Laser beam measurement of abdominal sagittal diameter in obese children: a validation study. Issue 2 (21st September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flodmark, C.‐E.; Shen, W.; Punyanitya, M.; Leander, P.; Lanke, J.; Pietrobelli, A.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric obesity. Volume 8:Issue 2(2013:Apr.)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2012-09-21
• Subjects: Body composition -- magnetic resonance imaging -- sagittal diameter -- visceral adipose tissue; Obesity in children -- Periodicals; Obesity in adolescence -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; Overweight children -- Periodicals; 618.92398
• DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2012.00095.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-7174

Abstract

Summary: What is already known about this subject: Sagittal diameter (SAD), i.e. the mid height of the abdomen when lying down, has been reported to correlate to visceral fat, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in adults. SAD seems to be the best anthropometric predictor of cardiovascular risk, and also of more importance than waist circumference (WC) in adults. There has been no validation studies comparing SAD measured with anthropometric tools (e.g. ruler) to measurements made with more exact devices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pediatric age. What this study adds: This new reliable method is ideal for children due to limited body contact and no radiation. It is accurate, less expensive than MRI, and also easier to perform than measuring WC. It is easily available for screening purposes making future epidemiological studies possible evaluating health risks related to regional distribution of abdominal tissue. Objectives: Sagittal diameter (SAD) has been reported to correlate to visceral fat and cardiovascular risk factors. SAD is measured with the individual lying down, halfway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest; it represents the mid‐height of the abdomen. The aim of this study was to validate SAD measured using a recently‐developed laser beam device (SADLDB ) against SAD measured using MRI (SADMRI ). Methods: Of 48 obese children (25 boys, 23 girls) aged 9–11 years on the waiting list for obesity treatment, 34 agreed to a baseline measurement, which was followed by repeated measurements 6 and 12 months later in 31 and 22 children respectively. MRI was used to examine SADMRI at 5 cm above (SADMRI, cra ) and below (SADMRI, cau ) the mid plane of the L4‐5 intervertebral disc. Results: Each of the differences SADLBD – SADMRI, cau and SADLBD – SADMRI, cra was subjected to a repeated‐measurements ANOVA; the visit did not have a statistically significant effect in either case (p = 0.19 and p = 0.72, respectively). The difference SADLBD – SADMRI, cau was 1.50 on average (p < 0.0001; CI 1.26–1.74) while the corresponding figure for SADLBD – SADMRI, cra was 1.26 (p < 0.0001; CI 1.04–1.49). Regression of the difference on the mean gave slopes of –0.09 (p = 0.25) and –0.04 (p = 0.57) respectively. Prediction of SADMRI from SADLDB can be performed in different ways: by means of linear regression or by means of an additive correction. Conclusions: Thus, this laser device can be used instead of MRI to estimate SAD by using a simple correction.