showed that both juices were stable regarding all physicochemical parameters analyzed. Furthermore, both juices kept sensory scores in the acceptance zone, despite little changes in attributes (tamarind, sour, and sweet taste) for the partially neutralized juice (pH 3.5). Microbiological results were also stable for the period analyzed, which indicated efficient good manufacturing process alongside efficient heat treatment. Therefore, both juices can be stored at room temperature without presenting quality loss.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a idade em que a puberdade começa em meninos e coletar dados antropométricos de participantes em diferentes fases da puberdade. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal no qual foram avaliados 430 meninos, uma amostra aleatória representativa da população total de 48.390 estudantes de escolas públicas e particulares de Uberaba, Minas Gerais. Os critérios de inclusão foram: ser do sexo masculino, ter idade de 5 a 18 anos e ausência de doenças prévias. Os participantes e seus responsáveis preencheram um questionário semiestruturado com perguntas pertinentes à sua puberdade e à de seus pais. Os dados foram considerados significantes para p<0,05, e os intervalos de confiança calculados foram de 95%. Resultados: A média de idade encontrada no estágio G2 foi de 11,2±1,8 anos, sendo que 95% dos participantes em G2 tinham entre 9,2 a 13,4 anos. Quanto à pubarca, a média de idade foi de 11,0±1,6 anos, e 95% dos participantes apresentaram pubarca entre 8,0 e 14,0 anos. Quando tais resultados foram comparados aos intervalos de confiança de dois estudos clássicos sobre o tema, houve tendência à pubarca mais precoce. Além disso, a média de idade da pubarca nos pais das crianças foi de 12,1±1,4 anos, significantemente maior em relação à dos filhos (p<0,001). Conclusões: Os resultados indicam uma tendência secular em direção à diminuição da idade da pubarca e um possível início mais precoce da puberdade. É muito importante considerar esses parâmetros para estabelecer políticas públicas destinadas a prevenir esses eventos iniciais.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the age of puberty onset in boys and collect anthropometric data of participants at different puberty stages. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that assessed 430 boys in a random sample representing 48,390 students from public and private schools from the city of Uberaba, Southeast Brazil. The inclusion criteria were males, aged between 5 and 18 years, and absence of previous diseases. Participants and their guardians filled a semistructured questionnaire with questions relevant to their and their parents’ puberty. We set the significance at p<0.05 and calculated the 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean age found in the puberty stage G2 was 11.2±1.8 (95% of participants in stage G2 were 9.2-13.4 years old). Pubarche data showed a mean of age of 11.0±1.6 years (95% of the participants experienced pubarche when they were 8.0-14.0 years old). When compared to the confidence intervals of two classical studies on the subject, our results showed a trend toward earlier pubarche. In addition, the mean age of this event in the children’s parents was of 12.1±1.4 years, which was significantly higher than the age of the children’s pubarche (p<0.001). Conclusions: These results indicate a secular decreasing trend in pubarche age and an earlier puberty onset. Considering these parameters, is important to design public policies aimed at preventing these early events.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o caso de um paciente com hipotireoidismo congênito central (HCC) por conta de uma mutação recorrente no gene TSHB, bem como realizar um estudo genético de sua família. Descrição do caso: Relato de caso de um menino de 5 meses de idade com diagnóstico tardio de HCC isolado, em quem a análise molecular foi realizada 12 anos depois e detectou uma mutação recorrente (c.373delT) no gene TSHB. Os pais e a irmã eram portadores do alelo mutante. Comentários: A mutação c.373delT já foi relatada em pacientes do Brasil, da Alemanha, da Bélgica, dos Estados Uinidos, da Suíça, da Argentina, da França, de Portugal, do Reino Unido e da Irlanda. Em resumo, nosso caso e outros relatados na literatura reforçam a teoria de que essa mutação pode ser uma causa comum de deficiência isolada de TSH. A deficiência isolada de TSH não é detectada na triagem neonatal com base na dosagem de TSH, representando um desafio clínico. Portanto, quando possível, o estudo genético molecular é indicado. A identificação dos afetados e dos portadores permite o diagnóstico, o tratamento e o aconselhamento genético adequado.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the case of a patient with central congenital hypothyroidism (CCH) due to a recurrent mutation in the TSHB gene, as well as to conduct a genetic study of his family. Case description: It is presented a case report of a 5-month-old boy with a delayed diagnosis of isolated CCH in whom the molecular analysis was performed 12 years later and detected a recurrent mutation (c.373delT) in TSHB gene. The parents and sister were carriers of the mutant allele. Comments: The c.373delT mutation has previously been reported in patients from Brazil, Germany, Belgium, United States, Switzerland, Argentina, France, Portugal, United Kingdom and Ireland. In summary, our case and other ones reported in the literature support the theory that this mutation may be a common cause of isolated TSH deficiency. Isolated TSH deficiency is not detected by routine TSH-based neonatal screening, representing a clinical challenge. Therefore, when possible, molecular genetic study is indicated. Identification of affected and carriers allows the diagnosis, treatment and adequate genetic counseling.

