Body Composition Parameters In Children Research Articles

Pulmonary function and body composition parameters of children with cystic fibrosis from a hight complexity institution between 2015 and 2018

BackgroundAn adequate nutritional status in patients with cystic fibrosis correlates with higher survival and better pulmonary function. Body mass index (BMI) is an anthropometric indicator with independent association with pulmonary function, and it can hide alterations of nutritional status in cystic fibrosis. ObjectiveTo determine the relationship of lung function with BMI and body composition parameters in children with cystic fibrosis in a Hight Complexity institution between 2015 and 2018. Materials and methodsIt was an observational study with analytical, cross-sectional, and retrospective scope, including 33 patients between 5 and 17 years old. Spearman's test was applied to evaluate correlation of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in first second) with BMI and five body composition parameters by bioelectrical impedance using InbodyS10 equipment. Statistical significance was considered with p < 0.05. ResultsPositive correlation was obtained between FEV1 and appendicular skeletal muscle mass between lung function and percentage of fat-free mass (p = 0.006) and phase angle (p = 0.001). Percent fat mass had a negative correlation with FEV1 (p = 0.007). BMI and fat free mass index did not correlate with lung function (p = 0.085). ConclusionsAppendicular skeletal muscle mass correlated better than BMI with lung function in children with cystic fibrosis. It is recommended to perform anthropometric follow-up by BMI complemented with body composition study in children with cystic fibrosis. Analyses with larger populations are required to standardize its use.

FTO and MC4R polymorphisms, and selected pre-, peri- and postnatal factors as determinants of body mass index and fatness in children: a thorough analysis of the associations

BackgroundOverweight and obesity among children have become significant global health concerns. Previous studies have highlighted the potential role of genetic factors, particularly polymorphisms in the FTO and MC4R genes, as well as environmental factors in the development of childhood obesity. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between genetic, socioeconomic and perinatal factors, adverse childhood events (ACEs), and lifestyle, and their impact on overweight, obesity and body composition parameters in children. Additionally, we explored potential interactions between genetic factors and ACEs.MethodsFour hundred fifty-six children aged 6–12 years participated in our study. Information on the socioeconomic status, perinatal factors, ACEs and lifestyle of the children was collected with a questionnaire completed by their parents/guardians. We examined the children’s body weight and conducted an electrical bioimpedance analysis. Overweight and obesity were diagnosed based on the International Obesity Task Force and McCarthy criteria. We genotyped two selected polymorphisms in the FTO and MC4R genes using the TaqMan SNP allelic discrimination method.ResultsHigher BMI (Body Mass Index) z scores were related to higher paternal BMI and lower maternal age at the child’s birth. Higher FMI (Fat Mass Index) z scores were associated with higher paternal BMI, increased gestational weight, lower maternal education and the presence of the FTO risk allele. Higher FatM (fat mass in kg) z scores were linked to lower maternal education, lower maternal age at the child’s birth, higher maternal body weight gain, paternal BMI and the presence of the FTO risk allele. Moreover, interaction effects were observed on BMI z scores between ACE and FTO AA, and on FMI z scores and FatM z scored between ACE and MC4R CC.ConclusionsThe contribution of environmental factors is more strongly related to changes in body composition than genetic ones. Additionally, the presence of the risk allele combined with unfavourable environmental factors like ACEs leads to visible interaction effects, resulting in increased BMI z scores and FMI z scores in children.

Association between Bisphenol A exposure and body composition parameters in children.

Although there is evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to obesity, research examining its relationship with body composition parameters in young children is limited. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 200 preschool children aged between 4 and 6 years in Guangzhou, China. BPA exposure was assessed through urine samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry, and body composition parameters were measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody770). The median urinary BPA concentration was 0.556 μg/L (IQR: 0.301 - 1.031 μg/L) and creatinine-adjusted BPA concentration was 0.930 μg/g (IQR: 0.551 - 1.586 μg/g). BPA levels were significantly associated with body mass index (β= 1.15; 95%CI: 0.47, 1.83), body fat mass (β= 1.14; 95%CI: 0.39, 1.89), fat free mass (β= 0.92; 95%CI: 0.26, 1.58), and percent body fat (β= 3.44; 95%CI: 1.17, 5.71) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Similarly, adjusted models with log10-transformed creatinine-adjusted BPA concentrations as a continuous variable showed similar trends. Positive linear associations were observed between quartiles of BPA concentrations and body composition parameters, with the highest coefficients in the fourth quartile. Our study provides further evidence of positive correlations between BPA exposure and body composition parameters in children aged 4 to 6 years. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with obesity-related body composition parameters in young children. Further investigations are needed to confirm this association and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Impact of an exercise program in children with inflammatory bowel disease in remission.

The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of a structured exercise program on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition parameters in children and adolescents with IBD in remission. Patients were recruited to participate in a 6-month exercise program. Total body less head (TLBH) dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD. The same method was used to assess fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) at baseline and at the completion of the program. Based on the baseline and endpoint TBLH DXA measurements, a total of 42 study participants (25 boys; aged 15.3 ± 2.08 years) experienced an increase in BMD (from 0.959 ± 0.023 g/cm2 to 0.988 ± 0.025 g/cm2, p < 0.001) and LBM (from 37.12 ± 1.43 kg to 38.75 ± 1.61 kg, p = 0.012). Age- and sex-based BMD Z-score increased significantly (from -0.35 ± 0.15 to -0.28 ± 0.17, p = 0.020), whilst LBM Z-score did not significantly change (from -1.78 ± 0.23 to -1.71 ± 1.49, p = 0.908). There was a significant improvement in BMD, age- and sex-based BMD Z-score, and LBM amongst study participants. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with CD and male study participants experienced significant improvement in all parameters, whilst patients with UC and IBD-U and female patients experienced improvement solely in BMD. Children and adolescents with IBD, regardless of disease activity, are under increased risk of secondary osteoporosis and lean body mass deficits. A 6-month home-based structured exercise program leads to a significant improvement in bone mineral density and lean body mass. Exercise therapy should be explored as a potentially adjacent to standard treatment modalities.

