Waist circumference and mesenteric fat in neonates: negative correlation.
OBJECTIVE
To measure mesenteric fat thickness with ultrasound scan in neonates and to assess the correlation with waist circumference.


METHODS
Ninety five healthy newborns had the maximum thickness of mesenteric leaves measured by ultrasound examinations of abdomen with an Envisor scanner (Philips Ultrasound, Bothell, Wash) and a L12-5 transducer (Philips Ultrasound). The correlation between the thickness of mesenteric leaves with abdominal waist was calculated.


RESULTS
Maximum thickness of mesenteric leaves ranged from 0.24 to 1.00 mm (x = 0.57 ± 0.17) . There was a significant negative correlation between abdominal waist (AW) and mesenteric fat thickness (r = -0.384; p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Mesenteric fat thickness in newborns is inversely associated with waist circumference. Higher visceral adiposity in neonates may be a protective mechanism from intrauterine growth restriction however this could persist into adulthood life.
Alves
João Guilherme
JG
Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Rua Antenor Navarro, Graças, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. joaoguilherme@imip.org.br
Farias
Maria Paula
MP
Gazineu
Renata Maria
RM
Bandeira
Francisco
F
Menezes
Jucille
J
da Costa E Silva
Eduardo Just
EJ
D050154:Adiposity; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D008643:Mesentery; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055105:Waist Circumference