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Body composition in myelomeningocele
K Shepherd1, D Roberts, S Golding
1Spinal Disabilities Clinic, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Body composition in myelomeningocele (MMC) changes with age, showing reduced body cell mass and altered water distribution. These changes, more severe in females and less mobile individuals, highlight potential metabolic issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Body Composition Analysis
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Myelomeningocele (MMC) affects body composition and obesity measures.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing associated health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate body composition and obesity in individuals with myelomeningocele.
- To compare findings with reference data and identify age- and sex-related differences.
Main Methods:
- Anthropometry and body composition analysis using total body potassium and deuterium-isotope dilution.
- Assessment of body cell mass (BCM), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW).
Main Results:
- Normal body composition in preambulatory children with MMC.
- Beyond 3-4 years, significant depletion of BCM and total body water observed.
- Increased extracellular water (ECW), decreased intracellular water (ICW), and elevated body fat percentage noted.
- Findings were more pronounced in females, those with high spinal lesions, and less pronounced in ambulatory individuals.
Conclusions:
- Body composition changes in MMC include BCM depletion and altered water distribution, particularly in non-ambulatory individuals.
- These alterations may lead to metabolic and nutritional maladaptation, especially during stress.
- Early nutritional and mobility interventions may be beneficial and warrant further investigation.