学龄儿童正常肾脏超声相关参数的研究

目的通过对学龄儿童正常肾脏超声相关参数的检测,观察不同年龄组间肾脏大小与性别、身高、体重、体表面积间的相关性。方法用二维超声测量280名学龄儿童正常肾脏的长径和宽径,分别进行不同年龄组间、不同性别间、以及相同年龄组间左右肾的对比分析,同时进行肾脏长径和宽径与不同年龄组儿童的身高、体重、体表面积的相关性分析。结果各年龄组间肾长径、宽径均有显著性差异(P<0.01);不同性别间及相同年龄左右肾间无显著性差异(P>0.05);肾长径和宽径与身高、体重、体表面积呈显著性正相关(P<0.01)。结论学龄儿童正常肾脏长径和宽径随着年龄的增长而增长,且与身高、体重、体表面积呈正相关。     

Sonographic assessment of the normal limits and percentile curves of liver, spleen, and kidney dimensions in healthy school-aged children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the normal standards of liver, spleen, and kidney dimensions and the relationship of each with sex, age, body weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area in healthy school-aged children. METHODS: Seven hundred twelve healthy school-aged children (7-15 years) in 2 neighboring cities, including rural areas and city centers, were evaluated prospectively. Sex, age, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area were determined for each case. Organ dimensions were measured 3 times, and the mean values were recorded. All measured organs had a normal position, shape, and echo texture. The children were separated into 5 groups according to body weight. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in organ dimensions with respect to sex (P > .05). The mean right kidney length was shorter than the left kidney length, and the difference was significant (P = .009). Body weight showed the best correlation with liver, spleen, and kidney dimensions. The results were also supported by the variance and covariance of the correlation coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: The normal limits of the liver, spleen, and kidneys are important parameters during a sonographic examination. This study revealed that organ dimensions showed the best correlation with body weight. To our knowledge, in clinical practice there are no pediatric organ dimension percentile graphs for interpretation of sonographic examinations. We hope this study contributes to daily practice in radiology clinics.     

Effects of Body Constitution and Age on Maximum Pacing Rate of Activity-Modulated Rate Responsive Pacemakers

The pacing rate of activity-modulated pacemakers is triggered by vibrations running through the body. Whether the body constitution predicts maximum pacing rate and may facilitate rate response programming was studied in 16 patients with Activitrax pacemakers. Rate response parameters were programmed to a fixed setting in VVIR/VOOR mode (lower pacing rate 60 ppm, upper pacing rate 125-130 ppm, activity threshold medium/7). Body vibrations were induced by a treadmill exercise test with increasing speed. Maximum pacing rates were measured at the stage of symptom-limited tolerance. Exercise tests with a duration of 7.3 +/- 2.9 minutes resulted in a maximum pacing rate of 98 +/- 22 ppm ranging from 60-122 ppm. Maximum pacing rates did not differ between male (n = 10; 102 +/- 21 ppm) and female (n = 6; 92 +/- 24 ppm). Correlations between maximum pacing rates and body constitutional factors were not significant with r = -0.15 (weight), r = 0.39 (height), r = 0.07 (body surface area), and r = -0.27 (skin-fold thickness). The correlations with body mass index (r = -0.53) and age (r = -0.53) were initially significant, but not after Bonferroni-Simes-Hommel correction. The age-dependent relationship may be caused by the shorter exercise duration of older patients indicated by the correlation between exercise duration and maximum pacing rate (r = 0.77), as well as with age (r = -0.73). Conclusions: body constitution did not modify body vibrations and did not allow prediction of maximum pacing rates; therefore, it is no aid for the programming of rate response parameters.     

