Population-based centile curves for triceps, subscapular, and abdominal skinfold thicknesses in Polish children and adolescents--the OLAF study

Skinfold thicknesses are used as valid anthropometric indicators of regional body fatness. Actual population-based values for skinfold thicknesses for Polish children are not available. The purpose of this study was to provide population-based values for triceps, subscapular, and abdominal skinfold thicknesses in healthy children and adolescents. A total number of 17,416 boys and girls aged 6.5-18.5 years, randomly selected from whole Polish population of children and adolescents, were enrolled in the study. Skinfold thicknesses (triceps, subscapular, and abdominal) were measured using Harpenden skinfold caliper. All measurements were taken after the training of participating investigators. The LMS method was used to fit percentile curves across age for each skinfold. Q tests for fit were used to assess the global goodness of fit of our final models. The study shows for the first time smoothed population-based values of body fat distribution indices for Polish children and adolescents 7-18 years of age. Reported skinfold centiles are higher compared to previously established for Warsaw children and very close to the actual US data.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided for the first time population-based values for skinfold thicknesses evaluation in a way allowing to calculate reliable Z scores. The early detection of abnormal fat stores, using our population-based values and respective Z scores, may be now implemented for practice.

[Assessment of the physical development in children with short bowel syndrome based on selected anthropometric parameters]

INTRODUCTION

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) results from partial surgical resection of small bowel and requires parenteral nutrition. Aim of the study was to assess physical development and nutrition status of children with SBS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study sample included 176 patients (56 girls and 120 boys) aged from 3 to 10 years. All measured anthropometric parameters were standardized for gender using the Polish body height, weight, head and chest circumference reference charts. All measurements were taken in the Division of Anthropology in Children's Memorial Health Institute according to the standard technique. z-scores were calculated.

RESULTS

The statistically significant differences between children with SBS and healthy population in anthropometric features were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical development of children with SBS is slower than in their healthy peers. The differences were particularly evident among boys. Periodic anthropologic assessment is useful in adjusting energy intake to the individual needs.