Reference Values Matter

Abstract

Reference values are important for patient care as well as for comparisons between different centers or countries. We investigated two anthropometric reference datasets, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) growth charts and the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents Study (KiGGS) percentiles, which were established in Germany between 2003 and 2006. A smaller proportion of children with cystic fibrosis had decreased z scores <À2 with CDC (5.0% for weight and 3.0% for height) compared to KiGGS (7.4% for weight and 6.3% for height) values (P < 0.0001). Median z scores were higher using the CDC reference data. Thus, the choice of growth reference is important, may influence clinical management and must be considered when comparing the outcomes of different institutions.

Arm muscle area for the longitudinal assessment of nutritional status in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis - A single centre experience

“…In the US, the median BMI percentile of patients aged 2 to 19 years was 58.4 in the same year [ 22 ]. The BMI results are difficult to compare, however [ 23 ], since the German registry uses the latest national reference values [ 10 ] rather than the older CDC growth charts form the US [ 14 ].…”