Measurement Of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Research Articles

Anthropometric Formulas Repurposed to Predict Body Fat Content from Ultrasound Measurements of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness

Anthropometric Formulas Repurposed to Predict Body Fat Content from Ultrasound Measurements of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness

Estimation of Validity of A-Mode Ultrasound for Measurements of Muscle Thickness and Muscle Quality.

This study aimed to determine whether amplitude modulation (A-mode) ultrasound (US) provides accurate and reliable measurements comparable to those obtained using brightness modulation (B-mode) US under diverse conditions. Thirty healthy participants (15 women and 15 men) underwent measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), muscle thickness (MT), and muscle quality (MQ) in the trapezius and biceps brachii muscles using both US modes before and after exercises designed to stimulate the respective muscles. Among the three key indices, the results demonstrated the high validity of the A-mode, with minimal mean differences (MDs) between the two devices less than 0.91 mm and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) exceeding 0.95 for all measures. In addition, the correlation coefficients between the error scores and average scores for the trapezius and biceps brachii suggested no evidence of systematic error. The trapezius MT and MQ significantly increased, and the biceps brachii MT significantly increased after the exercises (p < 0.05). Notably, both the A- and B-modes exhibited the same trend in these post-exercise changes in the muscle. This study suggests that low-cost and low-resolution A-mode US provides measurements of SFT, MT, and MQ similar to the more expensive, high-resolution B-mode imaging. A-mode US is an affordable and portable alternative for muscle assessment.

The Relationship Between Anthropometric and Ultrasonographic Muscle and Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Measurements and Osteoporosis in Male Patients

The Relationship Between Anthropometric and Ultrasonographic Muscle and Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Measurements and Osteoporosis in Male Patients

Performance of maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness in predicting cesarean section

Introduction: Overweight and obesity during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for cesarean delivery. BMI is the most frequently used parameters to define and to assess risk of pregnancy related complications. Maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (SCFT) can be used as a measure of obesity. The present study was done to find association of maternal SCFT with risk of cesarean section. Methods: 200 women with singleton live pregnancy at 16-18 weeks were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Ultrasonography was done to assess foetal wellbeing and rule out congenital malformation. Maternal abdominal subcutaneous thickness was measured. All women were followed during labour till discharge. ROC curve analysis was done to predict the risk of cesarean section. Odd ratio for SCFT mediated risk of cesarean section was calculated. Results: 32.5% women had cesarean delivery. Mean SCFT was also significantly more in women delivered by cesarean than who delivered vaginally (p &lt;0.001). ROC curve analysis for SCFT showed that SCFT above 11.5 mm (AUC=0.735) predicted LSCS with a sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 47.4% and Youden index of 0.34. Increased abdominal SCFT was significantly associated with increased risk of LSCS. . Using 11.5 mm cut -off value (by ROC curve) for SCFT, the odd ratio of LSCS was 7.5 (95% CI 3.4056 – 16.5837, p &lt;0.0001). Stitch line infection was seen in 15.38% women. Conclusion: This study observed that measurement of SCFT by ultrasonography at 16-18 weeks pregnancy is a significant predictor of cesarean section.

Evaluation of Ultrasound Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness in Dairy Jennies during the Periparturient Period.

