Aortic root dilatation and mitral valve prolapse in the fragile X syndrome

Forty patients with fragile X [fra(X)] or Martin-Bell syndrome, confirmed by chromosome analysis, underwent full cardiac evaluation including physical examination, chest film, electrocardiography (ECG), and M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography. Thirty-four males and six females were studied. Although all patients were asymptomatic, seven males were found to have mild aortic root dilatation. All seven also had evidence of mitral valve prolapse. Twenty-two (55%) of the study patients had mitral valve prolapse with either a click or murmur heard on physical examination and confirmation by M-mode echocardiography. The frequency of mitral valve prolapse was the same in males and females, but 80% of males older than 18 years had mitral valve prolapse. These findings support the hypothesis of a connective tissue dysplasia in the fra(X) syndrome.     

两种人工瓣环置入修复单纯二尖瓣环扩张引起的二尖瓣关闭不全的比较

背景：退行性二尖瓣关闭不全的病例有逐渐增加的趋势,而单纯二尖瓣环扩张引起的二尖瓣关闭不全是退行性二尖瓣关闭不全的一种类型,国内尚无关于此类二尖瓣关闭不全的外科治疗的临床研究报告。 目的：观察单纯瓣环置入修复单纯二尖瓣环扩张引起的二尖瓣关闭不全早中期生物相容性的反应。 方法：单纯二尖瓣瓣环扩张致二尖瓣关闭不全患者48例,均行二尖瓣人工瓣环置入修复,其中使用Carpentier-Edwards生理环23例、SJMTM刚性鞍形成形环25例。出院后随访,采用超声心动图观察心功能和二尖瓣反流程度等变化,并比较两种瓣环与宿主生物相容性有无差别。 结果与结论：围术期无死亡,均治愈出院。48例均获随访,随访率100%,随访时间3个月至4年,无死亡病例。NYHA心功能分级Ⅰ级32例,Ⅱ级16例。与术前比较,随访期超声心动图显示左心房内径、左心室舒张末期内径、左心室收缩末期内径、肺动脉收缩压和反流速面积/左房面积均明显减少(P < 0.01),左室射血分数明显增加(P < 0.01)。跨瓣压差均< 3 mm Hg。二尖瓣无明显返流36例,微量返流10例,轻度反流2例。未出现成形环断裂、成形环撕脱及溶血现象。Carpentier-Edwards生理环组和SJMTM刚性鞍形成形环组比较,上述各指标差异无显著性意义(P > 0.05)。结果提示对于因单纯二尖瓣环扩张引起的退行性二尖瓣关闭不全,通过正确的置入技巧、选择合适的人工瓣环,应用人工瓣环置入有与宿主生物较好的生物相容性反应,置入后的瓣膜替代功能良好。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：生物材料;骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性;组织工程全文链接：     

High occurrence of mitral valve prolapse in cardiac catheterization patients with pure isolated mitral regurgitation

The aetiological spectrum of angiographically verified pure isolated mitral regurgitation (MR) was studied in 48 consecutive adult patients (35 males). Severe MR was found in 35 patients (73%) and moderate MR in 13 patients (27%). Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) syndrome was found in 21 patients (44%). These were younger than the rest of the study population (55 +/- 13 vs. 62 +/- 6 years, p less than 0.05) and 15 (71%) of them were men. Endocarditis and chordal rupture occurred in 19% and 43% of the MVP patients. Sixteen patients (33%) had MR secondary to myocardial infarction while only three patients (6%) had MR of rheumatic aetiology. Bacterial endocarditis, hypertensive heart disease, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and mitral annulus calcification were less frequently found. Mitral valve replacement was done in 20 (57%) of the patients with severe MR and MVP was the underlying disease in 15 (75%) of these patients. In conclusion, MVP is a frequent cause of pure isolated MR and of mitral valve replacement. In contrast to the preponderance of young females amongst MVP patients in population surveys, most of the MVP patients with MR in this study are middle-aged and elderly men.     

Discriminant function analysis of LD/BD children scores on the WISC-R

Investigated the performance of learning-disabled (LD) and behaviordisorder (BD) children and youth on the WISC-R. A stepwise discriminant function analysis and chi-square analysis were used to analyze the performance of 135 children and youth (83 males, 52 females) on the WISC-R. The sample consisted of 68 LD and 67 BD Ss, whose ages ranged from 81-1 month to 168-6 months with a mean age of 123-1 months. Results suggest that discriminant function analysis can be useful as one criterion in differentiating LD children from BD children. Implications are discussed.     

