Body composition measurements in paediatrics – a review. Part 1

Overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in paediatrics represent issues of increasing importance. To complete diagnostics and extend patient monitoring, body composition measurements can be used. Nowadays there are a number of methods that allow the esti-mation of the content of individual tissues. Their accuracy and replicability, contributing to the measurement’s credibility, are the subject of numerous scientific publications. While choosing a method, one has to know its basic assumptions and be aware of the assets and weaknesses, as well as its cost. The mentioned aspects will be discussed in this article. Reference methods considered as most precise are multicomponent models (3C, 4C), requiring several (usually three) measurements with the use of various devices, which improves the precision of calculating the fraction of a given body composition component (fat, water, minerals, and/or protein). Therefore, the need to estimate tissue content with mathematical models can be minimised. The choice of the methods forming a multicomponent model differs depending on the place of the examination. However, the 3C and 4C models are time-consuming and require sustained coopera-tion with young patients. Moreover, measurements can only be taken by trained staff that use expensive, specialised equipment. The examination cost can be reduced by the use of screening methods, such as anthropometrics and more advanced bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Due to published comparisons with reference methods, the precision limits of screening methods are known. However, when executed correctly, measurements obtained with these methods have an acceptable replicability and can become a valuable tool in everyday practice.