Which method should we use to determine the hip joint center location in individuals with a high amount of soft tissue?

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the most accurate method for estimating the hip joint center position in clinical 3D gait analysis for young individuals with high amounts of soft tissue. We compared position estimates of five regression-based and two functional methods to the hip joint center position obtained through 3D free-hand ultrasound. METHODS: For this purpose, the data of 14 overweight or obese individuals with a mean age of 13.6 (SD 2.1 yrs) and a BMI of 36.5 (SD 7.1 kg/m2, range 26-52 kg/m2) who underwent standard clinical 3D gait analysis were used. The data of each participant were processed with five regression-based and two functional methods and compared to the hip joint center identified via 3D free-hand ultrasound. FINDINGS: The absolute location errors to 3D free-hand ultrasound for each anatomical plane and the Euclidean distances served as outcomes next to their effects on gait variables. The data suggest that regression-based methods are preferable to functional methods in this population, as the latter demonstrated the highest variability in accuracy with large errors for some individuals. INTERPRETATION: Based on our findings we recommend using the regression method presented by Hara et al. due to its superior overall accuracy of <9 mm on average in all planes and the lowest impact on kinematic and kinetic output variables. We do not recommend using the Harrington equations (single and multiple) in populations with high amounts of soft tissue as they require pelvic depth as input, which can be massively biased when a lot of soft tissue is present around the pelvis.

Effects of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) on Growth and Body Composition Compared to Constitutionally Small Infants.

(1) Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with multiple morbidities including growth restriction and impaired neurodevelopment. Small for gestational age (SGA) is defined as a birth weight <10th percentile, regardless of the etiology. The term is commonly used as a proxy for IUGR, but it may represent a healthy constitutionally small infant. Differentiating between IUGR and constitutionally small infants is essential for the nutritional management. (2) Infants born at <37 weeks of gestation between 2017 and 2022, who underwent body composition measurement (FFM: fat-free mass; FM: fat mass) at term-equivalent age, were included in this study. Infants with IUGR and constitutionally small infants (SGA) were compared to infants appropriate for gestational age (AGA). (3) A total of 300 infants (AGA: n = 249; IUGR: n = 40; SGA: n = 11) were analyzed. FFM (p < 0.001) and weight growth velocity (p = 0.022) were significantly lower in IUGR compared to AGA infants, but equal in SGA and AGA infants. FM was not significantly different between all groups. (4) The FFM Z-score was significantly lower in IUGR compared to AGA infants (p = 0.017). Being born constitutionally small compared to AGA had no impact on growth and body composition. These data showed that early aggressive nutritional management is essential in IUGR infants to avoid impaired growth and loss of FFM.

The Impacts of Single Preterm Human Donor Milk Compared to Mother's Own Milk on Growth and Body Composition.

(1) If mother´s own milk (MOM) is not available, pooled term human donor milk (HDM) is commonly used. Compared to MOM, term HDM contains less protein and fat and is associated with impaired growth. HDM from mothers of preterm infants is an alternative source and contains higher protein levels compared to term HDM, but the impacts on growth and body composition are unclear. (2) Methods: Infants born below 32 weeks of gestation and below 1500 g between 2017-2022, who underwent air displacement plethysmography (Pea Pod®) to determine body composition (FFM: fat-free mass; FM: fat mass) at term-equivalent age, were included. A comparison between infants fed with MOM > 50% (MOM-group) and single preterm HDM > 50% (HDM-group) was conducted. (3) Results: In total, 351 infants (MOM-group: n = 206; HDM-group: n = 145) were included for the analysis. The median FFM-Z-score (MOM-group: -1.09; IQR: -2.02, 1.11; HDM-group: -1.13; IQR: -2.03, 1.12; p = 0.96), FM-Z-score (MOM-group: 1.06; IQR: -0.08, 2.22; HDM-group: 1.19; IQR: -0.14, 2.20; p = 0.09), and median growth velocity (MOM-group: 23.1 g/kg/d; IQR: 20.7, 26.0; HDM: 22.5 g/kg/d; IQR: 19.7, 25.8; p = 0.15) values were not significantly different between the groups. (4) Conclusion: Single preterm HDM is a good alternative to support normal growth and body composition.

Longitudinal Assessment of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels during Pregnancy and Postpartum-Are the Current Recommendations for Supplementation Sufficient?