Quantitative ultrasound and peripheral bone densitometry in patients with genetic disorders

The aim of the study was comparison of quantitative ultrasound and densitometric peripheral measurements in subjects with genetic disorders. The study included 52 subjects (35 boys and 17 girls) in mean age 13.1 +/- 4.8 y. Patients with following disorders were evaluated: Down syndrome (n = 21), Martin-Bell syndrome (n = 14) and other (n = 17). There were no additional factors potentially influencing bone metabolism. Bone status was assessed by quantitative ultrasound at the hand phalanges using DBM Sonic 1200 (IGEA, Italy), which measures amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS [m/s]) and bone densitometry at the calcaneus and forearm by the use of PIXI (GE, USA), which measures bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2). Ad-SoS correlated significantly with forearm and calcaneus BMD in the whole group (r = 0.66, p < 0.000001 and r = 0.51, p < 0.0001, respectively), in females (r = 0.58, p < 0.05 and r = 0.5, p < 0.05) and in males (r = 0.70, p < 0.000001 and r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Calcaneus BMD correlated with wrist BMD in the whole group, in females and males: r = 0.66, p < 0.000001, r = 0.67, p < 0.01 and r = 0.75, p < 0.0001, respectively. These coefficients of correlation were compared and did not reveal significant differences in the whole group and in the gender subgroups. ROC analysis of Ad-SoS values versus calcaneus and forearm BMD showed area under curve 0.89 for forearm BMD and 0.79 for calcaneus BMD (subjects with Ad-SoS T-score below -3.2 were considered as abnormal). Age correlated significantly with Ad-SoS, forearm and calcaneus BMD (r ranged from 0.53 to 0.9, p from 0.05 to 0.000001). In all patients and males, age more strongly influenced Ad-SoS than calcaneus BMD (p < 0.05). Also, body weight and height correlated significantly with Ad-SoS, forearm and calcaneus BMD, except for correlation between forearm BMD and height in female patients (r from 0.58 to 0.84, p < 0.05). Generally, in multiple stepwise regression analysis of age and body size on skeletal parameters, age had positive influence, and body size was a positive or a negative factor. In conclusion, both quantitative ultrasound and peripheral densitometry may be recommended for the assessment of skeletal status in subjects with genetic disorders, although measurements of phalanges seem to be more sensitive for detecting age-related bone changes.     

Screening efficacy of the subcutaneous tissue width/femur length ratio for fetal macrosomia in the non-diabetic pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal weight estimations have limited sensitivity and specificity for the detection of macrosomia. The objective of our study was to examine the screening efficacy of the subcutaneous tissue width/femur length ratio for the intrapartum detection of fetal macrosomia in a non-diabetic population at term. STUDY DESIGN: Intrapartum sonographic measurements were performed in 178 well-dated gravidas at 37-41 weeks' gestation with negative glucose tolerance screens. The biparietal diameter, femur length (FL), abdominal circumference and subcutaneous tissue width of the thigh (SCT) were determined. Subsequently, predictions for macrosomia (actual birth weights above the 90th centile) were made using varying cut-off points of the examined parameters or estimated fetal weights. RESULTS: Macrosomia occurred in 27 newborns (15.1%). The SCT/FL ratio was independent of gestational age (r = -0.017). Maternal age, gravidity, parity, gestational age and the ratio of male-to-female infants were similar in pregnancies resulting in appropriate-for-gestational-age and macrosomic infants (NS). There was no difference in the SCT/FL ratio between these groups (p = 0.067; 99% power to detect 2 standard deviation differences). Comparison of screening efficacy by the univariate z score for the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (theta) revealed that the abdominal circumference had the best sensitivity-specificity trade-off (theta = 0.8843; p < 0.0001 for comparison with SCT/FL ROC curve), followed by weight estimations based on the Hadlock formula (theta = 0.8773; p < 0.0005), the Shepard formula (theta = 0.8606; p < 0.0001), subcutaneous tissue thickness alone (theta = 0.6872; p < 0.01) and the SCT/FL ratio (theta = 0.6303). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the SCT/FL ratio is a poor sonographic predictor of fetal macrosomia in the non-diabetic pregnancy and does not improve fetal weight estimations by conventional sonographic parameters.     

