Agreement between measured height, and height predicted from ulna length, in adult patients in Bloemfontein, South Africa

  • Louise van den Berg University of the Free State
  • Mariette Nel University of the Free State
  • Desiré Brand University of the Free State
  • Jessica Bosch University of the Free State
  • Wieda Human University of the Free State
  • Shannon Lawson University of the Free State
  • Corinna Walsh University of the Free State
Keywords: estimated height, ulna length, MUST-equations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the agreement between measured height, and height predicted from ulna length using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) equations, in adult patients admitted to government hospitals in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Setting: Medical, surgical, pulmonary, orthopaedic, cardiovascular and general wards at Pelonomi, Universitas and National Hospitals in Bloemfontein. Subjects: All patients between 19 and 60 years, admitted during a two-week period in March 2015, who gave written informed consent, and were able to stand upright and unassisted, were included. Outcome measures: Standing height (via stadiometer; referred to as reference height), weight and ulna length were measured. Predicted height and body mass index (BMI) were calculated from ulna length using MUST equations, and compared with reference height and BMI by 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The sample comprised n = 200 participants (48% female; median age: 42 years: 32–51 years). The median height estimated from ulna length (170.2 cm; range: 154.2–213.0 cm) was statistically significantly (95% CI [7.1; 7.7]) longer than the median reference height (163.9 cm; range: 145.1–188.4 cm). The Bland–Altman analysis indicated that the 95% limits of agreement between the two methods ranged from –19.8 to 5.7 cm. Median BMI based on estimated height (20.1 kg/m2) was significantly (95% CI [–1.9; –1.6]) lower than median BMI calculated from reference height (21.8 kg/m2). Conclusion: Height predicted from ulna length with the MUST equations overestimated height in this population. This may be related to high prevalence of stunting in the South African population. The discrepancy may have clinical implications particularly for critically ill patients. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojcn) South Afr J Clin Nutr 2016; DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2016.1198618

Author Biographies

Louise van den Berg, University of the Free State
PhD Senior Lecturer Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Allied Health Professions Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Mariette Nel, University of the Free State
M Med Sc Lecturer Department of Biostatistics School of Medicine Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Desiré Brand, University of the Free State
BSc Dietetics Student Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Allied Health Professions Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Jessica Bosch, University of the Free State
BSc Dietetics Student Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Allied Health Professions Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Wieda Human, University of the Free State
BSc Dietetics Student Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Allied Health Professions Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Shannon Lawson, University of the Free State
BSc Dietetics Student Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Allied Health Professions Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Corinna Walsh, University of the Free State
PhD Associate Professor Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Allied Health Professions Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Published
2016-04-24
How to Cite
van den Berg, L., Nel, M., Brand, D., Bosch, J., Human, W., Lawson, S., & Walsh, C. (2016). Agreement between measured height, and height predicted from ulna length, in adult patients in Bloemfontein, South Africa. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 29(3), 10-15. Retrieved from http://sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/1090
Issue
Vol 29 No 3 (2016)
Section
Original Research
Material submitted for publication in the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition (SAJCN) is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. Copyright forms will be sent with acknowledgement of receipt and the SAJCN reserves copyright of the material published.

The SAJCN does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors.