[Relation of the maximum calf circumference with albumin and body mass index in elderly cases of chronic hospitalization].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relation of the calf circumference at the level where the size of the triceps surae appeared largest (maximum calf circumference MCC) with albumin (Alb) and body mass index (BMI) in elderly cases of chronic hospitalization.


METHODS
Subjects were 57 elderly cases of chronic hospitalization (26 men and 31 women aged 80.4+/-9.9 years [mean+/-SD]) who varied in their eating styles and degrees of independence in eating, but still could ingest orally. We compared the subjects' weight, height, BMI, MCC, and Alb between the both sexes with t-test. The relationship between the MCC and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score, FIM cognitive score, and FIM total score were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, and Alb and BMI with Pearson's correlation analysis. Additionally, the partial correlation coefficient between the MCC and Alb adjusted for sex, age, and FIM total score was calculated.


RESULTS
Sex-related difference was observed in height and weight (p<0.01), but not in BMI, MCC, and Alb. The MCC did not significantly correlate with motor, cognitive, and total FIMs, with correlation coefficients of r=0.20, r=0.19, and r=0.23, respectively. The MCC significantly correlated with Alb (r=0.52, p<0.01) and BMI (r=0.90, p<0.01). The regression equation to estimate BMI from the MCC was BMI (kg/m(2))=MCC x 0.81-2.44, with the coefficient of determination being 0.81. The partial correlation coefficient between the MCC and Alb was r=0.40 (p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the MCC may be a useful evaluation tool for BMI in elderly people with chronic conditions. The value may also reflect the systemic nutritional status, and deserves further study.
Kubo
Akira
A
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, International University of Health and Welfare.
Yoshimatsu
Tatsuki
T
Nishida
Yusuke
Y
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D007866:Leg / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis*
D012709:Serum Albumin