Evaluation of nutritional status and factors related to malnutrition in children on CAPD.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional status of children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and to relate it to the dose of dialysis and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). PATIENTS: 17 CAPD patients (8 girls, 9 boys; mean age 13.1 +/- 3.5 years, median 15 years) were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements and serum albumin levels were used in the evaluation of nutritional status. Serum interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IGF-1 levels were determined in all CAPD patients and in a healthy control group. Weekly Kt/V and creatinine clearance (CCr) were measured to determine adequacy of dialysis. RESULTS: The mean dialysis period was 23.7 +/- 15.2 months (median 23 months). Anthropometric measurements and serum albumin level were as follows: height 130.2 +/- 15.6 cm, height standard deviation score (HtSDS) -4.2 +/- 2.4, body mass index (BMI) 16.3 +/- 1.6 kg/m2, body mass index standard deviation score (BMISDS) -0.8 +/- 0.9, triceps skinfold thickness (TST) 4.2 +/- 1.4 mm, midarm circumference (MAC) 16.21 +/- 2.3 cm, upper arm muscle area (AMA) 1799.1 +/- 535.7 mm2, upper arm fat area (AFA) 334.5 +/- 143 mm2, and serum albumin 3.1 +/- 0.7 g/dL. The BMI was above the fifth percentile in all patients; TST and MAC were below the fifth percentile in 14 patients (82.4%) and 10 patients (58.8%) respectively. The AMA was below the fifth percentile in 8 patients; however, the AFA was below the fifth percentile in all patients. Mean serum albumin level was under 3.5 g/dL in 70.5% of the children. We found significant positive correlations between BMI and Kt/V (r = 0.69, p < 0.01), CCr (r = 0.64, p < 0.05), and IL-6 (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). There was an inverse correlation between BMISDS and dialysis period (r = -0.58, p < 0.05); and between IL-6 and serum albumin (r = -0.49, p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation between BMISDS and serum IGF-1 level (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) was noted. We also found a significant positive correlation between serum IGF-1 level and both HtSDS (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) and TST (r = 0.52, p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations between AFA and CCr and IGF-1 were also noted (both r = 0.56, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although many factors may be responsible for malnutrition and growth retardation, we found that prolonged period of dialysis, inadequate dialysis, and low IGF-1 levels are the most important risk factors in CAPD patients.     

学龄儿童正常肾脏彩色多普勒超声血流动力学观察

目的 对350名7—13岁儿童700个正常肾脏进行彩色多普勒血流动力学相关参数的观察，并观察肾脏血流动力学参数与儿童的年龄、性别、身高、体重、体表面积的相关性。方法 用彩色多普勒超声测量各年龄组儿童正常肾脏的肾内动脉的收缩期最大血流速度(Vsmax)、舒张末期血流速度(Vdmin)、平均流速(Vm)、搏动指数(PI)、阻力指数(RI)及S／D(Vsmax／Vdmin)。分别对不同年龄组间、不同性别间、以及相同年龄组间左右肾的血流动力学参数进行对比分折，同时将肾脏血流动力学参数与各年龄组儿童的身高、体重、体表面积进行相关性分析。结果 各年龄组间肾内动脉Vsmax、Vdmin及Vm有显著性差异(P＜0．01)，并且有随着年龄的增长而增长的趋势，而PI、RI及S／D各年龄组间无显著性差异(P＞0．05)；不同性别间及相同年龄左右肾间血流动力学参数无显著性差异(P＞0．05)；肾内动脉Vsmax、Vdmin及Vm与身高、体重、体表面积呈显著性正相关(P＜0．01)，而PI、RI及S／D与它们无关(P＞0．05)。结论 7—13岁儿童正常肾脏彩色多普勒超声血流动力学参数Vsmax、Vdmin及Vm与年龄、身高、体重、体表面积呈正相关；而PI、RI及S／D则与其无关。     

Sonographic Assessment of Renal Size in Healthy Adults

Objective

To assess the normal sonographic values of renal length and cortical thickness in healthy adults and establish reference ranges in our population for comparison when examining renal disease.

Subjects and Methods

Sonographic assessment of renal length and cortical thickness were performed from January 2006 to December 2011 in 252 healthy individuals who were self-referred to the El-Reshaid Renal Clinic in Kuwait. They were screened for the absence of renal abnormalities. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and body surface area calculated. Patients were divided into 5 age groups: 18–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60 and 61–80 years, in order to generate reference graphs for renal length and cortical thickness.

