A persisting secular trend for body measurements in Dutch children. The Oosterwolde 11 study

To investigate whether the secular trend for growth in Dutch children still exists, the Oosterwolde I study of 1980 was repeated in 1989. A persisting secular trend was visible for height while the z scores of body proportions show no change during the past 10 years, which suggests that there is no change in the timing of puberty.     

Reliability of anthropometric measurements in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study

Aim: To describe how reliability assessment data in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) were collected and analysed, and to present the results thereof.
Methods: There were two sources of anthropometric data (length, head and arm circumferences, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and height) for these analyses. Data for constructing the WHO Child Growth Standards, collected in duplicate by observer pairs, were used to calculate inter-observer technical error of measurement (TEM) and the coefficient of reliability. The second source was the anthropometry standardization sessions conducted throughout the data collection period with the aim of identifying and correcting measurement problems. An anthropometry expert visited each site annually to participate in standardization sessions and provide remedial training as required. Inter- and intra-observer TEM, and average bias relative to the expert, were calculated for the standardization data.
Results: TEM estimates for teams compared well with the anthropometry expert. Overall, average bias was within acceptable limits of deviation from the expert, with head circumference having both lowest bias and lowest TEM. Teams tended to underestimate length, height and arm circumference, and to overestimate skinfold measurements. This was likely due to difficulties associated with keeping children fully stretched out and still for length/height measurements and in manipulating soft tissues for the other measurements. Intra- and inter-observer TEMs were comparable, and newborns, infants and older children were measured with equal reliability. The coefficient of reliability was above 95% for all measurements except skinfolds whose R coefficient was 75–93%.
Conclusion: Reliability of the MGRS teams compared well with the study's anthropometry expert and published reliability statistics.     

Reference values for spirometry in preschool children

ObjectivesReference values for lung function tests differ in samples from different countries, including values for preschoolers. The main objective of this study was to derive reference values in this population.MethodsA prospective study was conducted through a questionnaire applied to 425 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years, from schools and day-care centers in a metropolitan city in Brazil. Children were selected by simple random sampling from the aforementioned schools. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volumes (FEV₁, FEV_0.50), forced expiratory flow (FEF_25-75) and FEV1/FVC, FEV_0.5/FVC and FEF_25-75/FVC ratios were evaluated.ResultsOf the 425 children enrolled, 321 (75.6%) underwent the tests. Of these, 135 (42.0%) showed acceptable results with full expiratory curves and thus were included in the regression analysis to define the reference values. Height and gender significantly influenced FVC valuesthrough linear and logarithmic regression analysis. In males, R² increased with the logarithmic model for FVC and FEV₁, but the linear model was retained for its simplicity. The lower limits were calculated by measuring the fifth percentile residues.ConclusionFull expiratory curves are more difficult to obtain in preschoolers. In addition to height, gender also influences the measures of FVC and FEV₁. Reference values were defined for spirometry in preschool children in this population, which are applicable to similar populations.     

Peak expiratory flow rate. Reference values for Swedish children.

Reference values for the peak expiratory flow rate assessed by the Wright-McKerrow peak flow meter have been established for Swedish children. The material consisted of 143 boys and 132 girls. We recommend the sexes be considered together. The equation of the regression line is 72.14 x height3 + 96.12. The coefficient of correlation is 0.93 and the residual standard deviation 13.7%.     

Trends in anthropometric measurements among Mescalero Apache Indian preschool children. 1968 through 1988.

OBJECTIVE--To determine if there were trends in underweight, short stature, and obesity among 1- through 5-year-old Mescalero (NM) Apache Indian children from 1968 through 1988. DESIGN--Cross-sectional review of hospital clinic charts for five cohorts. SETTING--General pediatric outpatient clinic at the Mescalero Indian Health Service Hospital. PARTICIPANTS--Sixty-nine patients aged 1 through 5 years in 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, or 1988 for whom weight and height were recorded during a well-child visit that occurred in the respective year. SELECTION PROCEDURES--Approximately half the charts were screened for eligibility through systematic sampling for all years except 1988; for 1988 all available charts were screened for eligibility for the study. INTERVENTIONS--None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS--We found trends of decreasing prevalence of both underweight (defined as weight-for-height below the fifth percentile) and short stature (defined as height-for-age below the fifth percentile) based on the Centers for Disease Control/World Health Organization growth reference. We found no secular trends in obesity (weight-for-height above the 95th percentile), although the prevalences throughout the 21-year period were as much as two to four times higher than expected when compared with the Centers for Disease Control/World Health Organization reference. There has been an upward shift in both weight-for-height and height-for-age distributions since 1968, indicating that Mescalero children today are, on average, heavier and taller. CONCLUSIONS--Underweight and short stature decreased among Mescalero preschool children from 1968 through 1988, suggesting nutritional improvements. However, given the current high prevalence of obesity, it is recommended that surveillance of nutritional status be continued and appropriate interventions be developed to treat and prevent obesity in this population.     