Abstract Real-time PCR (qPCR) has been used for rapid identification of Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus in dairy foods, but is unable to differentiate viable and unviable pathogens. Ethidium bromide monoazide (EMA), a DNA-intercalating agent, can detect only viable cells because selectively enter cells considered unviable and bind to their DNA, inhibiting its amplification during qPCR. The objective was to establish a protocol for detection of viable Salmonella Typhimurium and S. aureus, experimentally inoculated in coalho cheese, by the use of EMA combined with qPCR. The protocol was effective for the identification of viable Salmonella Typhimurium in coalho cheese but not for the S. aureus cells. Concentrations of viable Salmonella Typhimurium cells of 1 CFU/10 g of coalho cheese could be detected. The monoplex protocol enables the rapid and specific identification of viable Salmonella Typhimurium in coalho cheese, making it an alternative method for the quality and safety control of cheeses.

OBJECTIVE: Follow-up studies of girls with premature adrenarche have reported the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia and a propensity to cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of these conditions in patients previously treated at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. METHODS: A total of 130 medical records reported premature adrenarche. One hundred and twenty-two patients were invited to participate, of whom 54 accepted; 34 patients were selected, as they had reached their final height. Anthropometric, blood glucose, insulin, and lipid and hormonal profile (LH, FSH, estradiol, 17α-OH-progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone) data were obtained, the HOMA-IR index was calculated, and pelvic ultrasonography was performed. To characterize polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome, the Rotterdam and International Diabetes Federation criteria, respectively, were used. Data were analyzed according to measures of dispersion, frequency and correlations of interest. RESULTS: The age of the participants ranged from 15.2 to 28.2 years/months; 23.5% of the patients were overweight, 11.8% were obese, 29.4% had a large waist circumference, and 8.8% were hypertensive. None of the patients had altered glucose levels, and insulin levels and HOMA-IR were elevated in 29.4% and 38.2% of the participants, respectively; 14.7% of the patients exhibited acanthosis nigricans. The lipid profiles of the participants were variable, and one patient (2.9%) had metabolic syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome was found in 41.2% of patients. CONCLUSION: The percentage of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who also had overweight, obesity and insulin resistance corroborates the literature data about the need for follow-up aiming at interventions, especially for conditions associated with cardiometabolic risk.

