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Gender differences in newborn subcutaneous fat distribution

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Abstract

The pattern and distribution of subcutaneous fat in term and preterm newborns has been assessed by skinfold thicknesses (ST), describing gender and gestational age variations. Weight, length and ST (triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac) were measured in 4634 neonates (2445 males and 2189 females) aged from 32 to 41 gestational weeks. Central to total skinfold ratio (CTS), (suprailiac + subscapular)/sum of 4 ST, was calculated. Males were heavier and longer than females. The sum of 4 ST and CTS was higher in females at every gestational age (with significant differences from 35 weeks) and also the sum of 4 ST per kg body weight (P<0.05 from 32–33 weeks). Throughout the gestational period, ST increased significantly (P<0.0001) but CTS did not show variations, neither in males nor in females. Conclusion: term and preterm females have a more centralised pattern and more amount of subcutaneous fat than males. Central to total skinfold ratio must be considered as an index of centripetal fat store which is independant of gestational age.

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Abbreviations

BS :

biceps skinfold thickness

CTS :

central to total skinfold ratio

DXA :

dual energy X-ray absorptiometry

FFM :

fat-free mass

FM :

fat mass

SBS :

subscapular skinfold thickness

SPS :

suprailiac skinfold thickness

ST :

skinfold thickness

ΣST :

the sum of the four skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac)

TS :

triceps skinfold thickness

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Pediatría, Radiología y Medicina Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 , Zaragoza, Spain

    Gerardo Rodríguez, Mª Pilar Samper, Purificación Ventura, José L. Olivares & José Mª Pérez-González

  2. E. U. de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Zaragoza, Spain

    Luis A. Moreno

Authors
  1. Gerardo Rodríguez
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  2. Mª Pilar Samper
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  3. Purificación Ventura
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  4. Luis A. Moreno
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  5. José L. Olivares
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  6. José Mª Pérez-González
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Correspondence to Gerardo Rodríguez.

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Rodríguez, G., Samper, M.P., Ventura, P. et al. Gender differences in newborn subcutaneous fat distribution. Eur J Pediatr 163, 457–461 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-004-1468-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-004-1468-z

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