Results

The mean renal lengths for the right and left kidney were 10.68 ± 1.4 and 10.71 ± 1.0 cm, respectively (p = 0.56) without a significant change with age. The minimum cortical thickness was 0.6 cm. The renal length correlated with the weight of the patients (p < 0.01) and their BMI (p < 0.01) but not with their height. There was no difference in renal size or cortical thickness in patients older than 60 years despite an age-related decline in the glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Renal length and cortical thickness did not vary significantly with age. Renal length correlated well with weight and BMI but not with height. Hence, establishing normal ranges of renal parameters is essential for comparison in situations where possible renal disease is being investigated.Key Words: Renal disease, Ultrasound, Renal length, Cortical thickness     

Nomogram of Wharton's jelly as depicted in the sonographic cross section of the umbilical cord.

OBJECTIVES: To generate a nomogram for the sonographic measurement of Wharton's jelly area (WJA) during gestation and to investigate whether WJA is related to fetal biometric parameters. METHOD: The sonographic cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord and of its vessels was measured in 659 fetuses between 15 and 42 weeks of gestation. The WJA was calculated by subtracting the vascular area from the umbilical cord area. The conventional biometric parameters were measured and correlated with the WJA. Polynomial regression analysis was utilized for statistical purposes. RESULTS: The WJA increased as a function of gestational age (r = 0.63, P < 0.001). The regression equation for the mean WJA (y) according to gestational age (x) was y = -114.7 + 4.142x - 0.01x2 and for the standard deviation (y') was y' = -7.567 + 1.319x. There was a strong correlation between the WJA and the umbilical cord area (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also found between the WJA and fetal biometric parameters before 32 weeks of gestation (WJA and biparietal diameter: r = 0.82, P < 0.001; WJA and abdominal circumference: r = 0.79, P < 0.001; WJA and femur length: r = 0.81, P < 0.001) while after 32 weeks of gestation no correlations were found between WJA and fetal anthropometric parameters. CONCLUSION: A nomogram for the WJA has been generated. The WJA increases as a function of gestational age and it is correlated with fetal size up to 32 weeks of gestation.     

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the calcaneus and hand phalanges in Polish healthy postmenopausal women

In a cross-sectional study, 109 postmenopausal, healthy women, mean age 58.8 years, were studied. The aim of the study was to compare quantitative ultrasound (QUS) performed at two measurement sites of the same persons (correlations between parameters studied, age, and years since menopause (YSM)-related changes, influence of body size). Bone status was established using measurements at the calcaneus by Achilles (Lunar, USA), which measures speed of sound (SOS [m/s], CV% = 0.22%), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA [dB/MHz], CV% = 1.8%), stiffness index (SI [%], CV% = 1.3%), and by DBM Sonic 1200 (Igea, Italy), which measures amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS [m/s], CV% = 0.64%) at the hand phalanges. Mean and SD values were: SOS = 1498 +/- 24.8 m/s, BUA = 104.6 +/- 9.4 dB/MHz, SI = 69.2 +/- 12.3%, Ad-SoS = 1879 +/- 90.1 m/s. Age- and YSM-related changes were as follows: age-SOS r = -0.37, p < 0.0001, age-BUA r = -0.33, p < 0.001, age-SI r = -0.36, p < 0.001, age-Ad-SoS r = -0.62, p < 0.00001, YSM-SOS r = -0.27, p < 0.01, YSM-BUA r = -0.32, p < 0.001, YSM-Ad-SoS r = -0.44, p < 0.00001, YSM-SI r = -0.29, p < 0.01. In stepwise, multiple regression analyses of ultrasound parameters on age, YSM, height, and weight, the following equations were obtained: SOS [m/s] = 1564.9 - 1.1 x age [y], r = -0.37, p < 0.0001; BUA [dB/MHz] = 88.7 + 0.28 x weight [kg] - 0.36 x YSM [y], r = -0.51, p < 0.00001; SI [%]) = 79.2 - 0.5 x age [y] + 0.28 x weight [kg], r = -0.47, p < 0.00001; Ad-SoS [m/s] = 2287 to 6.9 x age [y], r = -0.62, p < 0.00001. In conclusion, QUS at the calcaneus and hand phalanges express similar trends in skeletal changes due to aging and the postmenopausal period, although measurements at the phalanges seem to be more sensitive for detecting bone changes, due to faster decrease rate of the Ad-SoS value than calcaneal measurements.     

