High-frequency ultrasound measurement of dermis and subcutaneous fat in the newborn infant.

Background/aims: Skin thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness of newborn infants may reflect the condition of the infant including prematurity. Skin thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness might be useful parameters to characterize and monitor the nutritional state of the infant. The objective was to introduce ultrasonography for this purpose. Methods: A high-frequency (20 MHz) ultrasound A-mode scanner was employed. Skinfold caliper recordings were performed for comparison. Frontal skin and skin of the back were studied in 7 infants with body weight 1095-4750 g (also studied with B-mode scanning). 46 infants weighing 925-4120 g were studied and correlated with skinfold recording. Results: A high degree of correlation between skinfold recordings and ultrasound measurements (A-mode) of subcutaneous fat was found, coefficient of correlation 0.84, p<0.001. Conclusions: High-frequency ultrasound measurement of skin and subcutaneous fat thickness is precise and reliable for in vivo assessment of body fat in newborn infants. Further validation of the technique relative to neonatal skin and nutritional state is, however, needed before the ultrasound technique can be used as routine in neonatalogical monitoring.