METABOLIC SYNDROME IN PEDIATRIC PRACTICE: DEFINITION, DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA AND PRINCIPLES OF PATIENT MANAGEMENT (OVERVIEW)

The article comprehensively reviews epidemiological indicators, risk factors, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, and contemporary management principles of metabolic syndrome in pediatric practice. The study relies on the extensive analysis of literature sources retrieved from electronic databases such as PubMed, UpToDate, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, MedLine, and Elsevier. The literature review highlights the escalating prevalence of metabolic syndrome as an urgent medical and social concern among children and adolescents, primarily attributed to the global epidemic of childhood obesity. The article not only outlines key findings but also presents recommendations from international medical societies concerning screening strategies, diagnostics, and therapeutic approaches for the individual components contributing to metabolic syndrome in childhood. The review also focuses on pivotal studies exploring alternative therapies targeting the principal pathogenic factors of the disease. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the pressing issue of the absence of standardized criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome in children, highlighting the imperative role of a multidisciplinary team of specialists in the effective management of this pathology in pediatric practice.