Optimization of isolation of the concentrate of stem cells from the umbilical blood

AIM: To study correlations between body mass and height of the newborn, Apgar scale estimates, gestation time, volume of the obtained umbilical blood (UB), number of nucleated cells (NC); to compare manual and automatic modes of UB processing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 330 procurements of UB were made, 230 (69.7%) samples were frozen. Comparison of 2 techniques of UB processing was made in 73 cases of double centrifugation with hydroxyethylstarch (HES) and 47 cases of using separator Sepax (Biosafe, Switzerland). Blood cell count before and after UB processing and number of CD34+ cells were estimated. RESULTS: A correlation analysis was made of dependence of the volume of 102 samples of UB on the weight (r = 0.268, p < 0.01) and height of the fetus (r = 0.203, p < 0.05), estimation by Apgar scale (r = -0.092, p < 0.1) and gestation term (r = -0.003, p > 0.1); analysis of the number of NC dependence on the volume of UB (r = 0.102 p < 0.1), mass (r = 0.073 p > 0.1) and fetus height (r = 0.121 p > 0.1), gestation time (r = 0.159 p > 0.1), Apgar scale assessment (r = -0.174 p > 0.1). In manual UB management NC yield made up 71.9 +/- 6.7%, in automatic--81 +/- 8.0% (p < 0.05). Percent of erythrocytes removal was 73 +/- 5.7% and 80.5 +/- 6.1% (p < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: A weak correlation was found between UB volume, mass and height of the fetus. The number of NC in UB depends on none of the parameters. Automatic processing of UB provides a greater release of NC and better elimination of erythrocytes in minimal risk of contamination.     

Effect of low-dose insulin treatment on body weight and physical development in children and adolescents at risk for type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Insulin's role in body weight regulation is controversial. We evaluated the effect of parenteral insulin on body weight and physical development in children and adolescents at risk for type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of the parenteral arm of the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 Diabetes (DPT-1), a randomized controlled trial of low-dose parenteral insulin (human ultralente insulin at 0.25 units x kg(-1) x day(-1)) in subjects with a >50% 5-year risk of diabetes. Analysis was limited to 100 subjects (55 intervention, 45 closely monitored) aged <19 years at randomization whose weight was followed for at least 2 years by study end after excluding subjects who were noncompliant within 2 years or developed diabetes within 36 months of randomization. RESULTS: Subjects ranged in age from 4.07 to 18.98 years. There were no significant differences at randomization between subjects in each group with respect to sex, age, weight, height, BMI, Tanner stage, or glucose tolerance. We found no differences over 2 years between the intervention and closely monitored groups in the change in weight (median 6.8 vs. 6.0 kg, P = 0.65), height (median 10.7 vs. 10.1 cm, P = 0.66), BMI (median 0.9 vs. 1.0 kg/m2, P = 0.79), or Tanner stage (median 0 vs. 0, P = 0.35). Multiple regression showed no effect of insulin on change in weight (P = 0.53) or BMI (P = 0.95) over 2 years after adjustment for relevant covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose insulin treatment for 2 years did not affect the weight, BMI, or physical development of nondiabetic children and adolescents.     

