Body composition in preschool children with short stature: a case-control study.

Background: Short stature is defined as height below 2 standard deviations of the population with the same age, gender. This study is aimed to assess the characteristics of body composition in preschool children with short stature.

Methods: Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed in 68 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years old with short stature and 68 normal controls matched on age and gender. Height, weight and body composition (total body water, protein, minerals, body fat mass, fat-free mass, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, and bone mineral contents) in the two groups were measured and compared.

Results: The total body water, protein, minerals, body fat mass, fat-free mass, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, and bone mineral contents were lower in preschool children with short stature than controls (P < 0.05). Body mass index and fat mass index did not differ between groups. Fat-free mass index was significantly lower in short stature group than controls (t = 2.17, P = 0.03). Linear regression analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between height and fat-free mass index [β, 1.99 (0.59, 3.39), P = 0.01], a negative correlation between height and body fat percentage [β, - 0.20 (- 0.38, - 0.01), P = 0.04]. The proportions of fat-free mass in the upper limbs were significantly lower (Right,t = - 2.78,Left t = - 2.76, P < 0.05, respectively) in short stature, although body fat distribution was not.

Conclusions: The fat-free mass such as protein and bone minerals is lower in preschool children with short stature, suggesting the monitoring of fat-free mass for early identification and intervention.