Analysis of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry whole body results in children, adolescents and young adults

Several useful parameters for the analysis of the total mineral content of the skeleton (BMCt), lean (L) and fat (FT) mass values as obtained by total body dual energy X-ray (DEXA) measurements were studied. The general form E identical with alpha A+ beta H+ gamma W+ delta was established between E and age (A), height (H), and weight (W) where E can be BMCt, L or F. The body surface BS and the projected area of the skeleton BA calculated the parameters b identical with BMCt/BA super(3/2), l identical with L /BS super(3/2) and f identical with F/BS super(3/2). The calculation of the parameters f and F/L discriminate patients with abnormal fat mass, even in the case where they present a normal weight for their height and age.