Sonographic findings of active Clonorchis sinensis infection

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to document the characteristic sonographic findings of clonorchiasis for the diagnosis of active infection in an endemic area. METHODS: In a village in northeastern China, residents underwent fecal examinations for detection of Clonorchis sinensis eggs. Shortly thereafter, residents were examined with abdominal sonography. An experienced radiologist performed the sonographic examinations and analyzed the findings. Subjects whose fecal examinations were positive for eggs were considered to have active clonorchiasis; those whose examinations were negative for eggs were used as control subjects. The distinguishing sonographic features of active clonorchiasis were identified by stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The study population comprised 457 subjects; fecal examinations revealed C. sinensis eggs in 316 and no eggs in 141. Four sonographic findings distinguished subjects with active clonorchiasis from control subjects: increased periductal echogenicity (p < 0.001; R = 0.11; sensitivity, 35%; specificity, 91%), floating echogenic foci in the gallbladder (p < 0.001; R = 0.09; sensitivity, 28%; specificity, 94%), diffuse dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts (p < 0.01; R = 0.03; sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 48%), and gallbladder distention (p < 0.05; R = 0.02; sensitivity, 3%; specificity, 100%), in decreasing order of significance. Among these 4 sonographic findings, increased periductal echogenicity and floating echogenic foci in the gallbladder were more significantly associated with active infection than were the other 2. CONCLUSIONS: Increased periductal echogenicity and floating echogenic foci in the gallbladder were identified as the 2 most significant findings for the sonographic diagnosis of active C. sinensis infection.     

Abnormalities of body composition in peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: Body composition changes occur in peritoneal dialysis (PD) due to abnormalities in nutrition and hydration. We investigated abnormalities of nutrition and hydration in PD patients compared with healthy controls by measurement of total body potassium (TBK) and body water compartments. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparison study. METHODS: We measured TBK--an indicator of body cell mass--by whole body counting, total body water (TBW) by deuterium oxide dilution, and extracellular water (ECW) by bromide dilution in 29 PD patients and 32 controls. RESULTS: The absolute mean value of TBK for PD patients was not significantly lower than in controls. The ratios of observed TBK to predicted TBK from prediction formulas were compared. Equations used were those of Boddy, Bruce, Burkinshaw, and Ellis and our own equation derived from a local control database (Leeds). Observed/predicted ratios of TBK were significantly less in PD than in control subjects for all equations. Water volumes did not differ between PD and control groups. Observed/predicted ratios for TBK in PD patients correlated with serum potassium (Boddy r = 0.355, p = 0.06; Bruce r = 0.411, p < 0.05; Burkinshaw r = 0.457, p < 0.01; Leeds r = 0.412, p < or = 0.05; Ellis r = 0.356, p = 0.06) and tended to correlate with serum albumin (Bruce r = 0.343, p = 0.07; Burkinshaw r = 0.421, p < 0.05; Leeds r = 0.357, p = 0.06; Ellis r = 0.310, p = NS). There was no relationship with serum potassium in controls. Serum albumin in PD correlated with TBK (r = 0.445, p < 0.02), TBK/height (r = 0.419, p < 0.05), TBK/weight (r = 0.554, p = 0.002), and TBK/TBW (r = 0.586, p = 0.0001). Extracellular water/intracellular water (ECW/ICW) was inversely related to TBK (r = -0.455, p < 0.02 in PD; r = -0.387, p < 0.05 in controls) and to TBK/height (r = -0.446, p < 0.02 in PD; r = -0.411, p = 0.02 in controls). TBK/weight reduced with age in PD (r = -0.445, p < 0.02), as did TBK/TBW in PD (r = -0.463, p < 0.02). ECW/ICW tended to increase with age in PD (r = 0.351, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Observed/predicted ratio of TBK is reduced in PD patients relative to healthy controls, indicating reduced body cell mass. Serum albumin and potassium reflect TBK indices in PD. Body water volumes did not differ between PD and controls, implying no overall abnormality in hydration in the PD group. However, ECW is relatively increased compared to ICW with decreasing TBK indices, suggesting relative ECW expansion with reduction in body cell mass.     