Reference values of the ferritin concentration in the serum in children

Concentrations of ferritin were determined using the luminescence enhanced enzyme immunoassay method in serum of 272 (male = 148, female = 124) "healthy" children. The ferritin concentration in children is age dependent. The newborn values (140.1-673.8 micrograms/l, 95% confidence interval) decrease until the end of the first year and stabilize thereafter in a sex specific fashion: male means = 31.90 micrograms/l (95% confidence interval: 14.0-72.2 micrograms/l), female means = 39.23 micrograms/l (95% confidence interval: 16.1-79.9 micrograms/l).     

Reference values for IgE concentration in serum of children. Method: ImmunoCAP-FEIA system]

Age specific IgE reference values were determined in serum of 224 children by the aid of the ImmunoCAP fluorescence enzyme immunoassay method. Results: Cord blood: less than 0.35 kU/l; Till 0.5 year: less than 2.0 kU/l; 0.5-2 years: up to 3.8 kU/l; 2-5 years: up to 16.0 kU/l; 5-8 years: up to 26.2 kU/l; 8-12 years: up to 34.6 kU/l; 12-16 years: up to 26.3 kU/l. These IgE reference values can be used for the diagnosis of pathological elevated IgE concentrations in serum of children.     

Reference values for morning salivary cortisol concentrations in healthy school-aged children

INTRODUCTION: In children, sensitive, specific, pain-free sampling methods are important. An alternative is salivary sampling. Our knowledge about steroid levels in saliva and plasma in school-aged children and during puberty is sparse and contradictory. AIM OF THE STUDY: To estimate salivary cortisol concentrations in healthy school-aged children and relate the concentrations to age, sex, stage of puberty and adult values. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Saliva was collected in Salivette tubes from 210 boys and 176 girls aged 7-15 years, and from four adults, between 08.00 and 09.00 h. The tubes were centrifuged and then frozen at -20 degrees C until analysed by a commercial RIA-cortisol kit. RESULTS: Salivary cortisol was measurable in all infants. Boys and girls had nearly the same median concentrations, 8.8 versus 8.6 nmol/l, but girls had a higher maximal level, 53.9 compared to 33.2 nmol/l in boys. The median concentration was lower in 7-9 year-old children, 7.2 in boys and 5.7 nmol/l in girls, compared to 10-12 year-old children, 11.5 in boys and 10.9 nmol/l in girls (p <0.001). The median concentrations in most age groups were lower than in adults. Salivary cortisol concentration was dependent on stage of puberty. CONCLUSION: Salivary cortisol was measurable in the morning in school-aged children and the median concentration was dependent on age, stage of puberty, but not on sex.     

Reference values of beta 2 microglobulin concentrations in the serum of children

Concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin were determined using a competitive enzyme immunoassay in blood serum of 271 "healthy" children (male = 156, female = 115). The concentration of beta 2-microglobulin in children is age dependent. The values of the newborn 2.84-3.38 mg/l (95% confidence interval) decrease till the first year and stabilize later on between 1.48-1.56 mg/l (95% confidence interval).     

Reference values of fasting serum levels of free amino acids in children

Concentrations of free amino acids were determined quantitatively by ion exchange column chromatography in serum from the fasting blood of 352 (male = 177, female = 175) "healthy" infants, children and adolescents. Serum was deproteinised by 5% sulphosalicylic acid (1:1, v/v). The results -95% confidence range-are presented age-dependent (groups: up to 1 month, 1-24 months, 2-6 years, 6-10 years, 10-14 years) and sex-dependent in table 4 and 5.     

Reference values of plasma and lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerols in healthy children

A sample of a reference population was selected from an all-inclusive population by a method based on strict physiological and clinical criteria. Sociological and ethnic factors as well as the biological plasma evaluation of the parents were used as family exclusion parameters. Cholesterol and triacylglycerols were measured in total plasma as well as in each lipoprotein fraction isolated by ultracentrifugation. The values are described as functions of sex and age. Total cholesterol varied little with age and sex. It is higher in girls except for HDL values. The maximum difference between boys and girls (age group 15-19 yrs) is mainly due to LDL-bound cholesterol. Plasma triacylglycerol values are generally higher in girls than in boys, particularly for VLDL. The minimum difference is in the age group 15-19 yrs.     