Simple SummaryUltrasonography is an accurate method to objectively measure subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness and to routinely predict body fat reserves in cows, horses, and donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe ultrasonographic SF thickness in periparturient jennies. The SF was evaluated in 6 different truncal location in 6 dairy jennies prior and post parturition. Measurement values were reported and each site were compared through time. No statistically significant differences were found between sites and time. The mean values of SF measurements were above those reported by others. A good and reliable association was detected between body condition score (BCS) and sites during the whole study period. Our study gives a preliminary description of different body locations fat reserves evaluated by ultrasonography, showing no significative variations, in pregnant and lactating jennies.The body condition score (BCS) represents a practical but subjective method for assessing body fat reserves. Real time ultrasonography (RTU) has been proposed as an accurate method to objectively measure subcutaneous fat (SF) thickness and predict body fat reserves in cows, horses and donkeys. The aim of the present study was to describe RTU measures of SF thickness during periparturient period in jennies. The present prospective cohort study evaluated six dairy jennies. SF RTU were performed at 15 and 7 days before the presumptive delivery, and 2, 15 and 30 days after delivery. A portable ultrasound machine and multifrequency linear transducer (5–7.5 MHz) was used. RTU images were obtained in six sites (S1–S6). Results at each time point were reported as mean ± standard deviation and compared through time. A total of 180 images were evaluated. RTU technique was easy to perform and well tolerated. No statistically significant differences were found of each site during time, except for S2 and S6a: S2 at T2 and S6a at T1 were significatively different to values obtained at T5. The RTU mean values were above those reported by others, suggesting major physio-logical challenges related to energy balance and fat mobilization in pregnant jennies bred for milking production. BCS and sites through observational time have shown a good and reliable association. Our study could give preliminary indications on fat reserves in different body locations evaluated thanks to RTU and it show no significative variation of SF thickness, in pregnant and lactating jennies.

Validation of body condition score based on subcutaneous fat thickness measurements in primiparous Gyr cows

Context The body condition score (BCS) is an easily measured, fast, inexpensive, and non-invasive tool to estimate the amount of body fat and to evaluate the nutritional status of dairy cows. Aims The aim of this study was to validate BCS in primiparous Gyr cows by using ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat (FT). Methods Body weight, BCS (score of 1–9) and FT measured at five body sites (FT1–FT5) were recorded during the prepartum and postpartum periods. Linear regression of FT on BCS and Pearson’s correlations were used. Key results The correlations between body weight and FT measures ranged from 0.49 to 0.63 and from 0.51 to 0.64 during the pre- and postpartum periods respectively, while the correlations between BCS and FT ranged from 0.69 to 0.82 and from 0.67 to 0.78 in the two periods. The BCS better reflected the variation in FT before and after calving than did body weight. Linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between BCS and FT measurements considering the former as the predictor variable. The coefficients of determination (R2) obtained for the prepartum variables ranged from 0.48 to 0.67. The highest R2 was obtained for the model that included FT measured in the lumbar region midway between the last rib and tuber coxae (hook; FT4) as the response variable. The R2 of the models whose response variables were obtained during the postpartum period ranged from 0.45 to 0.60. The highest R2 was observed when the pelvic region midway between the tuber coxae (hook) and tuber ischii (pin; FT2) was used as a response variable. Conclusions The correlations between BCS and FT validate the use of BCS obtained by visual assessment as a tool for evaluating fat reserves in Gyr dams before calving and during first lactation. Among the FT measurements, FT2 and FT4 are interesting because both are easy to measure and showed higher correlations and coefficients of determination with BCS before calving and lactation. Implications The BCS is an accessible tool for producers that requires only training of the evaluator and that is economically viable since no special equipment is needed.

Erratum: Body fat evaluation in Colombian Paso horses

The body condition score (BCS) is insufficient in determining the amount of body fat in horses, thus defining obesity. Measurement of the subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) by ultrasonography should be considered as an appropriate method in the definition of fat distribution at different body locations in horses. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) characterize the SFT in three different anatomical locations (i.e. neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region); 2) evaluate the relationship between BCS and SFT; 3) determine the influence of gender, weight, age, and gait on BCS and SFT measurements, and 4) explore the agreement between the morphometric measurements [i.e. body mass index (BMI), girth circumference: height at withers ratio (GC: HW), neck circumference: height at withers ratio (NC: HW)], and BCS and SFT in a population of Colombian Paso Horses (CPHs). The Henneke’s body condition scoring was applied to 69 adult CPHs, selected using a convenience sampling. Additionally, BMI, GC: HW, and NC: HW were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated by ultrasound measurement of the SFT in the neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region. The BF% in the CPHs was 6.4 ± 1.1. The GC: HW, NC: HW, and BMI were not predictors of the BF% or BCS, and neither gender nor gait was decisive in the definition of fattening in the study animals, although age and weight were determining variables. According to our results, ultrasound is an adequate tool to calculate the BF% of the CPHs. However, it must be accompanied by Henneke’s BCS assessment.