(1) Background: Pregnant women are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Data on pregnancy outcomes in women with vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy are controversial, and prospective longitudinal data on vitamin D deficiency with consistent definitions in pregnant women are scarce. (2) Methods: The aim of this prospective longitudinal cohort study was to investigate 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels over the course of pregnancy and postpartum in singleton and twin pregnancies with regard to dietary and supplemental vitamin D intake and environmental factors influencing vitamin D levels, evaluated by a standardized food frequency questionnaire. (3) Results: We included 198 healthy singleton and 51 twin pregnancies for analysis. A total of 967 study visits were performed over a 3-year period. Overall, 59.5% of pregnant women were classified as vitamin D deficient in the first trimester, 54.8% in the second trimester, 58.5% in the third trimester, 66.9% at birth, and 60% 12 weeks postpartum, even though 66.4% of the study population reported daily pregnancy vitamin intake containing vitamin D. Dietary vitamin D intake did not affect vitamin D levels significantly. (4) Conclusions: The majority of pregnant women evaluated in this study were vitamin D deficient, despite administration of pregnancy vitamins containing vitamin D. Individualized vitamin D assessment during pregnancy should be considered to ensure adequate supplementation and prevention of hypovitaminosis D.

Human Milk Processing and Its Effect on Protein and Leptin Concentrations.

(1) Background: For the storage of human milk (HM), freezing, thawing, and/or pasteurization are routinely used in neonatal intensive care units. We aimed to analyze the effects of different HM processing types on the nutritional contents in HM, adipose tissue, and the neuroprotection markers leptin and adiponectin. (2) Methods: HM samples from 136 mothers of preterm and term infants (gestational age 23 + 0 to 41 + 6) were collected and divided into four groups: (i) fresh HM, (ii) fresh pasteurized HM, (iii) thawed HM, and (iv) thawed pasteurized HM. The macronutrients were analyzed by mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy and the adiponectin and leptin were analyzed by high-sensitivity adiponectin and leptin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (3) Results: No significant differences were observed in the protein, carbohydrate, or fat concentrations between the HM processing types. The leptin levels were significantly lower after pasteurization in comparison to HM without pasteurization (p < 0.001). The protein levels in extremely preterm HM were significantly lower compared to those in moderate/late preterm HM and term HM (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: HM processing had an impact on leptin concentrations but no effect on the protein level. These data support the use of unpasteurized human milk for preterm infants' nutrition and normal brain development. The protein levels of the milk of mothers from preterm compared to full-term infants differed, underlining the importance of individualized target fortification.

Maternal Diet Influences Human Milk Protein Concentration and Adipose Tissue Marker.

(1) Background: Adequate protein intake plays an essential role in growth and neurodevelopment, especially in preterm infants. We investigated the effects of maternal diet and body mass index (BMI) on human milk (HM) composition. (2) Methods: HM samples were obtained from 136 lactating mothers (BMI: 18.0−36.7 kg/m2), of which 93% gave birth to preterm infants. Macronutrient content in HM was measured by mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy. Leptin and adiponectin were analyzed using appropriate ELISAs. Maternal diet was determined by 24-h recall. (3) Results: Significant positive associations were found between protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy intake, and levels of corresponding macronutrients in HM, especially in protein concentrations (p < 0.001). An increased protein intake was positively correlated with adiponectin (p < 0.001) and leptin (p = 0.035) in HM. Maternal BMI was positively associated with a higher protein level in HM (p < 0.05), as well as with a higher dietary protein intake (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Knowledge of maternal diet and BMI impacting HM composition is essential to optimize the feeding of newborn infants. This is especially relevant in the nutritional management of preterm infants; it can be utilized in approaches to improve growth rates and the appropriate development of infants and to prevent obesity.

