Oral Abstract Session: Prevention and rehabilitation

289 Retinal vascular caliber and the prevalence of obesity in children: baseline results of a comprehensive school-based Intervention Study (JuvenTUM III) HHanssen, MNeidig, ACBRenner, K Blume, A Schmidt-Trucksaess,MHalle, M Siegrist Division of Sports Medicine, Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Technical University of Munich, Department of Prevention & Sports Medicine, Munich, Germany Topic: Obesity Purpose: The prevalence of childhood obesity is high and its association with future cardiovascular disease in adulthood is well established. Primary prevention strategies beginning in childhood are promising means to reduce risk of coronary heart disease. The cross-sectional data presented analyze the prevalence of obesity and its correlation to early retinal vascular changes in young children. Methods: The baseline examination included 592 school children aged 9-13 years from secondary schools. Anthropometric measurements and blood collections were conducted using standard protocols for children. Retinal microvascular diameters and the arteriolar to venular ratio (AVR) were assessed with a non-mydriatic vessel analyser using a computer-based program. Augmentation index (Aix@HR75) and mean central blood pressure were analyzed by use of a sphygmograph. Results: In this population with an average age of 11.1 0.6 years, 23 % of the children were overweight or obese. The mean retinal arteriolar and venular calibres were 208.0 15.6 çm and 236.2 16.2 çm, respectively, with a mean AVR of 0.88 0.1. Girls had significantly larger retinal vessel diameters than boys (p<0.001). Larger venular diameters were significantly associated with higher BMI, percentage body fat and serum levels of triglycerides (TGA) as well as hsCRP. Neither HDL or LDL cholesterol nor fasting blood glucose were related to retinal microvascular diameters. Arteriolar calibers correlated inversely with central and peripheral blood pressure but not with Aix@HR75. In addition, higher BMI was significantly associated with higher mean central blood pressure (p<0.001). Conclusions: Changes of the retinal microcirculation have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease in adults. Similar to findings in adults, childhood obesity is associatedwith retinal venular dilatation and higher blood pressure. Early retinal microvascular changes are already existent in school children in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.