Subcutaneous fat thickness at slaughter in castrated and non-castrated Santa Inês and Dorper lambs and its influence on meat and carcass quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat quality of castrated and non-castrated Santa Inês and Dorper lambs, finished in confinement and slaughtered with different subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), which was evaluated using in vivo ultrasound. Sixty-nine male lambs from two genetic groups were used - 34 Santa Inês and 35 Dorper. Dorper lambs showed superior conformation and finishing, 22% and 15.73%, respectively, compared to that of the Santa Inês lambs. The lambs were classified and slaughtered according to the following criteria: intended subcutaneous fat thickness close to 0 mm, close to 3 mm and close to 6 mm. Measurements were taken of the longissimus lumborum muscle in the region between the 12th and 13th ribs on the left side of the animal. Dorper lambs deposited more fat than Santa Inês lambs, and when slaughtered with the intended thickness of subcutaneous fat of 6 mm, they presented 7.34 mm fat thickness made in the muscle, while 3.61 mm was observed in Santa Inês lambs with the same age and confinement period. The meat became darker, less reddish, and less yellow at subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) between 0 and 6 mm. The measurement of SFT using the ultrasound showed a high positive correlation with the fat thickness measured in the muscle with a caliper (MFT), demonstrating the possibility of using this method in vivo for accurate prediction of MFT. Slaughter of lambs with 3 mm of subcutaneous fat is recommended and is enough to guarantee a quality standard for both carcass and meat.

The role of ultrasonographic adipose tissue thickness measurement in the first trimester in predicting gestational diabetes: a prospective study.

This prospective observational study aimed to assess the association between maternal abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness measured with ultrasound scan during the first trimester and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We recruited 43 non-diabetic women with singleton pregnancy between 11 and 14 week of gestation and evaluated ultrasonographic measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and preperitoneal fat (PF) above the umbilicus. During the 2nd trimester, GDM screening was performed by 75 g two-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and diagnosis was made when one or more plasma glucose values meets or exceeds the values indicated by International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG). Among the 43 woman, 8 developed GDM (18.6%). Of these 37,5% (N.=3) had been diagnosed with GDM during a previous pregnancy, with a statistically significant correlation (P=0.035). Mean SFT for all patients was significantly higher in the GDM group compared to non-GDM group (27.30±8.78 mm vs. 18.56±9.99 mm; P=0.049). Mean PF for all women showed a statistically significant correlation with GDM (13.27±9.07 mm for non GDM group vs. 23.52±10.24 mm for GDM group; P=0.038). Abdominal adiposity, both subcutaneous and visceral, seem to be a suitable predictor of GDM in early pregnancy and it can be easily assessed during a first trimester routine ultrasound, although further studies are needed to evaluate their role in the screening protocols.

Ultrasound Measurements of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Are Robust Against Hydration Changes.

Ultrasound is an appealing tool to assess body composition, combining the portability of a field method with the accuracy of a laboratory method. However, unlike other body composition methods, the effect of hydration status on validity is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of acute hydration changes on ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness and estimates of body fat percentage. In a crossover design, 11 adults (27.1 ± 10.5years) completed dehydration and hyperhydration trials to alter body mass by approximately ±2%. Dehydration was achieved via humid heat (40 °C, 60% relative humidity) with exercise, whereas hyperhydration was via ingestion of lightly salted water. Ultrasound measurements were taken at 11 body sites before and after each treatment. Participants lost 1.56 ± 0.58kg (-2.0 ± 0.6%) during the dehydration trial and gained 0.90 ± 0.21kg (1.2 ± 0.2%) during the hyperhydration trial even after urination. The sum of fat thicknesses as measured by ultrasound differed by <0.90mm across trials (p = .588), and ultrasound estimates of body fat percentage differed by <0.5% body fat. Ultrasound measures of subcutaneous adipose tissue were unaffected by acute changes in hydration status by extents beyond which are rare and overtly self-correcting, suggesting that this method provides reliable and robust body composition results even when subjects are not euhydrated.

