Measurement of obesity in the child with myelomeningocele

The incidence of obesity among infants and children is increasing, This is a concern to all professionals who are engaged in providing health supervision for children. Reduced activity is the most significant cause of obesity, complicated by the underlying biologic, social and psychological reasons for diminished activity. Children with myelomeningocele resulting in physical limitations which limit activity are at risk for obesity. Identification and effective intervention offer the only hope for reducing the incidence of obesity, The problem lies in the identification of the occurence of obesity in children with myelomeningocele. The study was designed to evaluate if there is a difference in body size between children with myelomeningocele and normal children of similar age. Measurements of height, weight, triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were performed to examine specifically the true extent of obesity among children with myelomeningocele, Thirty-two children who are followed at Primary Children's Medical Center for medical care related to myelomeningocele were included in the study. The ages of the children ranged from one month to fourteen years. When height and weight were plotted separately most of the children appeared to be smaller than children of similar age who did not have myelomeningocele, When height was plotted in relation to weight rather than age most of the children were of average or above average size in comparison to children who do not have myelomeningocele. The measurements of triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were generally average or above average in comparison to children of similar age who do not have myelomeningocele . On the basis of this study the investigator suggests that the addition of skinfold thickness measurements in the assessment of the body mass of children with myelomeningocele' provides a more accurate assessment of the children's growth. The combination of all of the parameters is a better indicator of children at risk for obesity. The study indicated significant contributions of nurses involved in the care of children with myelomeningocele and their families. Among these were the attainment of measurements with the use of calipers and early intervention for prevention of obesity in children with myelomeningocele.