A secondary Outcome Analysis of a Randomized Trial Using a Mixed Lipid Emulsion Containing Fish Oil in Infants with Extremely Low Birth Weight: Cognitive and Behavioral Outcome at Preschool Age.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a parenteral lipid emulsion containing fish oil compared with a soybean oil based-lipid emulsion on the cognitive outcome and behavior of preschool children with extremely low birth weight. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective secondary outcome analysis of a randomized controlled trial performed between June 2012 and June 2015. Infants with extremely low birth weight received either a mixed (soybean oil, medium chain triglycerides, olive oil, fish oil) or a soybean oil-based lipid emulsion for parenteral nutrition. Data from the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children II, the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5, and anthropometry were collected from medical charts at 5.6 years of age. RESULTS: At discharge, 206 of the 230 study participants were eligible. At 5 years 6 months of age, data of 153 of 206 infants (74%) were available for analysis. There were no significant differences in Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children II scores for Sequential/Gsm, Simultaneous/Gv, Learning/Glr, and Mental Processing Index (mixed lipid: median, 97.5 [IQR, 23.5]; soybean oil: median, 96 [IQR, 19.5]; P = .43) or Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 scores for internalizing problems, externalizing problems, or total problems (mixed lipid: median, 37 [IQR, 12.3]; soybean oil: median, 37 [IQR, 13.5]; P = .54). CONCLUSIONS: A RandomForest machine learning regression analysis did not show an effect of type of lipid emulsion on cognitive and behavioral outcome. Parenteral nutrition using a mixed lipid emulsion containing fish oil did not affect neurodevelopment and had no impact on child behavior of infants with extremely low birth weights at preschool age. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01585935.

Preterm Infants on Early Solid Foods and Vitamin D Status in the First Year of Life-A Secondary Outcome Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Preterm birth places infants at high risk for mineral and micronutrient deficiencies important for bone health. The aim of this study was to examine whether two timepoints for the introduction of solid foods in preterm infants have an impact on vitamin D status in the first year of life. This is a secondary outcome analysis of a prospective, randomized trial on very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, randomized to an early (10-12th week corrected age) or a late (16-18th week corrected age) complementary-feeding group. Vitamin D status was assessed by blood samples taken at 6 weeks, 6, and 12 months corrected age. In total, 177 infants were randomized (early group: n = 89, late group: n = 88). There was a tendency toward lower levels of serum 25-OH-vitamin D in the early group throughout the first year of life (p = not significant (n.s.)); no differences were detected in the other parameters. At 6 months corrected age, infants of the early group had a significantly higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency. The timepoint of the introduction of solid foods had no impact on the serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels and other parameters important for bone health but showed a tendency toward lower levels in the early-feeding group.

Preterm Infants on Early Solid Foods and Iron Status in the First Year of Life-A Secondary Outcome Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction of solid foods and iron status in the first year of life of preterm infants are highly discussed topics. The aim of this study was to examine whether two timepoints of introduction of standardized solid foods in preterm infants have an impact on ferritin and other hematologic parameters important for iron status in the first year of life. This is a secondary outcome analysis of a prospective, randomized intervention trial in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants randomized to an early (10-12th week corrected age) or a late (16-18th week corrected age) complementary feeding group. Iron status was assessed with blood samples taken at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months corrected age. In total, 177 infants were randomized (early group: n = 89, late group: n = 88). Ferritin showed no differences between study groups throughout the first year of life, as did all other parameters associated with iron status. At 12 months corrected age, the incidence of iron deficiency was significantly higher in the early feeding group. There is room for improvement of iron status in VLBW preterm infants, regular blood checks should be introduced, and current recommendations may need to be a reconsidered.

Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants with Cholestasis at 12 and 24 Months.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of the study were to describe the neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) and to assess whether PNAC is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. METHODS: The study is a secondary analysis of controlled trial (June 2012-October 2017) on PNAC incidence in ELBW infants receiving two different parenteral lipid emulsions (mixed lipid emulsion containing fish oil vs. soybean oil-based). Neurodevelopmental follow-up at 12- and 24-month corrected age was compared in infants with and without PNAC. A machine learning-based regression analysis was used to assess whether PNAC was associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. RESULTS: For assessment of neurodevelopmental outcome (Bayley-III), 174 infants were available at 12-month (PNAC: n = 21; no PNAC: n = 153) and 164 infants at 24-month (PNAC: n = 20; no PNAC: n = 144) corrected age. The neurodevelopment of ELBW infants with PNAC was globally delayed, with significantly lower cognitive, language, and motor scores at both 12- and 24-month corrected age. Regression analyses revealed that PNAC was associated with an adverse motor outcome. CONCLUSION: ELBW infants with PNAC are at increased risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.