Radiographic spine adipose index: an independent risk factor for deep surgical site infection after posterior instrumented lumbar fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSurgical site infections (SSIs) after spinal fusion surgery increase healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. Routine measures of obesity fail to consider site specific fat distribution. PURPOSETo assess the association between the spine adipose index and deep surgical site infection and determine a threshold value for spine adipose index that can assist in preoperative risk stratification in patients undergoing posterior instrumented lumbar fusion (PILF). STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGMulticenter retrospective case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLEWe reviewed patients who underwent PILF from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018. OUTCOME MEASURESAll patients developing a deep primary incisional or organ-space SSI within 90 days of surgery as per US Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were identified. We gathered potential pre-operative and intra-operative deep infection risk factors for each patient. A 1:1 match was performed using the following criteria: gender, age (±3 y), ethnicity, date of surgery (± 1 y), and hospital location of surgery. Spine adipose index was measured on pre-operative mid-sagittal cuts of T2 weighted MRI scans. Each measurement was repeated twice by three authors in a blinded fashion, with each series of measurement separated by a period of at least six weeks. MethodsStepwise binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between SAI and the development of deep SSI. Separate logistic regression models were used for body mass index (BMI) and direct measures of subcutaneous fat thickness. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was used to determine the optimal value for SAI, and subsequent risk ratios were calculated using the identified threshold. Intra- and inter-observer reliabilities were assessed using intra-class coefficients. ResultsForty-two patients were included in final analysis, with twenty-one cases and twenty-one matched controls. The spine adipose index was significantly greater in patients developing deep SSI (p=.029), and this relationship was maintained after adjusting for confounders (p=.046). Risk of developing deep SSI following PILF surgery was increased 2.0-fold when the spine adipose index was ≥0.51. The spine adipose index had excellent (ICC >0.9; p<.001) inter- and intra-observer reliabilities. ConclusionThe spine adipose index is a novel radiographic measure and an independent risk factor for developing deep SSI, with 0.51 being the ideal threshold value for pre-operative risk stratification in patients undergoing PILF surgery.

CORRELATION BETWEEN PERCENTAGE OF BODY FAT WITH SPEED AND CARDIORESPIRATORY ENDURANCE AMONG FUTSAL ATHLETES IN SURABAYA

Futsal is one of the sport that begin to be popular in Indonesia. Physical condition in futsal is an important aspect because it directly aff ects athlete performance especially for speed and cardiorespiratory. One of the factor that aff ect physical condition is percentage of body fat. The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between percent body fat with physical condition of futsal athletes in Surabaya. This study was an observational analytic study with cross sectional design. The population were sixty-eight peoples from members of Buana Mas FC, Garuda Emas FC, Nisrina FC and Surabaya Porprov team 2019. Fifty-four peoples were selected as subject of this study by proportional random sampling method. Data collection included questionnaires for respondent characteristics namely age, occupation, education, smoking history and sports activity, and then, measurement of subcutaneous fat thickness using skinfold calliper, and measuring speed and cardiorespiratory endurance using sprint 20m and yoyo test. Data analyze used Spearman correlation test. The result of this study showed most of respondent have normal percentage of body fat (59.3%). Respondents speed mostly classifi ed as lacking (50.0%) and cardiorespiratory endurance respondents mostly classifi ed as suffi cient (59.3%). The results showed an positive correlation (p = 0.001; R=0.732) between percent body fat with speed, it was mean that the higher percentage of body fat, the slower sprint time. And there was negative correlation (p = 0.001; R=-0.639) between percentage of body fat and cardiorespiratory endurance, so the higher percentage of body fat, the lower cardiorespiratory endurance. This contradictory conclusion is due to increasing sprint time, the respondent speed will decrease while V02Max increase so the cardiorespiratory endurance will increase.

