The diagnosis of MS was attained using the criteria recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III14 adapted to the age group, which considers as MS the presence of at least three of the following items: WC≥90th percentile for age, gender, and
ethnicity; TG≥130 mg/dL and/or HDL-C < 45 mg/dL, fastingglucose≥100 mg/dL, SBP and/or DBP > 90th percentile for gender, height, and age. The cutoffs for TG, HDL-C, andfasting glucose followed the values recommended in the Iguideline for atherosclerosis prevention in childhood and adolescence.