The prevalence of mitral valve prolapse in healthy men and women in Sweden. An echocardiographic study

An asymptomatic population of 100 women and 101 men was studied with M-mode echocardiogram to determine the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). One of the two patterns characteristic for MVP was found in 8% of the females and 7% of the males. The diastolic mitral valve excursion was significantly higher in the MVP group (p less than or equal to 0.001). A typical M-mode pattern in combination with a high mitral valve excursion probably enhances the diagnostic specificity.     

二尖瓣双病变和联合瓣膜病变二尖瓣口面积的测定

目的∶探讨二尖瓣双病变和联合瓣膜病变二尖瓣口面积（ＭＶＡ）的准确测定方法。材料与方法∶分别用二维超声（２ＤＥ）、压差减半时间（ＰＨＴ）、彩色多普勒二尖瓣口血流截面积（ＣＤＦ）和椭圆形面积法（ＣＤＪ）测定４３ 例风湿性心脏病二尖瓣狭窄（ＭＳ）拟行人工瓣置换术患者的ＭＶＡ,其中合并主动脉瓣反流（ＭＳ＋ ＡＲ） １０ 例,合并二尖瓣反流（ＭＳ＋ ＭＲ） １２ 例,（ＭＳ＋ ＭＲ＋ ＡＲ） ２１ 例,并与手术标本的实测面积（ＯＰ）相比较。结果∶ＣＤＦ法三组均为高度相关;２ＤＥ法ＭＳ＋ ＡＲ组为良好相关,其余两组亦为高度相关;ＰＨＴ法三组虽为高度相关,但在ＭＳ＋ ＭＲ和ＭＳ＋ ＭＲ＋ ＡＲ组显著低估了ＯＰ;ＣＤＪ法三组均显著低估了ＯＰ。结论∶二尖瓣狭窄合并二尖瓣反流或同时并主动脉瓣反流但以二尖瓣反流显著时,ＰＨＴ法明显低估了二尖瓣口面积,而此时应用ＣＤＦＩ测量二尖瓣口血流截面积却不失为一种新的简便而较为准确的定量二尖瓣狭窄的方法,临床上值得推广。     

Comparison of clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after valve repair: degenerative versus rheumatic mitral regurgitation

We compared clinical (30+/-24 months) and echocardiographic follow-up (22 +/- 20 months) data of 184 consecutive patients with myxomatous degenerative mitral regurgitation (Group A) and 85 consecutive patients with rheumatic mitral regurgitation (Group B) after repair. Selection criteria for rheumatic etiology was predominant mitral regurgitation with valve area >or= 2.0 cm(2) and with no significant calcification in valvular apparatus. Repair was successful in 93% of group A and in 92% of group B (p>0.05). There was no difference of operative mortality (1% vs 0%) and of the incidence of the second-pump valve replacement (4% vs 5%). The 4-yr survival, 4-yr event-free survival, and 4-yr mitral regurgitation-free survival rates in group A were 96 +/- 2%, 89 +/- 4%, and 76 +/- 5%, respectively, which were not different from those in group B (97 +/-2 %, 93 +/- 4%, and 68 +/-7 %, p >0.05). Independent determinants of development of at least moderate regurgitation in group A were no use of ring annuloplasty (hazards ratio 6.6, 95% CI 2.0 to 21.5) and new chordae formation (hazards ratio 3.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 8.7). In group B, no use of ring annuloplasty (hazards ratio 15.3, 95% CI 3.5 to 66.7) also was independent predictor. Valve repair is highly feasible in selected patients with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, and clinical course is not significantly different from that of patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation.     

Epidemiology of symptomatic mitral valve prolapse in black patients.

This study analyzed the charts of 743 black patients who visited the emergency rom of a Nashville Hospital with symptoms of chest pain, palpitation, or fatigue. One hundred sixty-five met the criteria for the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Epidemiologic factors of symptomatic MVP in blacks (ie, symptoms reported based on age and sex) were examined to determine whether there are significant differences in the prevalence of symptomatic MVP with relation to black males and females. Similarities were found in the patterns of the ages of both males and females and the symptoms that were reported. No significant differences were found between black males and females, which does not support previous findings.     