Sonographic evaluation of gallbladder volume and ejection fraction in obese women without gallstones

PURPOSE: Obese people have an increased incidence of gallstones. Although the exact pathogenic mechanisms of gallstone development are unknown, impaired gallbladder emptying has been suggested as a possible underlying mechanism. Our aim was to investigate this possibility by evaluating gallbladder motility and related factors in obese and nonobese women without gallstones. METHODS: This study included 79 obese women and 25 nonobese healthy women. Using real-time sonography, we evaluated fasting and postprandial (15th-, 30th-, 45th-, 60th-, 75th-, 90th-, 120th-, and 150th-minute) gallbladder volumes and ejection fractions. The smallest postprandial volume was considered the residual volume. RESULTS: Mean (+/- standard deviation) fasting and residual gallbladder volumes were 43.2 +/- 18.3 cm(3) and 21.4 +/- 11.2 cm(3), respectively, in the obese women and 28.1 +/- 12.3 cm(3) and 7.9 +/- 3.4 cm(3), respectively, in the nonobese women. Maximal ejection fraction was 49 +/- 19% in obese women and 63 +/- 29% in nonobese women (p = 0.001). The fasting and residual volumes and the postprandial volumes at all time points were higher in obese women than in nonobese women (p < 0.001). In addition, 15th-, 30th-, 45th-, 60th-, 75th-, and 90th-minute postprandial ejection fractions were lower in obese women than in nonobese women (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between fasting gallbladder volume and body mass index and body fat weight and between residual volume and body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and body fat weight (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that fasting and postprandial gallbladder volumes are higher and that postprandial gallbladder motility is lower in obese than in nonobese women. There are positive correlations between fasting gallbladder volume and body weight, body mass index, and body fat weight.     

Simple new technique for sonographic measurement of the thyroid in neonates and small children

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether the ratio of the thyroid width (Th) to the trachea width (Tr) is a useful technique for sonographic estimation of thyroid size in neonates and small children. METHODS: We prospectively performed sonographic examination of the thyroid gland in 30 pediatric subjects ranging in age from 1 week to 12 years. The sum of the maximum width of the left thyroid lobe and the maximum width of the right lobe was considered the Th. Each subject's thyroid was classified as small, normal sized, or large on the basis of the Th value in reference to the subject's body height. The ratios of the Th to the Tr were then calculated and compared among the 3 groups by 1-way analysis of variance. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine the correlation between body height and Tr. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean Th/Tr ratios (+/- standard deviations) for the 3 groups were as follows: small, 1.25 +/- 0.19; normal sized, 2.09 +/- 0.19; and large, 4.10 +/- 2.42. The difference in the Th/Tr ratios between the 3 groups was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between Tr and body height (p < 0.001; r = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The Th/Tr ratio is a simple, practical parameter for estimating the size of the thyroid gland in neonates and small children.     

Resting energy expenditure in peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy differs from that of healthy individuals, as well as to investigate the factors associated with REE in this sample of patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Dialysis Unit of the Nephrology Division, Federal University of Sao Paulo-Oswaldo Ramos Foundation, Brazil. Subjects and METHODS: The study examined the REE of 37 patients (20 males, age 44.5 +/- 13 years) undergoing PD therapy. Only patients older than 18 years, on PD for at least 3 months, without catabolic illness, and with normal thyroid function were included. Patients were pair matched for age and gender with 37 healthy individuals. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in the patients and by bioelectrical impedance in the healthy individuals. RESULTS: The REE of PD patients was similar to that of pair-matched controls (1372 +/- 266 and 1453 +/- 252 kcal/day respectively, p = 0.13) even when adjusted for lean body mass and gender (p = 0.56). The REE of PD patients was positively correlated with lean body mass (r = 0.60, p < 0.01), fat mass (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), body mass index (r = 0.60, p < 0.01), serum glucose (r = 0.36, p < 0.05), and protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance (PNA; r = 0.42, p < 0.01). There were no correlations between REE and glucose absorption, dialysis-related parameters, C-reactive protein, and energy or protein intake by 3-day food diary. In the multiple linear regression analysis, using REE as the dependent variable, the final model showed that lean body mass and female gender were determinants of REE in PD patients (R(2) = 0.44). When separate analysis by gender was performed, REE correlated directly with body fat in female patients (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) but not in male patients (r = 0.29, p = 0.21). On the other hand, lean body mass was significantly correlated with REE in male patients (r = 0.78, p < 0.01) but not in female patients (r = 0.47, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that REE of PD patients did not differ from that of healthy individuals. The strong association between body fat and REE in female patients remains to be further investigated.     

