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In spite of the lack of a uniform definition for metabolic syndrome in pediatry, recent studies have shown that it develops during childhood and is highly prevalent among children and adolescents who suffer from obesity. In light of the current epidemic of obesity in this age category in western countries, and specifically in Mexico, it becomes essential to know the means to prevent, detect and treat this syndrome. Nurses play an important role in promoting childhood health with regards to metabolic syndrome. To put into practice the strategies which resolve underlying problems related with this syndrome is a priority for the well-being of this age group. These strategies should include the application and management of public policies; the collaboration by health services, social services and schools; but, furthermore, the prevention and the management of this syndrome require a family commitment, while the changes in living habits benefit the entire family. This review article proposes to introduce prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies which nursing personnel can carry out while dealing with metabolic syndrome in adolescents.

The authors review the bases which compose correct nutritional management during childhood and adolescence convinced that during these times we acquire the habits and customs which determine our feeding habits. After analyzing the feeding characteristics in Spain at the present time, the authors describe the main feeding care programs corresponding to the development stage a child or adolescent is at: preschool, primary grades, or adolescence and they describe the role nursing has at each stage.

The authors provide the information necessary so that nurses are capable of adequately carrying out the duties which pertain to neonatal screening programs for hereditary metabolic diseases. The authors briefly describe those diseases which are subject to neonatal screening with the objective of providing their basic features, especially in relation to neonatal screening and the benefits which this may provide. The authors explain the method to correctly take a blood sample on the paper filter sample cards and they describe the most frequently committed errors as a way to prepare nursing personnel which may at some time have contact with these functions so that these are properly performed.