人工瓣环置入和迷宫Ⅲ型手术治疗退行性二尖瓣环扩张伴发心房颤动

背景：对退行性二尖瓣关闭不全合并心房颤动患者,需要在行二尖瓣人工瓣环置入治疗时同期处理心房颤动问题,迷宫Ⅲ型手术虽是治疗心房颤动的金标准,但其安全性遭到质疑。 目的：评价人工瓣环置入和迷宫Ⅲ型手术治疗退行性二尖瓣环扩张伴发心房颤动的安全性。 方法：纳入退行性二尖瓣关闭不全合并心房颤动患者43例,按随机数字表法分两组治疗,试验组(n=21)施行二尖瓣成形和迷宫Ⅲ型手术,对照组(n=22)仅施行二尖瓣成形。 结果与结论：①术中安全性指标：试验组体外循环时间、主动脉阻断时间、血红蛋白尿发生率高于对照组(P < 0.001),两组尿量无差异。②术后安全性指标：试验组房性心律失常发生率、临时起搏器应用比例和住院时间高于对照组(P < 0.05),两组间二次开胸止血率、脑卒中发生率无差异。③术后疗效：试验组术后当天与出院时的窦性心律转复率均明显高于对照组(P < 0.001)。出院时,两组心功能均恢复为NYHA Ⅰ级或Ⅱ级,超声心动图显示二尖瓣反流均在微量或轻度以下,三尖瓣均关闭良好,两组间左心房内径、左心室内径、左心室容积和射血分数无差异,但试验组跨二尖瓣A峰和跨三尖瓣A峰比例明显高于对照组(P < 0.001)。结果说明人工瓣环置入和迷宫Ⅲ型手术治疗退行性二尖瓣瓣环扩张伴发心房颤动在围手术期安全有效。  中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：生物材料;骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性;组织工程     

Histologic changes in three explanted native cardiac valves following use of fenfluramines.

Use of fenfluramines, either alone or co-administered with phentermine ("fen-phen") as anorexic agents in obesity, has been associated with the development of clinically significant cardiac valve disease. We present the macroscopic and histologic findings in cardiac valves explanted from three patients who presented with valvular disease after fenfluramine or fenfluramine-phentermine use and underwent single valve replacement surgery. Paraffin sections were prepared with hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, elastic-van Gieson, and Giemsa stains, as well as immunostains using antibody to CD3 and CD20. All three patients (two females, ages 37 and 43, and a 49-year-old male) developed progressively symptomatic mitral (2 patients) or aortic (1 patient) valvular insufficiency following dexfenfluramine (2 patients) or fenfluramine-phentermine (1 patient) use. Macroscopic changes included irregular leaflet thickening, accompanied by chordal fusion in the mitral valves, but without vegetations, commissural fusion, or evidence of annular dilation. Histologically, fibromyxoid plaques and nodules just below the valve surface, superficial to a generally intact elastic fiber layer, were associated with CD3-positive lymphocytes. Valves from all three patients had central myxoid degenerative changes, which were focal/mild in one mitral valve, diffuse/moderate in one mitral valve, and diffuse/marked in one aortic valve. Focal areas of superficial fibromyxoid change or intimal thickening may also be seen in cardiac valves from patients with drug-unrelated processes leading to symptomatic or asymptomatic valvulopathy. Therefore, when valve tissue is available for histopathologic examination, valvular disease can be attributed to use of fenfluramines only if the following criteria are satisfied: (i) the macroscopic and microscopic features are consistent with fenfluramine-related valvulopathy, (ii) clinical, echocardiographic, and intraoperative findings support the diagnosis, and (iii) the history of drug exposure predates the development or exacerbation of valvular dysfunction.     

Echocardiographic pattern and severity of valve dysfunction in children with rheumatic heart disease seen at Uganda Heart Institute,Mulago hospital

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the commonest acquired heart disease in children worldwide but in Uganda, data is scarce regarding its morbidity and mortality. The disease has a progressive course and patients usually require valve repair/replacement in the future.