Body fat evaluation in Colombian Paso horses: body condition score and morphometric and ultrasound measurements

The body condition score (BCS) is insufficient in determining the amount of body fat in horses, thus defining obesity. Measurement of the subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) by ultrasonography should be considered as an appropriate method in the definition of fat distribution at different body locations in horses. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) characterize the SFT in three different anatomical locations (i.e. neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region); 2) evaluate the relationship between BCS and SFT; 3) determine the influence of gender, weight, age, and gait on BCS and SFT measurements, and 4) explore the agreement between the morphometric measurements [i.e. body mass index (BMI), girth circumference: height at withers ratio (GC: HW), neck circumference: height at withers ratio (NC: HW)], and BCS and SFT in a population of Colombian Paso Horses (CPHs). The Henneke’s body condition scoring was applied to 69 adult CPHs,selected using a convenience sampling. Additionally, BMI, GC: HW, and NC: HW were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated by ultrasound measurement of the SFT in the neck, lumbar region, and gluteal region. The BF% in the CPHs was 6.4 ± 1.1. The GC: HW, NC: HW, and BMI were not predictors of the BF% or BCS, and neither gender nor gait was decisive in the definition of fattening in the study animals, although age and weight were determining variables. According to our results, ultrasound is an adequate tool to calculate the BF% of the CPHs. However, it must be accompanied by Henneke’s BCS assessment.

Comparison of A-mode and B-mode Ultrasound for Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat

With lower-cost devices and technologic advancements, ultrasound has been undergoing a resurgence as a method to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue. We aimed to determine whether a low-cost, 2.5-MHz amplitude (A-mode) ultrasound, designed specifically for body composition assessment, could produce subcutaneous fat thickness measurements comparable to an expensive, 12-MHz brightness (B-mode) device. Fat thickness was measured on 40 participants (20 female, 20 male; 29.7 ± 11.1 y of age; body mass index 24.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2) at 7 sites (chest, subscapula, mid-axilla, triceps, abdomen, suprailiac and thigh) with both devices. Intraclass correlations exceeded 0.75 at all measurement sites. Mean differences in fat thickness were not significantly different (p > 0.05) and within ± 1.0 mm. Variability between devices was greatest at the abdomen, the site with the greatest thickness. The low-cost, low-resolution A-mode ultrasound provides subcutaneous fat thickness measurements similar to the more expensive, high-resolution B-mode ultrasound.

Role of carboxytherapy in localized lipolysis: a clinical and radiological study

Background Localized obesity is a result of accumulation of adipose tissue present in small quantities in specific area. It is an important issue to search for novel noninvasive fat elimination modalities which help in body contouring.Objective To estimate the efficacy as well as safety of subcutaneous injection of CO2 in management of localized fat deposits.Patients and methods This interventional study was conducted on 34 females)22–45years old) having localized fat deposits in abdomen, chin, arm, and thigh. For all history and clinical examination including circumferential tape measurements were done. Digital photographic registration and ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness, as well as circumferences of the treated areas before and after eight carboxytherapy sessions (once/week) were performed.Results There were observed improvement in carboxytherapy treated areas (abdomen, chin, arm, and thigh) in all studied subjects indicated by significant decrease in circumferences of abdomen (P<0.0001), arms (P=0.0003), and thighs (P<0.0001), and ultrasound fat thickness measurements in abdomen (P≤0.0001), chin (P=0.012), arms (P=0.0004), and thighs (P<0.0001). This improvement was achieved in arm (P=0.0004) and chin (P=0.012) better than abdomen and thighs. Half of our patients (17, 50%) recorded an excellent degree of satisfaction, the highest satisfaction rate was among patients who had lipolysis in the chin region (P=0.027). Pain (mild and moderate) and ecchymosis were the only observed adverse effects.Conclusion Carboxytherapy may be an effective method that could be used in the management of localized obesity, without remarkable adverse effects. Treatment of localized obesity by CO2 sessions once weekly for 8 weeks has a significantly better outcome in arms and chin than in abdomen and thighs.