少年儿童肺通气功能正常值与预计方程式

目的　建立儿童常规用力肺功能的正常参考值 ,并探讨儿童用力肺功能的特点。方法对广州地区 6～ 14岁正常儿童 385名 (男 2 0 0名 ,女 185名 ) ,采用美国Gould公司生产的 2 80 0型肺量计 ,参考美国胸科协会标准测定用力肺活量 (FVC)、1s用力呼气容积 (FEV1)、1s用力呼气容积占用力肺活量比值 (FEV1/FVC)等 13个指标 ,并对各实测指标作多元逐步线性回归及曲线回归 ,得出预计方程式。比较本方程与国内外常用预计值对指定身高、体重、年龄的儿童的差异。结果　FVC在各年龄组间差异有显著意义 (F(男 ) =4.5 6 2 ,F(女 ) =5 .137,P均 <0 .0 1) ;肺功能指标与身高、体重和年龄均呈密切正相关 ,但大多数肺功能指标与身高的关系最为密切 (如FEV1,男 =0 14145 3×身高0 0 193 8,r =0 93178,女 =0 12 70 97×身高0 0 19676,r=0 90 382 ,P均 <0 0 0 1)。儿童平均呼气时间 3.11s。建立了各肺功能指标的多元回归方程。结论　肺功能指标受身高变化影响大于体重和年龄变化 ;建立并推荐华南地区使用本儿童肺功能正常预计值。     

Fatty liver in obese children: prevalence and correlation with anthropometric measurements and hyperlipidemia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of ultrasonography-proven fatty liver with liver functions, serum lipid levels and anthropometric measurements in children with exogenous obesity. Three hundred and twenty-two patients (183 girls, 56.8%) with a mean age of 11.4+/-3.2 years (4-18 years) who presented with the complaint of obesity were enrolled. In 38 (11.8%) patients, increased liver echogenicity resembling fatty liver was found (Group 1). The body mass index percentages of group 1 patients were significantly higher than of those without fatty liver (Group 2) (157.7+/-18.0 vs 151.3+/-17.8, p=0.038). Alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels of group 1 patients were significantly higher than of group 2 (p=0.002 vs p=0.028, respectively). Triglyceride levels were significantly higher in group 1 patients (120.8+/-88.8 vs 100.5+/-58.5 mg/dl, p=0.044). In conclusion, ultrasonography is an easy and noninvasive method for the diagnosis of fatty liver in children with obesity. Body mass index and serum lipids were higher in group 1 patients. The diagnosis and early treatment of obesity in childhood is important for the prevention and better treatment of related complications. Thus, ultrasonography should be a part of the early evaluation of obese children.     

Longitudinal study of anthropometric measurements in Parisian children aged ten months to 18 years]

AIM: To describe growth parameters in children followed longitudinally from 10 months of age to 18 years and to compare these data with reference values obtain in children born 30 years earlier. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A follow study started in 1985 in Paris Health Centres at the ages of I 0 months, 2 and 4 years and subsequently at home every 2 years. Anthropometric data were compared with reference values derived from the French sample of the International Longitudinal Growth study which started in 1953-59. RESULTS: As compared to the reference values, children were taller. At the age of 18 years, in boys, height increase was 5.6 cm. This difference appeared as early as at the age of 12 years. Height increase in girls was 1.6 cm, but this difference was greater at 12. Thereafter, height gain was smaller than 30 years before. The Skélique index was greater due to longer leg length. Fat mass was higher and displayed a more android pattern. A higher prevalence of overweight appeared from the age of 8 years. CONCLUSION: Nowadays, growth processes seem unfavourable as compared to 30 years earlier. Fast growth, long leg length, android body fat distribution and overweight are associated with risk factors of various pathologies(cardiovascular diseases and cancer). Factors promoting these changes over time deserve to be explored more fully.     

Maternal diabetes and neonatal macrosomia. II. Neonatal anthropometric measurements

Anthropometric measurements were obtained within 12 h of birth in 52 infants of non-diabetic mothers and 61 infants of diabetic mothers. Most of the diabetic patients were under good control, only ten of 61 having postpartum hemoglobin A1c levels in excess of normal. Neonates were grouped as normally-grown or macrosomic. Birthweight, crown-heel length, head circumference and skinfold thickness were measured. In each diabetes class, macrosomic neonates had larger mean length, head circumference and skinfold thickness than their normally-grown peers. At equal birthweight, neonates of gestational diabetic mothers and of non-diabetic mothers were similar in length, head circumference and skinfold thickness. Neonates of permanently insulin-requiring diabetics were similar to their non-diabetic peers in length and head circumference but had thicker skinfold thicknesses. Anthropometric measurements do not permit differentiation of the origin of neonatal macrosomia.     

Associations of several anthropometric indices with insulin resistance in children: The Children Study

AIM: To compare the associations of several anthropometric indices (i.e. waist circumference [WC], waist-to-height ratio, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio) with the insulin resistance (IR) proxy measures in Greek schoolchildren. METHODS: A random sample of 248 children was used. Fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were measured. IR was estimated through homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), glucose-to-insulin ratio and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. RESULTS: Insulin levels and IR indices were significantly related to BMI, WC and waist-to-height ratio. Glucose-to-insulin ratio and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index were inversely correlated with all anthropometric indices, while insulin levels and HOMA were positively associated with these indices. Generally, all significant correlations were weak to moderate (0.217 相似文献