ESPE Abstracts

Background: Survivors of childhood brain tumors (SCBT) are an emerging group that have premature mortality and morbidities that can negatively impact their quality of life and lifespan. Cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes are important causes of premature mortality in survivors, yet one of the major determinants of cardiometabolic risk i.e. visceral adiposity has not been determined in this group.

Objective and hypotheses: This study is comparing two measures of visceral adiposity, the waist-to-hip ratio versus waist-to-height ratio, in SCBT and non-cancer controls and their relation to clinical and lifestyle variables

Method: This cross-sectional study recruited SCBT (n=59) and non-cancer controls (n=108). Data collected include diet, physical activity, sleep, brain tumor type, location and treatment details. Total adiposity was determined using bioelectrical impedance, and visceral adiposity was determined by waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios. Regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with visceral adiposity measures.

Results: SCBT had higher visceral adiposity compared to controls (waist-to-hip ratio 0.87±0.08 vs 0.82±0.09, p<0.0001; Waist-to-Height ratio 0.48±0.08 vs 0.45±0.08, p=0.007). Female sex, high fat diet, and physical inactivity were the determinants associated with these profiles.

Conclusion: Determination of visceral adiposity in SCBT is critical to identify those at future risk of cardiometabolic disorders, and to design targeted interventions to prevent visceral adiposity in survivors.