Body fat percentage assessment by ultrasound subcutaneous fat thickness measurements in middle-aged and older adults

B-mode ultrasound accurately measures both muscle mass, body density and percent body fat (% BF) in younger adults, but how well it can estimate % BF in middle-aged and older adults using DXA-derived %BF as the criterion is unclear. We sought to develop % BF prediction equations for middle-aged and older adults using ultrasound subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT). A cross-sectional study of Japanese adults (n=414, 50-79 years) where 276 subjects were randomly assigned to a model development group and the other 138 subjects were assigned to a cross-validation group. B-mode ultrasound measured SFT at nine sites. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured % BF, arm fat mass (FM) and leg FM. Stepwise multiple linear regression developed prediction equations from anthropometric data (body mass, height, waist and hip circumference) and ultrasound SFT sites. Bland-Altman plots assessed validity of the prediction equations to measure % BF in the cross-validation group. The best prediction equation for % BF was the following: [% BF=15.709+(1.753*anterior trunk SFT)+(5.626*Sex)+(3.635*posterior upper arm SFT) - (4.428*anterior lower leg SFT) - (0.170*height)+(0.264*waist)+(anterior thigh SFT*2.241); r2=0.809, standard error of the estimate (SEE)=3.3kg]. Arm FM and leg FM prediction equations had r2 values ranging from 0.690 to 0.812 and SEEs of 0.29 and 0.75kg. A small mean bias was noted for estimating % BF (-0.14%), but large limits of agreement were found (-8.0-7.7%) and systematic error was noted in all of the equations (r=0.275 to 0.515, p<0.05). Despite high r2 values and a small mean bias found between predicted and DXA % BF, wide limits of agreement were found with some systematic error present. Therefore, these prediction equations for middle-aged and older adults may not be sufficiently accurate to use in a clinical setting.

Increasing body mass index and abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness are associated with increased skin-to-epidural space distance in pregnant women

BackgroundBody mass index does not indicate the distribution of adipose tissue. Central adiposity may be measured using ultrasound measurement of subcutaneous fat thickness. This study determined if the abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness measured correlated with skin-to-epidural space distance at delivery, and compared this with the booking body mass index. MethodsWe analysed a sub-set of participants from a single-centre, prospective cohort study that assessed the relationship between subcutaneous fat thickness and maternity outcomes. Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness measurements were obtained during the routine fetal anomaly scan. The skin-to-epidural space distance was obtained in those having epidural or combined spinal-epidural analgesia. Linear regression was used to test for strength of association and adjusted R2 values calculated to determine if subcutaneous fat thickness or body mass index was more strongly associated with skin-to-epidural space distance. ResultsThe 463 women had a median (IQR) booking body mass index of 25.0 kg/m2 (21.8–29.3) and subcutaneous fat thickness of 16.2 mm (13.0–21.0). The median (IQR) skin-to-epidural space distance was 5.0 cm (4.5–6.0). Both parameters significantly correlated with skin-to-epidural space distance (r=0.53 and 0.68 respectively, P <0.001). Adjusted linear regression coefficient (95% CI) for subcutaneous fat thickness was 0.09 (0.08 to 0.11), R2=0.30 and for body mass index 0.12 (0.11 to 0.13), R2=0.47. ConclusionsBooking body mass index had a stronger relationship with skin-to- epidural space distance at delivery than subcutaneous fat thickness, explaining 47% of the variation in the skin-to-epidural distance.

A-mode and B-mode ultrasound measurement of fat thickness: a cadaver validation study.