Effect of Inhaled Corticosteroid Treatment on Body Composition Parameters in Children with Asthma

Objective: Prolonged treatment with low doses of inhaled corticosteroids may affect the growth rate; however, limited data are currently available for body composition parameters in children with asthma. We examined whether treatment with inhaled corticosteroids has an effect on body mass index, basal metabolic rate, percentage body fat, obesity degree, fat mass, and muscle mass in children with mild asthma. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in 45 children with mild persistent asthma being treated with inhaled corticosteroids and 45 healthy controls. Body composition parameters; body mass index, percentage body fat, obesity degree, basal metabolic rate, body fat mass, muscle mass, and waist-hip circumferences were measured. Written questionnaires including duration of television/computer viewing, frequency of fast food consumption, and weekly physical activity were completed. Results: There was no difference in body composition parameters and waist-hip circumference measurements between the groups. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the duration of inhaled corticosteroid treatment and the percentage of body fat, muscle mass, fat mass, and hip circumference. When compared with healthy controls, a significant increase in the duration of television/ computer viewing and frequency of fast food consumption and a significant decrease in weekly physical activity were observed in children with asthma. Conclusion: Body composition parameters seem not to be affected in the inhaled steroid-using children with asthma. However, as the duration of inhaled corticosteroid treatment increased, the percentage of body fat, body fat mass, and hip circumference also increased. Children with asthma should be encouraged to increase physical activity and be recommended to decrease the duration of television/ computer viewing.

The effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on body composition parameters in children.

It's known that overt hypothyroidism increases body fat content and weight. There's limited research about the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) on body composition in children and the effect of LT4 treatment. We aimed to evaluate body composition parameters in healthy subjects and in children with mild SH (MSH) and determine the effect of LT4 treatment. Sixty-four healthy children and 32 children with MSH were included. Anthropometric measurements and hormonal parameters were evaluated. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). Patients were put on LT4 treatment. BIA was performed again after 12months of therapy. There was no significant difference between the anthropometric parameters and basal metabolic rate of the healthy children and the MSH group. The percentage of trunk muscle mass (TMM) in the MSH group was lower than in the control group (P<.05). After 12months of LT4 treatment, the percentage of total fat-free mass (FFM), TMM and trunk fat-free mass (TFFM) were increased and percentage of total body fat mass and trunk fat mass were decreased (P<.05). The difference between the percentage of TMM in the MSH group and control group was insignificant after LT4 treatment (P>.05). The percentage of TMM in children with MSH was found lower than healthy control group. After LT4 treatment, the percentage of the FFM, TMM and TFFM were increased and the difference between percentage of TMM in children with MSH and healthy controls was insignificant. Our data indicated that MSH might be associated with early changes in body composition parameters.

Evaluation of Physical Fitness, Body Composition, and Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Adolescents from Estonia: The AdolesHealth Study.

Unhealthy lifestyles, low levels of physical fitness, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) are associated with bad quality of life and the development of a wide range of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The current study aimed to evaluate the level of adherence to the MD in physical fitness performance and body composition parameters in children and adolescents of Estonia. Therefore, 413 adolescents (56% boys) from the city of Tartu completed the Mediterranean Diet Questionnaire (KIDMED) for analyzing the adherence to MD and performed the Alpha Fitness Test for measuring physical fitness and body composition. A 41.67% of low, 44.05% of average, and 14.28% of high adherence to MD was detected, without difference between genders (p = 0.747). In the Alpha Fitness battery, a higher performance was observed in all tests for boys vs. girls (p < 0.05). In relation to body composition, higher height, weight, and waist values were observed in boys (p < 0.05) and a lower body fat percentage (p < 0.01) without differences in body mass index (BMI; p = 0.906). The adherence to the MD is classified as average/low. Gender significantly influences all variables of the Alpha Fitness battery and anthropometrics measures excepting BMI. According the levels of adherence to the MD, no statistically different prevalence was observed for Non-Overweight (N-Oweight), Non-Overfat (N-Ofat), or Non-Overwaist (N-Owaist). Still, a risk factor for Overweight (Oweight) in boys with low adherence was observed in comparison to those with a mid-level of adherence to the MD.

Resting metabolic rate, pulmonary functions, and body composition parameters in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Several studies of school-aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have found a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity compared with the general population. However, the scientific literature contains insufficient evidence to establish clear conclusions on pulmonary functions, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and body composition in children with ADHD. This study therefore investigates the pulmonary functions tests (PFTs), RMR, and body composition parameters in children with ADHD and evaluates their quality of life. Forty children with ADHD and 40 healthy controls participated in the study. The children's parents completed Conners' parent rating scale (CPRS) and the pediatric quality of life (PedsQL), and their teachers completed Conners' Teacher rating scale (CTRS). The child participants also completed the PedsQL. RMR, PFTs, and body composition parameters were investigated. No significant differences in age, gender, and socioeconomic level were found. All CPRS subscales, except anxiety and psychosomatic conditions, were significantly different (p<0.05). According to the CTRS, inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and conduct problems were significantly higher in the ADHD group. The results showed that the ADHD group's quality of life is worse than the control group. Body mass index, body composition parameters, RMR, and PFTs were not statistically different between the children with ADHD and the healthy controls. Further studies with complex designs are needed to confirm the results.