MID-UPPER ARM CIRCUMFERENCE IS A RELIABLE PREDICTOR OF BODY-MASS INDEX IN HEALTHY DUTCH CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: To estimate the BMI as a measure of nutritional status in paediatric patients, there is a need for easy-to-use instruments that reflect body composition. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is used for that purpose in many underdeveloped countries. Aim: To investigate the correlation between MUAC and BMI in a large cohort of healthy Dutch children. Methods: Participants were 2305 healthy Dutch children (53% boys; median 10.8 years, range 0.08-17.9) that participated in a previous study. Data on height (cm), weight (kg) and MUAC (cm) were available. Ponderal index (PI) was calculated for children <1 year as weight (gram)/height (cm)3. BMI was calculated for all subjects as weight (kg)/height (m)2. Pearson correlation and regression statistics were calculated with S-Plus. Results: In boys and girls <1 year no correlation between MUAC and PI was found. The Pearson correlation between MUAC and BMI was 0.74 in boys and 0.79 in girls (p < 0.0001). BMI was used for further analysis in all age categories. The mathematical relationship between MUAC and BMI was: Boys: BMI = 13.47762 + 0.09549717 * MUAC + 0.005446704*(MUAC-15)3 - 0.004294027*(MUAC-18.1)3 - 0.007911969*(MUAC-20.6)3 + 0.006890421*(MUAC-23.6)3 - 1.31129*10-4(MUAC-27.5)3 Girls: BMI = 11.35804 + 0.2069558*MUAC + 0.004313624*(MUAC-15)3 - 1.701833*10-5 (MUAC-18.1)3 - 0.01223151(MUAC-20.6)3 + 0.007855673*(MUAC-23.6)3 + 7.923586*10-5*(MUAC-27.5)3 For practical use, the curves were also plotted in separate graphs for each gender. Summary: The correlation between MUAC and BMI was studied in a large cohort of healthy Dutch children. We found a strong non-linear correlation. Two easy-to-use graphs were made for boys and girls. Conclusion: MUAC may be used as a screening instrument for malnutrition in paediatric patients in the Netherlands.