Objectives

To describe the frequency of echocardiographic valvular dysfunction in children with RHDTo explore the relationship between the severity of valvular dysfunction by the age and sex of the children with RHD

Methods

Echocardiographic findings of children ≤15 years with RHD seen at Uganda Heart Institute from January 2007 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

376 children had a diagnosis of RHD. The mean age of the children was 11.0±2.7 years and 216 (57.4%) were females. Mitral regurgitation was the commonest lesion seen in 98.9% (severe in 73.1%) of the children. Aortic regurgitation (AR) was found in 51.3% (severe in 7.2%), mitral stenosis (MS) was found in 10.6% (severe in 5.9%), tricuspid regurgitation was found in 86.7% (severe in 8.2%) while aortic stenosis was seen in 1.3% (severe in 0.3%). Severe AR was less common in females (OR=0.32, 95%CI 0.13–0.78) and children with MS were older than those without MS (12.7±2.0 Vs. 10.7±2.7 years, p<0.00).

Conclusions

Mitral valve dysfunction was found in almost all the cases of RHD and majority of the children had severe valve disease at the time of their first presentations. Children with MS were predominantly above 10 years and severe AR was more common in males.     

Histopathological characteristics and oxidative injury secondary to atrial fibrillation in the left atrial appendages of patients with different forms of mitral valve disease

BackgroundThe prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the frequency cardioversion of AF postoperatively are different in different forms of mitral valve disease. We hypothesized that these differences would relate to different extent of histopathological characteristics and oxidative injury in different forms of mitral valve diseases.MethodsLeft atrial appendages were obtained from 24 patients of mitral valve disease with or without AF undergoing mitral valve surgery. Control data were obtained from left appendages of 4 persons in normal sinus rhythm (SR) died of traffic accident. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and enzyme kinetics examination were performed to assess the extent of histopathological characteristics and oxidative injury.ResultsThe average cross-sectional diameter of atrial myocyte of mitral stenosis (MS)+AF, MS+SR, mitral regurgitation (MR)+AF, MR+SR and control was 25.62±7.56 μm, 20.20±9.34 μm, 21.69±7.00 μm, 13.93±4.32 μm and 9.81±2.34 μm, respectively. Significantly statistical difference was found between each group (P<.05).Increased degree of atrial interstitial fibrosis was seen both in MS and MR with AF patients compared to other groups (P<.05), and the extent of fibrosis was more remarkable in MR patients compared to MS patients (P<.05).The extent of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunoreactivity significantly increased in the patients with MS and AF compared to those of MR and AF (P<.05), and the immunoprevalence of 3-NT was significantly increased in patients of MS and SR compared to those of MR and SR (P<.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between creatine kinase (CK) activity and extent of 3-NT immunoreactivity in atrial tissues (r=?0.382, P<.05).Significant decreases in CK activity were observed in myocardium from all patients of mitral valve disease with or without AF compared to controls (P<.05).Western blotting demonstrating an increased prevalence of 3-NT formation in CK-MM was detected compared to control group (P<.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between CK-MM activity and extent of CK-MM tyrosine nitration (r=?0.446, P<.05).ConclusionsIn different forms of mitral valve disease with different cardiac rhythm, the extent of histopathological characteristics and oxidative injury are different. Histopathological characteristics and oxidative injury not only relate to mitral valve disease but also relate to the development and sustain of AF.     

Influence of sex on patients with Behçet's disease in Korea

Behçet''s disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder known as having a histopathological findings of vasculitis. The influence of sexual difference on BD is a well-known fact and there are several reports suggesting a more severe course of the disease among young males. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of gender on the severity and clinical features of BD patients in Korea. The study included 1,901 patients with BD who fulfilled the criteria of International Study Group for Behçet''s Disease or corresponded to the complete or incomplete type for the revised criteria of Behçet''s Disease Research Committee of Japan. BD in Korea showed a female predominance (M:F=0.61:1). The skin lesions were observed in 79.9% of patients, of which 77.6% had erythema nodosum-like lesion, which was more frequent in females. The ocular lesions were more common in males showing a higher frequency of uveitis. Ocular and vascular symptoms as clinical features with severe complications or mortality were more frequent in males than in females. The mean age at the onset of patients with the worst prognosis such as ocular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and vascular involvements was significantly younger in male than in female patients (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study elucidated the influences of sexual difference on BD in Korea.     

