To test the hypothesis that early linear growth is independent of changes in weight we undertook simple anthropometry in 45 term infants daily to day 7 after birth. Linear growth proceeded rapidly and independently of changes in weight variations from the first day after birth; we suggest that this implies 'programmed' continuity of skeletal growth, possibly fuelied at the expense of other body tissues. The anthropometry comprised crown-heel length to the next succeeding 1 mm using a Holtain neonatometer; ulnar length (distal ulnar styloid to olecranon) to the next succeeding 0 -mm using a pair of RS precision vernier calipers; weight using Sartorius electronic balance scales to the nearest 10 g; and occipitofrontal circumference to the next succeeding 1 mm using a paper tape measure. All measuring devices were checked against standards daily, and recalibrated where necessary. Weight was obtained at birth; each of the other measurements was made within the first 24 hours, and on successive days thereafter.The precision (standard error of measurement) for crown-heel length was 0 7 mm (n=33), and for ulnar length 0 2 mm (n=33). Interobserver variability was 2 mm for crownheel length (n= 21); only one observer carried out ulnar length measurements.Thirty eight infants were breast fed, with four of these receiving 'complementary' formula feeds for one day each.
ResultsThe results are displayed graphically in figs 1 and 2. The graphs represent the mean incremental changes over successive 24 hour periods for each of the measurements performed. The points are for the group mean over that time period; the error bars are 1 standard error of +hat mean. No significant differences were
Summary
A patient with severe thyrotoxicosis of the apathetic variant in whom vomiting was the prominent presenting symptom is described. An alternative mechanism for thyrotoxic vomiting is postulated.
Bone width and mineral content were measured in 420 healthy Cambridge children aged 4 to 10 years using single photon absorptiometry. The results are expressed first in the form of standard centile charts, with additional prediction charts which provide body-size-adjusted estimates for the measurements, and interpretation centiles for comparing these estimates with the actual measurements. The values obtained are similar to those reported for American children aged five to six years after adjusting for body-size differences. We suggest that appropriate application of these prediction charts will facilitate the use of single photon absorptiometry in monitoring and treating children who have disorders of bone growth and mineralization.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.