With technological advances, there has been a resurgence in ultrasound as a method to measure subcutaneous fat thickness. Despite the increased interest in this methodology, research comparing A-mode and B-mode ultrasound devices is lacking. Subcutaneous fat thickness measured by a low resolution (2.5 MHz) A-mode ultrasound and a high resolution (12 MHz) B-mode ultrasound were compared to the actual fat thickness in dissected cadavers. Subcutaneous fat thickness of six cadavers was measured at the abdomen, thigh, triceps, and calf (plus chest for males and suprailiac for females) with both ultrasound devices before the cadavers were dissected and site-specific thickness was measured. Correlations between both ultrasounds and the dissected measurement exceeded 0.90 at all sites with a few exceptions. At the abdomen, the relationship between the ultrasounds was 0.76, and the B-mode and dissected measurement was also 0.76. The correlation between dissection and A-mode was 0.75 for the suprailiac site, but it was not possible to discern the separation of tissue at this site when using the B-mode device. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the devices and the dissected measurement at any of the six sites. The mean difference in fat thickness between A-mode and B-mode was <0.7 mm at all sites except the calf (1.2 mm) CONCLUSION: With the exception of the suprailiac site, both A-mode and B-mode ultrasound are equally capable of providing measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness with an accuracy of <1 mm at most sites.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Regional Fat Distribution and Its Relationship With Body Condition in an Easy Keeper Horse Breed

Body scoring system is a functional method to monitor overall adiposity. However, scorer experience, horse breed, gender, or local fat deposits are confounding factors, primarily in breeds with noticeable phenotype and tendency to subcutaneous fat deposition. Therefore, the ultrasonographic evaluation of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) could be an objective alternative method to assess fat distribution. The aims of this study were to characterize SFT at seven anatomic locations (over 25%, 50%, and 75% of neck length, behind the shoulder, over the ribs, over the rump, and over the tailhead), to evaluate the relationship between the body condition score (BCS) and SFT and to determine the influence of gender and age on BCS and SFT measurements. A sample of 127 Andalusian horses (78 stallions and 49 barren mares) were included. Body condition score was estimated, and SFT was measured by ultrasonography. The results showed that in the neck area, significant differences in fat accumulation over 25% and 50% of neck length were observed according to the gender and the age; however, regarding the body condition, no significant differences were found. Subcutaneous fat thickness at tailhead was the largest deposit and the most positively correlated parameter with BCS with influence of gender and age. However, SFT at the rump was the only measurement related to the body condition, independent of gender and age. Therefore, the assessment of localized fat deposits by ultrasonography suggests that preferred anatomic sites for fat deposition are evident and BCS systems should be adjusted according to breed-specific criteria.

Maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness as a predictor for adverse pregnancy outcome: a longitudinal cohort study.

To assess maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) measured by ultrasound as an independent predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. A prospective longitudinal cohort study performed on pregnancies delivered between 2012 and 2014. Sydney, Australia. About 1510 pregnant women attending routine obstetric ultrasounds. Maternal SFT was measured on routine ultrasounds at 11-14 weeks' gestation (SFT1) and 18-22 weeks' gestation (SFT2). SFT measurements were assessed for estimating risks for obesity-related pregnancy outcomes using logistic regression modelling adjusted for maternal age, parity, smoking status and body mass index (BMI). Hypertensive disease, gestational diabetes, caesarean section, low birthweight, preterm delivery, neonatal respiratory distress, Apgar scores, and admission to a neonatal intensive care unit. SFT1 and SFT2 were measured on 1461 and 1363 women, respectively. Mean thickness (range) were 21.2 mm (6.9-73.9) for SFT1 and 20.3 mm (7.5-68.0) for SFT2. Complete outcome data were available for 1385 pregnancies. In all, 54% of the women were overweight/obese. The SFT measures decreased from early to mid-pregnancy in overweight/obese women. There was moderate correlation between BMI and SFT1 (R(2) = 0.56) and BMI and SFT2 (R(2) = 0.55). In a multivariate model, SFT1 and SFT2 were better predictors for adverse pregnancy outcomes than BMI. Maternal SFT is a significant independent predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Incorporation of SFT into future models for adverse pregnancy outcome may prove valuable.