The range of methods now available to estimate body composition is extensive. In most cases there is a relationship between cost, complexity and information content. The consequence is that choices can still be made depending on the finances available and the needs of the health professional. This paper reviews four methods ranging in availability and clinical detail. The alternatives are use of skinfolds, electrical impedance, underwater weighing and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. These should provide the practitioner with viable options to consider in the assessment of body composition. Although no method has been designed specifically for children, reference is made throughout to studies on paediatric subjects of the major issues involved in these methods, which will assist paediatric endocrinologists in making informed decisions.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A rapid PCR-based method to distinguish between fetal and maternal cells in chorionic biopsies using microsatellite polymorphisms.

In some chorionic villus biopsy (CVB) cases the fetal/maternal origin of the tissue obtained is uncertain. An approach which only requires small amounts of CVB tissue to establish its origin is described. Since it is only the samples typed as female that could be either fetal or maternal, a paternal X chromosome contribution is sought by using highly polymorphic X-linked microsatellites.

Alleles↗