OBJECTIVE: There are no doubts about the clinical benefits of treatment with GnRH analogs for patients diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP). However, laboratory monitoring of CPP is still a matter of considerable controversy in the literature. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the cut-off values of stimulated LH that determine gonadotrophic suppression. METHODS: Twenty-four girls, on treatment with leuprorelin acetate (LA) at 3.75 mg IM every 28 days, were studied. The clinical parameters used to indicate clinical effectiveness were regression or maintenance of sexual characteristics according to the Tanner stage, growth velocity reduction, reduction or maintenance of the difference between bone age and chronological age and maintenance or improvement of the final height prediction. For the laboratory effectiveness test, basal estradiol, LH, and FSH levels were collected before and 1 and 2 h after the administration of 3.75 mg LA. RESULTS: Eleven girls showed improvement in all clinical parameters, and their effectiveness tests were compared to those of the other patients to calculate the cut-off values, which were ≤3.64 IU/L (p=0.004*) for LH after 1 h and ≤6.10 IU/L (p<0.001*) for LH after 2 h. CONCLUSION: The LH response after the LA stimulation test, associated with clinical data and within a context of CPP, constitutes a reliable and feasible resource and can assist in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar em um grupo de crianças e adolescentes com obesidade e sobrepeso a presença ou não de acantose nigricans e sua associação com alterações metabólicas. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo 161 indivíduos com excesso de peso, que foram divididos em dois grupos, segundo a presença ou não de acantose nigricans, e nos quais foram obtidas medidas antropométricas (índice de massa corporal, pregas cutâneas, circunferência abdominal), pressão arterial, análises laboratoriais (glicemia de jejum, insulina, perfil lipídico, triglicerídeos, ácido úrico, transaminases) e o índice homeostasis model assessment. Resultados: O grupo com acantose nigricans representou 51,5% da amostra. A média de idade foi semelhante entre os grupos. O grupo com acantose nigricans apresentou maiores índice de massa corporal, escore Z do índice de massa corporal, percentual de gordura corporal, circunferência abdominal (p<0,0001) e pressão arterial sistólica (p=0,006) e diastólica (p=0,002). Não houve diferença significativa na análise do perfil lipídico, exceto o colesterol de alta densidade, que foi menor (p=0,003) no grupo com acantose. Já o ácido úrico (p<0,0001), a glicemia de jejum (p=0,006), a insulina (p<0,0001), a transaminase glutâmica oxalacética (p<0,0001) e o índice homeostasis model assessment (p<0,0001) foram significativamente maiores no grupo com acantose nigricans. Conclusões: Acantose nigricans em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade esteve associada à elevação dos índices de adiposidade corporal, pressão arterial, insulina e homeostasis model assessment, indicando-a como marcador clínico associado à síndrome metabólica.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the presence or absence of acanthosis nigricans and its association with metabolic alterations in a group of obese and overweight children and adolescents. Methods: A cross sectional study of 161 overweight children and adolescents, who were divided into two groups, according to presence or absence of acanthosis nigricans. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, skinfolds, abdominal circumference), blood pressure, laboratory tests (fasting glycemia, insulin, lipid profile, triglycerides, uric acid, transaminases) and homeostasis model assessment index. Results: The acanthosis nigricans group represented 51.5% of the sample. The mean age was similar between groups. The group with acanthosis nigricans presented higher body mass index, Z score of body mass index, body fat percentage, abdominal circumference (p<0.0001), systolic (p=0.006) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.002). There was no significant difference in the analysis of lipid profile, except for the high-density cholesterol, which was lower (p=0.003) in the group with acanthosis. On the other hand, uric acid (p<0.0001), fasting glycemia (p=0.006), insulin (p<0.0001), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (p<0.0001), and homeostasis model assessment index (p<0.0001) were significantly higher in the group with acanthosis nigricans. Conclusions: Acanthosis nigricans in overweight and obese children and adolescents is associated with elevation of body fat, blood pressure, insulin and homeostasis model assessment index, indicating that it is a clinical marker associated with the metabolic syndrome.

Resumo A síndrome poliglandular autoimune tipo 2 (SPGA-2) é uma síndrome de imunoendocrinopatia rara caracterizada por doença de Addison autoimune associada à diabetes mellitus tipo 1 e/ou doenças tireoidianas autoimunes. Relatamos aqui o caso de uma paciente de 23 anos de idade com SPGA-2 que foi acompanhada nos ambulatórios de dermatologia e endocrinologia da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, localizada no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Primeiramente, a paciente apresentou hiperpigmentação cutânea difusa e vitiligo; posteriormente, por apresentar vômitos, hiporexia, perda ponderal, hipoglicemia, amenorreia e galactorreia, foi diagnosticada com SPGA-2. A paciente apresentou também intensa hiperprolactinemia secundária apenas ao hipotireoidismo primário. É comum o diagnóstico tardio da SPGA-2, pois a doença é rara e apresenta manifestações clínicas inespecíficas. Este relato de caso enfatiza a importância do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces como objetivo de reduzir a morbimortalidade associada a essas doenças, especialmente à doença de Addison. O presente estudo descreve um caso raro de uma paciente com SPGA-2 com amenorreia primária associada a hiperprolactinemia.