Increased NADPH-diaphorase activity in canine myxomatous mitral valve leaflets

Comparable pathological changes in the mitral valve have been described in dogs, pigs and human patients with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), i.e., primary mitral valve prolapse. The progressive myxomatous changes are probably a response to repeated impact on the leaflets, and endothelial stress or damage probably plays a central role in the pathogenesis. Little, however, is known about the vasoactive substances that mediate the subendothelial changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in canine mitral valve leaflets and to relate the findings to MMVD changes. The mitral valve was taken post mortem from 12 dogs (six males and six females) and a whole valve NADPH (the reduced form of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate) diaphorase (NADPH-d) reaction was performed. Macroscopical (semiquantitative) and microscopical (computer image analysis) evaluations of the staining due to NADPH-d activity were performed at four specific areas of the valve and related to microscopical signs of MMVD and gross signs of thickening or prolapse, or both. Macroscopically, the NADPH-d colour grade was correlated with the degree of MMVD (P=0.01). In addition, endothelial NADPH-d staining intensity was correlated with macroscopical signs of disease (P=0.004) as well as with collagen degeneration (P=0.008) and deposition of mucopolysaccharides (P=0.02). Age, gender and specific area of the valve did not seem to influence the NADPH-d activity. In conclusion, increased NADPH-d activity, suggesting increased NOS expression, was found in areas of the mitral valve with myxomatous changes. This indicates that nitric oxide (NO) may play a role in the pathogenesis of MMVD in dogs.     

Body composition assessment and coronary heart disease risk factors among college students of three ethnic groups

OBJECTIVES: This study identified and compared anthropometric measurements, body composition and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors among college students of three ethnic groups. METHODS: Subjects were assessed for cardiovascular risk. Body composition analysis was performed using the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). RESULTS: Black non-Hispanic females (30%) were significantly (p < 0.017) more in the "overweight" category compared to white non-Hispanic females (6.7%). Black non-Hispanic females had significantly (p < 0.044) higher percentages of body fat and lower percentages of body lean, and significantly (p < 0.040) lower percentages of body water than white non-Hispanic females. Significant positive correlations were found between CHD Risk Point Standard (CHDRPS) and percentages of body fat in white non-Hispanic males (p < 0.005), Hispanic males (p < 0.016) and Hispanic females (p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between CHDRPS and percentages of body water in white non-Hispanic males (p < 0.004), Hispanic males (p < 0.013) and Hispanic females (p < 0.001): body lean in white non-Hispanic males (p < 0.005), Hispanic males (p < 0.016) and Hispanic females (p < 0.001); and lean/fat ratio in white non-Hispanic males (p < 0.008), Hispanic males (p < 0.030), black non-Hispanic males (p < 0.020) and Hispanic females (p < 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of overweight justifies a high priority for weight control in young adults in an effort to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) later in life.     

深圳市体检人群代谢综合症及其相关危险因素的分析

目的探讨深圳市体检人群不同性别、年龄组代谢综合症（MS）诊断及其相关危险因素流行病学分布特点。方法按照2004年中华医学会推荐诊断标准,对收集到的8884名体检人员的体重、身高、血压、空腹血糖及血脂进行不同性别、年龄组MS诊断及其相关危险因素流行病学分布特点分析。结果 MS患病人数1412,总患病率为15.89%,其中男性患病率为19.98%,女性患病率为11.52%,患病率在50岁之前,男性明显高于女性,61岁以后女性高于男性,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。高血压患病率男女分别为21.90%、15.17%,高空腹血糖患病率男女分别为7.10%、4.73%,高甘油三酯（TG）患病率男女分别为44.32%、22.10%,高BMI患病率男女分别为39.07%、18.32%,均为男性高于女性,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。高甘油三酯血症、肥胖患病率最高;各代谢危险因素间有相关性（P〈0.001）。结论深圳市体检人群MS患病率高,特别是青年男性、老年女性,主要危险因素为高甘油三酯血症、肥胖。     

Comparison of outcome among double, bifoil and Inoue balloon techniques for percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty in mitral stenosis.