A Selective Screening Strategy Performed in Pre-School Children and Siblings to Detect Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

(1) Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a most common genetic disorder, is underdiagnosed and untreated, especially in children. Individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia mostly present without clinical symptoms and are not informed about their high risk for myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in patients with FH. The aim was to evaluate the detection rate of pre-school children with FH at school doctor visits in Vienna and, moreover, to examine the frequency of FH identified in the children's siblings by this type of screening. (2) Methods: The selective FH- screening was implemented at the school enrolment examinations in the public primary schools of Vienna. The study period included the school years starting in 2017 to 2020. FH was suspected if a questionnaire on hypercholesterolemia, or cardiovascular events in the family history or on the presence of xanthomas or xanthelasma, was positive. Subsequently, lipid testing was performed on pre-school children and their siblings and elevated lipid screening was defined as either positive by LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL and/or non-HDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL or as borderline by LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL and/or non-HDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL. (3) Results: 66,108 pre-school children participated in the school enrolment examination in 868 public elementary schools in Vienna. In 512 (4%) children, the questionnaire caused suspicion of FH. 344 families agreed their participation in the study. Out of 344 (52% male) tested pre-school children, 20 individuals (40% male) had elevated blood lipid levels with a mean LDL-C of 155 ± 29 mg/dL and a non-HDL-C of 180 ± 24 mg/dL. Out of 291 (44% male) tested siblings, 17 individuals (41% male) showed elevated lipids with a mean LDL-C of 144 ± 19 mg/dL, and a non-HDL-C of 174 ± 19 mg/dL. (4) Conclusions: Screening is the key for early diagnosis and treatment of FH. We have implemented a pre-school screening strategy in cooperation with school physicians. We could identify 20 pre-school children and 17 siblings with an elevated lipid screening test. Full implementation of FH-screening in the pre-school examination visits in Vienna would help to detect high-risk children.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Timepoints for Introduction of Standardized Complementary Food in Preterm Infants.

In term infants it is recommended to introduce solids between the 17th and 26th week of life, whereas data for preterm infants are missing. In a prospective, two-arm interventional study we investigated longitudinal growth of VLBW infants after early (10-12th) or late (16-18th) week of life, corrected for term, introduction of standardized complementary food. Primary endpoint was height at one year of age, corrected for term, and secondary endpoints were other anthropometric parameters such as weight, head circumference, BMI, and z-scores. Among 177 infants who underwent randomization, the primary outcome could be assessed in 83 (93%) assigned to the early and 83 (94%) to the late group. Mean birthweight was 941 (SD ± 253) g in the early and 932 (SD ± 256) g in the late group, mean gestational age at birth was 27 + 1/7 weeks in both groups. Height was 74.7 (mean; SD ± 2.7) cm in the early and 74.4 cm (mean; SD ± 2.8; n.s.) cm in the late group at one year of age, corrected for term. There were no differences in anthropometric parameters between the study groups except for a transient effect on weight z-score at 6 months. In preterm infants, starting solids should rather be related to neurological ability than to considerations of nutritional intake and growth.

Impact of self-determination theory in a physiotherapeutic training : A pilot-study on motivation for movement of obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study determined to what extent the underpinning of physiotherapeutic interventions with the evidence-based motivational psychological concept of the self-determination theory (SDT) by Ryan and Deci can increase motivation and enjoyment of movement in obese adolescents. METHODS: In this study 12 obese adolescents aged 14-18 years were offered a targeted group-specific sports program including a home exercise program of 8 weeks. The group leaders were trained in the SDT and supported to integrate motivational aspects. A SDT-based questionnaire by Kohake and Lehnert was used to evaluate motivational interventions. RESULTS: In total, seven (58%) patients finished the study. In the before-after comparison there were little changes in motivation. Results showed that contrary to expectations the motivation of the obese adolescents to move and to participate in the study was generally high. In the study, more internalized forms of motivation dominated, the highest quality form of motivation. CONCLUSION: Digital technologies could be a successful way to further increase motivation and compliance of our target group. This MotiMove study is a basis for future research programs and empower physiotherapists and movement experts to develop and implement training programs for obese adolescents and children.

Association between Fat-Free Mass and Brain Size in Extremely Preterm Infants.

