Does A Short, Thick Neck Predict Obstructive Sleep Apnea?: The Role of Physical Examination in OSA Screening

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a short neck, alone or together with a thick neck, can predict obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: The laryngeal heights of 169 new adult patients presenting to a sleep medicine physician were measured over a period of 5 months. Neck circumference, Mallampati score, and body-mass index (BMI) were also determined, together with medical history, smoking status, and serum bicarbonate. Lastly, patients’ polysomnograms were obtained in order to ascertain the presence or absence of OSA as indicated by the apnea-hypopnea index, as well as other sleep study parameters. Results: No association was found between laryngeal height and presence of OSA, bicarbonate concentration or oxygen saturation. Of interest, neck circumference was also not significantly associated with any of the aforementioned parameters, although there was a trend towards significance in its association with OSA (p=0.055). Still, a combined short laryngeal height and large neck circumference was associated with lower nadir SaO2 (p=0.018). Of all clinical parameters we measured, only higher BMI, older age and male sex were positively associated with OSA (p\u3c0.05). Conclusion: This study challenges the popular notion that short necks predict OSA

Cutoffs And Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated With Neck Circumference Among Community-dwelling Elderly Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

In elderly people, measurement of several anthropometric parameters may present complications. Although neck circumference measurements seem to avoid these issues, the cutoffs and cardiovascular risk factors associated with this parameter among elderly people remain unknown. This study was developed to identify the cutoff values and cardiovascular risk factors associated with neck circumference measurements among elderly people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in two community centers for elderly people. METHODS: 435 elderly adults (371 women and 64 men) were recruited. These volunteers underwent morphological evaluations (body mass index and waist, hip, and neck circumferences) and hemodynamic evaluations (blood pressure values and heart rate). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to determine the predictive validity of cutoff values for neck circumference, for identifying over-weight/obesity. Multivariate analysis was used to identify cardiovascular risk factors associated with large neck circumference. RESULTS: Cutoff values for neck circumference (men = 40.5 cm and women = 35.7 cm), for detection of obese older adults according to body mass index, were identified. After a second analysis, large neck circumference was shown to be associated with elevated body mass index in men; and elevated body mass index, blood pressure values, prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in women. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that neck circumference can be used as a screening tool to identify overweight/obesity in older people. Moreover, large neck circumference values may be associated with cardiovascular risk factors.134651952

HUBUNGAN LINGKAR LEHER DAN TEBAL LEMAK BAWAH KULIT (SKINFOLD) DENGAN TEKANAN DARAH PADA REMAJA

BACKGROUND: Hypertension does not only occurs on adults only, but also on adolescence. The mass of the body fat is an indicator related to hypertension. Body fat measurements is better to detect the obesity rather than a measurement of weight and IMT on Asian population. Subcutaneous fat is a better parameter to predict the incidences of hypertension than the visceral fat. Neck circumference and skinfold represent the subcutaneous fat. AIMS: To analyze the correlation between neck circumference, skinfold and blood pressure in adolescents. METHODS: An observational study conducted with cross-sectional design consisted of 60 adolescence aged 16-18 year old in SMA Negeri 9 Semarang. Measured variables were blood pressure, neck circumference and skinfold. Data analysis using Rank-Spearman, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis were performed. RESULTS: Mean value of neck circumference diameter is 32,7 cm, skinfold(23,45±4,96)mm, systolic blood pressure (115,9±9,98)mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (78,8±7,5)mmHg. Based on systolic blood pressure, the prevalence of hypertension (≥ 95th percentile) is 3,4%, pre-hypertension (90th-<95thpercentile) is 48,3%, and normal (<90thpercentile) is 48,3%, while based on diastolic blood pressure are 18,3%, 50%, and 31,7%. There was a positive correlation between neck circumference and systolic blood pressure (p=0,001; r=0,414), also between neck circumference and diastolic blood pressure (p=0,004 r=0,370). There was a positive correlation between skinfold and systolic blood pressure(p=0,002; r=0,392), also between skinfold and diastolic blood pressure(p=0.004; r=0,368). CONCLUSIONS: There was significant correlation between neck circumference and skinfold with blood pressure (systolic and diastolic blood pressure) in adolescents. KEYWORDS: Neck circumference, skinfold, blood pressure, adolescence

CORRELATION BETWEEN NECK CIRCUMFERENCE AND SKINFOLD THICKNESS TOWARDS BODY MASS INDEX ON THE STUDENTS OF MEDICAL FACULTY ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF NORTH SUMATRA