The efficacy and complications of three different methods of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) were evaluated in 245 patients with mitral stenosis (MS). Eight six patients (35%) had severe MS defined in the mitral valve area (MVA) less than 1.0 cm2 (0.8 +/- 0.2) and Echoscore greater than or equal to 8(8.9 +/- 1.1). The results including post MCA greater than or equal to 1.5cm2 and complications, i.e, increment of mitral regurgitation (MR) greater than or equal to +1 and atrial septal defect (ASD) with Qp/Qs greater than or equal to 1.5 were compared in overall and in severe MS groups. There was no statistically significant difference in size of MVA before and after PMV between overall patients group and severe mitral stenosis group (0.8 +/- 0.1 vs 1.7 +/- 0.4cm2 in the double technique, 0.8 +/- 0.2 vs 1.5 +/- 0.3cm2 in the Bifoil technique and 0.7 +/- 0.2 vs 1.8 +/- 0.3cm2 in the Inoue technique. p: NS). However, a significantly larger number of patients in the severe MS group had better MVA with the double than the Bifoil technique [MVA greater than or equal to 1.5cm2; 42 (72%) vs 6 (46%), p less than 0.005] whereas higher complications were observed with the Bifoil than the Inoue technique (MR greater than or equal to +1; 9 (69%) vs 4 (27%), ASD (Qp/Qs greater than or equal to 1.5' 6 (46%) vs 2 (13%) p less than 0.005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cardiovascular manifestations in Fabry's disease

Cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry's disease were studied clinically in 10 hemizygous males and 13 heterozygous females. Mitral valve prolapse was found in 5 of 9 hemizygotes and in 5 of 13 heterozygotes examined by echocardiography. Ordinary medical examinations revealed cardiomyopathy in some asymptomatic females, and the diagnosis of the Fabry heterozygote was established by demonstration of specific inclusion bodies in the biopsied myocardium and low a-galactosidase activity in leukocytes. Renovascular hypertension of juvenile onset and thromboembolism were also found in 7 patients. It was concluded that Fabry's disease should always be considered in cases of mitral valve prolapse, cardiomyopathy, renovascular hypertension and thrombosis of unknown etiology, and that the Fabry patients should be followed carefully for the early detection of cardiovascular involvements in this disease.     

Determination of Sex From Femur: Discriminant Analysis

The present study was conducted on 80 left femora (40 male and 40 female). Seven measurements of femur were taken. The mean values of all the seven measurements were significantly higher in males as compared to females (P<0.001) with univariate analysis. The most dimorphic single parameter on the basis of discriminant analysis was maximum diameter of head of femur with accuracy 72.5% in males and 85% in females. The second best variable according to stepwise discriminant analysis was maximum anteroposterior diameter of shaft with 67.5% accuracy in males and 80% accuracy in females. The combination of maximum diameter of head and maximum anteroposterior diameter of shaft provided better results with 82.5% accuracy in males and 92.5% accuracy in females.     

Age‐related pattern of body density and body composition in Japanese males and females, 11 and 18 years of age

The age‐related pattern of body density and body composition in Japanese males (n = 266) and females (n = 318), 11.00 to 18.99 years of age was studied. Body density (BD) as well as height, body weight, and seven skinfold thicknesses were measured. Percentage fat (%Fat) was calculated using the age‐ and sex‐specific equation of Lohman. Fat mass (FM), fat‐free mass (FFM), and the body mass index (BMI) were calculated. The trend for BD in males was lowest at 11 years (1.0530 g/ml) and increased to 1.0695 g/ml at 14 years, and then decreased slightly at 15 to 17 years. In female, BD decreased from 1.0530 g/ml at 13 years to 1.0424 g/ml at 17 years. Mean %Fat was highest in males at 11 years (15.8%), and lowest at 14 years (10.1%). The highest mean %Fat in females occurred at 16 years (22.8%), and the lowest at age 11 years (15.2%). Overall, only 6.8% of males and 3.1% of females were classified as obese. Between 11 and 18 years, FFM of males differed by 20.7 kg or 67.9%, whereas females showed a difference of only 10.8 kg or 34.7%. Consequently, age effects explained approximately 60% of the male variance of FFM but only 26% in females. Body density of each sex and age group in this study did not differ significantly from previous Japanese studies, and the pooled BD data for 1,457 Japanese including the present study are reported as a reference. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:327–337, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.