Postnatal growth restriction and deficits in fat-free mass are associated with impaired neurodevelopment. The optimal body composition to support normal brain growth and development remains unclear. This study investigated the association between body composition and brain size in preterm infants. We included 118 infants born <28 weeks of gestation between 2017-2021, who underwent body composition (fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM)) and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging to quantify brain size (cerebral biparietal diameter (cBPD), bone biparietal diameter (bBPD), interhemispheric distance (IHD), transverse cerebellar diameter (tCD)) at term-equivalent age. FFM Z-Score significantly correlated with higher cBPD Z-Score (rs = 0.69; p < 0.001), bBPD Z-Score (rs = 0.48; p < 0.001) and tCD Z-Score (rs = 0.30; p = 0.002); FM Z-Score significantly correlated with lower brain size (cBPD Z-Score (rs = -0.32; p < 0.001) and bBPD Z-Score (rs = -0.42; p < 0.001). In contrast weight (rs = 0.08), length (rs = -0.01) and head circumference Z-Score (rs = 0.14) did not. Linear regression model adjusted for important neonatal variables revealed that FFM Z-Score was independently and significantly associated with higher cBPD Z-Score (median 0.50, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.43; p < 0.001) and bBPD Z-Score (median 0.31, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.19; p < 0.001); FM Z-Score was independently and significantly associated with lower cBPD Z-Score (median -0.27, 95% CI: -0.42, -0.11; p < 0.001) and bBPD Z-Score (median -0.32, 95% CI: -0.45, -0.18; p < 0.001). Higher FFM Z-Score and lower FM Z-scores were significantly associated with larger brain size at term-equivalent age. These results indicate that early body composition might be a useful tool to evaluate and eventually optimize brain growth and neurodevelopment.

A Mixed-Lipid Emulsion Containing Fish Oil for the Parenteral Nutrition of Preterm Infants: No Impact on Visual Neuronal Conduction.

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential for neuronal myelination and maturation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a mixed-lipid emulsion composed of soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF-LE) compared to a pure soybean oil-based lipid emulsion (S-LE) for parenteral nutrition had an impact on neuronal conduction in preterm infants. This study is a retrospective matched cohort study comparing preterm infants <1000 g who received SMOF-LE in comparison to S-LE for parenteral nutrition. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were assessed longitudinally from birth until discharge. The latencies of the evoked peaks N2 and P2 were analyzed. The analysis included 76 infants (SMOF-LE: n = 41 and S-LE: n = 35) with 344 VEP measurements (SMOF-LE: n= 191 and S-LE n = 153). Values of N2 and P2 were not significantly different between the SMOF-LE and S-LE groups. A possible better treatment effect in the SMOF-LE group was seen as a trend toward a shorter latency, indicating faster neural conduction at around term-equivalent age. Prospective trials and follow-up studies are necessary in order to evaluate the potential positive effect of SMOF-LE on neuronal conduction and visual pathway maturation.

The Effect of a Fat-Restricted Diet in Four Patients with Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

(1) Background: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severely elevated triglycerides and clinical symptoms in early childhood mainly presenting with abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis and hepatosplenomegaly. Primary treatment is a lifelong very strict low-fat diet, which might be challenging in pediatric patients. So far, data about children with FCS are rare. The aim of this study was to show the familial chylomicronemia syndrome traffic light table for pediatric patients and to assess the dietary fat intake and impact on triglycerides in children with FCS. (2) Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis in four children (50% male) affected by FCS from the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna between January 2002 and September 2020. (3) Results: The four patients presented with classical FCS symptoms and showed baseline triglycerides (TG) exceeding 30,000 mg/dL in two patients, 10,000 mg/dL and 2400 mg/dL in one patient each. After diagnosis, fat percentage of total daily caloric intake was decreased and resulted immediately in triglyceride reduction. In all patients, FCS was genetically confirmed by mutations in genes encoding lipoprotein lipase. Acute pancreatitis and hepatosplenomegaly disappeared under the fat-restricted diet. A FCS traffic light table was developed as a dietary tool for affected families. (4) Conclusions: A restriction of dietary fat between 10% to 26% of the total daily caloric intake was feasible and effective in the long-term treatment of genetically confirmed FCS in children and could reduce the risk for acute pancreatitis. The dietary tool, the pediatric FCS traffic light table and the age-appropriate portion sizes for patients between 1 to 18 years, supports children and their parents to achieve and adhere to the lifelong strict low-fat diet.

3D free-hand ultrasound to register anatomical landmarks at the pelvis and localize the hip joint center in lean and obese individuals.