厌食症患儿血清瘦素水平测定及临床意义

目的　探讨1～10岁厌食症患儿和正常小儿血清瘦素与甲状腺激素、锌、铁含量、体重指数(BMI)的关系及其在厌食症发病过程中的作用。方法　用放射免疫方法检测54例厌食症患儿和46名正常小儿血清瘦素、甲状腺激素含量;同时用原子吸收法和亚铁嗪比色法测定血清锌、铁的含量,2组均测量身高和体重计算BMI。结果　厌食症组患儿血清瘦素、甲状腺激素、锌、铁含量显著低于正常小儿组水平(P<0.05和P<0.01);血清瘦素水平与血清锌、甲状腺激素含量呈正相关(Zn:r=0.46,P<0.01;T3:r=0.49,P<0.05;T4:r=0.56,P<0.05),与血清铁含量无相关性(Fe:r=0.14,P>0.05),与BMI无明显线性关系(男:r=0.12,P>0.05;女:r=0.26,P>0.05)。结论　瘦素、甲状腺激素和锌在厌食症发病机制中均发挥一定作用,共同影响厌食症患儿的食欲。     

High peritoneal permeability predisposes to hepatic steatosis in diabetic continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients receiving intraperitoneal insulin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hepatic fat accumulation in diabetic patients taking intraperitoneal or subcutaneous insulin treatment during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary-care university hospital. PATIENTS: We studied 16 patients with diabetic end-stage renal disease currently treated with CAPD. Median age was 42 years (range: 34-70 years), duration of diabetes was 27.5 years (range: 17-39 years), and duration of CAPD was 16.5 months (range: 2-59 months). OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasound measures of liver steatotic area and thickness, peritoneal equilibration test (PET), weekly Kt/V urea, protein catabolic rate (PCR), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipoproteins, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, insulin dose, and dialysate glucose load. RESULTS: Focal hepatic fat accumulation was found. The location of steatosis was subcapsular; a negligible amount was periportal. Hepatic subcapsular steatosis was present in 7 of 8 patients taking insulin intraperitoneally and in 0 of 8 patients taking insulin subcutaneously. The maximal thickness of subcapsular steatosis correlated directly with peritoneal transport rate (2-hour dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio in PET, r = 0.80, p < 0.05) and inversely with PCR (r = -0.82, p < 0.05). The area of the lesions correlated directly with body weight (r = 0.80, p < 0.05) and inversely with weekly Kt/V urea (r = -0.90, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal insulin, together with glucose-based peritoneal dialysate, induces hepatic subcapsular steatosis. The amount of hepatic subcapsular steatosis increases when peritoneal transfer rate and body weight are high.     

Influence of body size and age on mitral ring motion

Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function can be assessed by studying mitral ring motion. Reference values for a wide range of age and body size are lacking however. The motion of the mitral ring was studied with M-mode echocardiography using the apical four- and two-chamber views. Data are reported as the average of measurements of four points on the mitral ring. Data were analysed using the stepwise multiple regression technique, with age, gender, height, weight, body surface area and heart rate as independent variables. A total of 70 healthy subjects were studied. In children and adolescents under age 18, there was strong correlation between mitral ring motion and body size, age and heart rate. The ring motion was best described as mitral ring motion (mm) = 2·2+0·078 × height (cm) (SEE = 1·0 mm). In adults, mitral ring motion was correlated with age, height and heart rate but not with weight or body surface area. Ring motion could be described from the following equations: mitral ring motion (mm) = 12·7–0·060 × age (years)+0·031 × height (cm) (SEE = 1·2) or, if only age is taken into account, mitral ring motion = 18·4–0·065 × age (SEE = 1·2). In both children and adolescents up to age 18 and in adults, atrial contribution correlated significantly and positively to age and inversely to heart rate but not to height, weight, body surface area or gender. Atrial contribution was best described by the equation: atrial contribution = 0·15+0·0039 × age (SEE = 0·027). Thus, age and body size influences mitral ring motion and should be taken into account when interpreting patient data.