de Gamarra M E, Schutz Y, Catzeflis C, Freymond D, Cauderay M, Calame A, Micheli J L, Jéquier E
Biol Neonate. 1987;51(3):144-8. doi: 10.1159/000242645.
In order to assess the validity of the weight per square of length ratio as an index of adiposity during the neonatal period, 37 premature infants (gestational age, mean +/- SD, = 31.5 +/- 1.1 weeks, birthweight, mean +/- SD, = 1.448 +/- 147 g) were studied for weight, length and skinfold thickness at 5 sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and quadriceps) during their stay in the Neonatal Unit of the University Hospital in Lausanne. The results show a significant correlation between the adiposity index and the sum of 5 skinfold thickness sites in premature infants. The adiposity index gives a fair estimate of the body fat mass during the postnatal growth in premature infants.