3D free-hand ultrasound (3DFUS) is becoming increasingly popular to assist clinical gait analysis because it is cost- and time-efficient and does not expose participants to radiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate its reliability in localizing the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) at the pelvis and the hip joint centers (HJC). Additionally, we evaluated its accuracy to get a rough estimation of the potential to use of 3DFUS to segment bony surface. This could offer potential to register medical images to motion capture data in future. To evaluate reliability, a test-retest study was conducted in 16 lean and 19 obese individuals. The locations of the ASIS were determined by manual marker placement (MMP), an instrumented pointer technique (IPT), and with 3DFUS. The HJC location was also determined with 3DFUS. To quantify reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), the standard error of measurement (SEm), among other statistical parameters, were calculated for the identified locations between the test and retest. To assess accuracy, the surface of a human plastic pelvic phantom was segmented with 3DFUS in a distilled water bath in 27 trials and compared to a 3D laser scan of the pelvis. Regarding reliability, the MMP, but especially the IPT showed high reliability in lean (SEm: 2-3 mm) and reduced reliability in obese individuals (SEm: 6-15 mm). Compared to MMP and IPT, 3DFUS presented lower reliability in the lean group (SEm: 2-4 mm vs. 2-8 mm, respectively) but slightly better values in the obese group (SEm: 7-11 mm vs. 6-16 mm, respectively). Correlations between test-retest reliability and torso body fat mass (% of body mass) indicated a moderate to strong relationship for MMP and IPT but only a weak correlation for the 3DFUS approach. The water-bath experiments indicated an acceptable level of 3.5 (1.7) mm of accuracy for 3DFUS in segmenting bone surface. Despite some difficulties with single trials, our data give further rise to the idea that 3DFUS could serve as a promising tool in future to inform marker placement and hip joint center location, especially in groups with higher amount of body fat.

Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance-Based Methods on Body Composition in Young Patients with Obesity.

(1) Background: The determination of body composition is an important method to investigate patients with obesity and to evaluate the efficacy of individualized medical interventions. Bioelectrical impedance-based methods are non-invasive and widely applied but need to be validated for their use in young patients with obesity. (2) Methods: We compiled data from three independent studies on children and adolescents with obesity, measuring body composition with two bioelectrical impedance-based devices (TANITA and BIACORPUS). For a small patient group, additional data were collected with air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). (3) Results: Our combined data on 123 patients (age: 6-18 years, body mass index (BMI): 21-59 kg/m²) and the individual studies showed that TANITA and BIACORPUS yield significantly different results on body composition, TANITA overestimating body fat percentage and fat mass relative to BIACORPUS and underestimating fat-free mass (p < 0.001 for all three parameters). A Bland-Altman plot indicated little agreement between methods, which produce clinically relevant differences for all three parameters. We detected gender-specific differences with both methods, with body fat percentage being lower (p < 0.01) and fat-free mass higher (p < 0.001) in males than females. (4) Conclusions: Both bioelectrical impedance-based methods provide significantly different results on body composition in young patients with obesity and thus cannot be used interchangeably, requiring adherence to a specific device for repetitive measurements to ascertain comparability of data.

Implementing a Clinical Research Department to Support Pediatric Studies: A SWOT Analysis.

The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of most drugs used in pediatrics have not been studied in different age groups and are administered "off-label use". Clinical pediatric drug trials require specific and stringent compliance with laws, regulations, guidelines, and patient/parent/public involvement, which in turn increases resource use and makes support useful from a medical, qualitative, economic, and system perspective. We examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of implementing a Research Department for the Support of Pediatric Studies (RDPS) in Vienna. We used the SWOT ("strengths", "weaknesses", "opportunities", and "threats") analysis to collect comprehensive data and facts on the internal strengths, weaknesses (company analysis), and external opportunities and threats (environmental analysis). The company analysis revealed a productivity gain, due to a highly specialized team and standardized processes. The environmental analysis outlined a considerable 360-degree potential for a qualitative and quantitative medical- and social-scientific expansion of the service portfolio. The establishment of a RDPS leads to the centralization of pediatric studies by bundling tasks and concentration of specialist knowledge, which enables the exploitation of synergies, the standardization of processes, the promotion of professionalism, flexibility, innovations and the reduction of inefficiencies in the form of duplication of tasks. RDPS offers tailored advice and support for different types of pediatric studies.