Abstract Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II (PGA-II) is a rare immunoendocrinopathy syndrome characterized by the occurrence of autoimmune Addison disease along with diabetes mellitus type 1 and/or autoimmune thyroid disease. Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old female with PGA-II who was followed up at the dermatology and endocrinology clinics of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. First, the patient presented diffuse skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo; and in sequence, due to vomiting, appetite and weight loss, hypoglycemia, amenorrhea, and galactorrhea, the patient was then diagnosed with PGA-II. The patient also presented intense hyperprolactinemia due to primary hypothyroidism. The late diagnosis of PGA-II is frequent because the disorder is uncommon and has non-specific clinical manifestations. This report emphasizes the significance of a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases, especially Addison disease. The present study reports a rare case of a patient with PGA-II with primary amenorrhea associated with hyperprolactinemia.

RESUMO Introdução: Alguns autores encontraram relação estreita e positiva da religiosidade e espiritualidade com comportamentos saudáveis, resultando em saúde adequada. Além disso, dados da literatura sugerem que, de modo geral, as pessoas se apoiam em suas crenças para enfrentar momentos de dificuldades pessoais e coletivas. Os profissionais cujas práticas estão ligadas ao cuidado em saúde necessitam se capacitar para atender e respeitar as manifestações e necessidades dos pacientes no que se refere a religiosidade e espiritualidade. Objetivos: Investigar o que pensam os acadêmicos ingressantes no curso de Medicina e de outras áreas da saúde e humanas acerca do tema; identificar o papel e a importância da religiosidade e espiritualidade em suas vidas e futuras práticas profissionais. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo quantitativo-qualitativo, descritivo, transversal, de amostra intencional. Entre fevereiro e abril de 2014, foi aplicado aos acadêmicos do primeiro período de Medicina, Biomedicina, Enfermagem, Fisioterapia, Terapia Ocupacional, Educação Física, Nutrição, Psicologia e Serviço Social um questionário que avaliou variáveis sociodemográficas e conceitos que envolvem religiosidade e espiritualidade e saúde. A análise dos dados empregou Qui-Quadrado clássico, feita pelo SPSS versão 2.0, e P < 0,05 foi considerado significante. Resultados: Foram selecionados 270 alunos, de 18 a 43 anos; entretanto, 183 preencheram o questionário, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino, de família convencional, cristã/católica, que herdou a religião dos pais; 78,6% (144/183) referiram afiliação religiosa, 43,5% (87/183) a exercem de forma organizacional. A maioria dos indivíduos considerou que a religiosidade e espiritualidade confere sentido a suas vidas, fortalece em momentos difíceis, traz benefícios à saúde, e considera importante a abordagem de temas relacionados em sua formação acadêmica, enquanto 31,4% (57/183) referiram que houve influência da religiosidade e espiritualidade na escolha profissional. Conclusão: Os alunos das áreas estudadas que ingressaram na Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro manifestaram características positivas relacionadas ao tema religiosidade e espiritualidade, e têm expectativa de uma abordagem mais integral e espiritual do homem na grade curricular.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Some authors have found close and positive relationship between religiosity and spirituality and healthy behaviors that result in good health. Furthermore, data drawn from the literature suggest that, in general, people rely on their beliefs to face moments of personal and collective difficulties. Professionals whose practices are linked to health care, need to be trained to meet and observe the needs of patients, in terms of religiosity and spirituality. Objective: To investigate what medical students as well as students in the health area think about this topic, in addition to identifying the role and importance they attribute to religiosity and spirituality in their lives and future professional practices. Methodology: This was a quantitative and qualitative, descriptive, cross intentional sample study. We applied a questionnaire to first-year students of medicine, biomedicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical education, nutrition, psychology and social service, which assessed socio-demographic variables and concepts involving religiosity and spirituality and health. For the data analysis, we used the Chi-Square test developed in SPSS version 2.0, and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: We selected 270 students, aged between 18 and 43, however, only 183 completed the questionnaire. The majority of the respondents were female, who come from conventional Catholic and Christian families, and inherited their religion from their parents; 78.6% (144/183) report religious affiliation, 43.5% (87/183) practice it in a disciplined way. Most the individuals considered that R/S gives meaning to their lives, strengthens them in times of trouble and brings benefits to their health. They also consider religiosity and spirituality and issues related issues as very important to their academic background, whereas 31.4% (57/183) quoted that religiosity and spirituality have influenced their professional choice. Conclusion: Those who have become students at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro have a positive attitude towards religiosity and spirituality and expect a more comprhensive and spiritual approach towards their curriculum.

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the findings of thyroid ultrasonography (T-US), its contribution to diagnose congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and the best time to perform it. Subjects and methods Forty-four patients with CH were invited to undergo T-US and 41 accepted. Age ranged from 2 months to 45 years; 23 patients were females. All were treated with L-thyroxine; 16 had previously undergone scintigraphy and 30 had previous T-US, which were compared to current ones. Results At the current T-US, the thyroid gland was not visualized in its normal topography in 10 patients (24.5%); 31 T-US showed topic thyroid, 17 with normal or increased volume due to probable dyshormonogenesis, 13 cases of hypoplasia and one case of left-lobe hemiagenesis. One patient had decreased volume due to central hypothyroidism. Scintigraphy scans performed 3-4 years earlier showed 100% agreement with current results. Comparisons with previous T-US showed concordant results regarding thyroid location, but a decrease in current volume was observed in eight due to the use of L-thyroxine, calling the diagnosis of hypoplasia into question. Conclusions The role of T-US goes beyond complementing scintigraphy results. It allows inferring the etiology of CH, but it must be performed in the first months of life. An accurate diagnosis of CH will be attained with molecular study and the T-US can guide this early assessment, without therapy withdrawal.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the frequency of cardiometabolic risk markers and metabolic syndrome occurrence in overweight and obese children and adolescents. METHODS: The participants included 161 overweight (n=65) and obese (n=96) individuals aged between 5 and 19 years. Clinical markers were assessed (body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, acanthosis, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, laboratory parameters [glucose, insulin, cholesterol (total and fractions) and triglyceride levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index] and leptin and adiponectin levels). The frequency of changes, odds ratios and correlations among markers were determined. Metabolic syndrome was assessed according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. RESULTS: A high frequency of acanthosis (51.6%); increased waist circumference (45.4%), systolic blood pressure / diastolic blood pressure (8.1% / 9.3%), glucose (10%), insulin (36.9%) and HOMA-IR (44.3%) values; and reduced high-density lipoprotein levels (47.2%) were observed. Leptin levels were increased in 95% of obese and in 66% of overweight subjects. Adiponectin was decreased in 29.5% of obese and in 34% of overweight subjects. An odd ratio analysis revealed a greater probability of increased waist circumference (9.0), systolic blood pressure (4.1), triglyceride (2.3) and insulin (2.9) levels and HOMA-IR (3.0) in the obese group than in the overweight group. The clinical and laboratory parameters and leptin levels exhibited significant correlations, whereas adiponectin was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure. The occurrence rate of metabolic syndrome was 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of changes in clinical, laboratory and adipokine markers indicates the need for early interventions aimed at preventing cardiometabolic complications in adulthood.

OBJECTIVES: To establish cut-off values for growth hormone concentrations using clonidine as a secretagogue and an immunochemiluminescent assay as the method of measurement and to analyze the response time as well as the influence of gender, nutritional status and pubertal stage. METHODS: A total of 225 tests were performed in 3 patient groups, categorized as group 1 (normal), group 2 (idiopathic short stature) and group 3 (growth hormone deficiency). Among the 199 disease-free individuals, 138 were prepubertal, and 61 were pubertal. Clonidine (0.1 mg/m2) was orally administered, and the growth hormone level was measured by immunochemiluminescent assay. The growth hormone peak and the difference between the growth hormone peak and the baseline level were then analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test or the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn’s post hoc test. Cut-off values were determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Group 1 and group 2 had no difference in growth hormone peak, gender, body mass index standard deviation score, or pubertal stage. Group 3 exhibited a significantly lower growth hormone peak than the other groups did. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that growth hormone concentrations ≥ 3.0 ng/mL defined responsiveness to clonidine. In total, 3.02% of individuals in group 1 and group 2 were considered false positive, i.e., these children lacked growth hormone deficiency and had a peak below 3.0 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Clonidine-stimulated growth hormone concentrations ≥3 ng/mL, as measured by immunochemiluminescent assay, suggest responsiveness to the stimulus regardless of gender, body mass index standard deviation score or pubertal stage.