Obesity is a global epidemic that must be addressed immediately because it can trigger various degenerative diseases. Early prevention by using screening through anthropometric measurements such as body mass index, neck circumference, and skinfold thickness is needed in assessing nutritional status. The research method is descriptive-analytic with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects consisted of 77 students of the Faculty of Medicine, Islamic University of North Sumatra who were taken using the consecutive sampling method. Research results based on male and female gender and nutritional status category, the average BMI for men was 25.0 kg/m2 (Obesity I), and for women was 24.6 kg/m2 (Overweight). The mean neck circumference for men is 38.5 cm (Large), for women is 37.1 cm (Large), and based on the neck circumference cut-off point, classified as Obesity Level I. The average of skinfold thickness is 23.6 mm for men and 18.4 mm for women. The average body fat percentage for men is 23.5% (Fat), and for women is 27.5% (Slightly Overfat). Spearman correlation test showed a significant relationship between neck circumference and skinfold thickness on body mass index (p&lt;0,05) with a strong correlation on neck circumference (r=0.526) and a very strong correlation on skinfold thickness (r=0.837), and the direction of correlation is in the same direction (positive). There is a significant relationship between neck circumference and skinfold thickness on body mass index

Influence of Body Composition on Arterial Stiffness in Middle-Aged Adults: Healthy UAL Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Several anthropometric and body composition parameters have been linked to arterial stiffness (AS) as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about which of these closely related factors is more strongly associated with AS. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of different anthropometric and body composition parameters with AS in middle-aged adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 186 middle-aged participants (85 women, 101 men; age = 42.8 ± 12.6 years) evaluated as part of the Healthy UAL study, a population study conducted at the University of Almería with the main purpose of analyzing the etiology and risk factors associated with cardio-metabolic diseases. Anthropometric measures included neck, waist, and hip circumferences, as well as the waist-to-height ratio (WHtr). Bioimpedance-derived parameters included fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat mass index (FMI), and percent of body fat (%BF). AS was measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV). The relationships of interest were examined through stepwise regression analyses in which age and sex were also introduced as potential confounders. Results: Neck circumference (in the anthropometric model; R2: 0.889; β: age = 0.855, neck = 0.204) and FFMI (in the bio-impedance model; R2: 0.891; β: age = 0.906, FFMI = 0.199) emerged as significant cross-sectional predictors of AS. When all parameters were included together (both anthropometry and bio-impedance), both neck circumference and FFMI appeared again as being significantly associated with AS (R2: 0.894; β: age = 0.882, FFMI = 0.126, neck = 0.093). Conclusion: It was concluded that FFMI and neck circumference are correlated with AS regardless of potential confounders and other anthropometric and bioimpedance-derived parameters in middle-aged adults

The Association of Neck Circumference and Obesity: That Is Not All Yet

We read with great interest the article entitled “Neck circumference as a useful marker for screening overweight and obesity in children and adolescents” published in the May issue of the Oman Medical Journal.1 The article highlights the worrying issue of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents including those in developing countries.2 The predisposing factors for such an unhealthy body figure include the consumption of readily available fast food, processed food, and fizzy drinks. Physical activity in childhood is largely getting replaced by handheld electronic games further accentuating the problem. Obesity is closely related to many chronic illnesses, mainly metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic syndromes. As clearly stated in the article, neck circumference has been identified to be an important screening tool for overweight and obesity.1 Indirectly, neck circumference is also used for the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors in children.3 In otolaryngology practice, neck circumference is an important tool for predicting obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, neck circumference corrected for height is more useful as a predictor for obstructive sleep apnea than general obesity.4 Some researchers have gone further with this input estimating the neck circumference by using the easy sleep apnea predictor (ESAP). Patients are asked to place their thumbs together at the anterior neck, and to wrap their fingers around their neck until they meet in the posterior part. If the patient can encircle the neck completely without excess squeezing and choking, it is considered a negative ESAP test.5 On the other hand, in cases where a patient has an Apnea- Hypopnea Index (AHI; used to indicate the severity of sleep apnea) score of more than five, a positive ESAP has a predictive power of 100%. However, a negative ESAP test in these cases has a predictive power of 31%. The sensitivity and specificity of ESAP were 68.3% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, neck circumference is an easy clinical examination tool not only for screening overweight and obesity in the pediatric population and predicting the risk of metabolic syndromes, but also to predict obstructive sleep apnea

Neck circumference is associated with carotid intimal-media thickness but not with coronary artery calcium : results from the ELSA-Brasil

Abstract Background and aims: It is uncertain whether neck circumference can be a risk indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate their relationships measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) and common carotid intima-media thickness (cc-IMT) with neck circumference in ELSA-Brasil. Methods and results: In cross-sectional and sex-specific analyses of 2266 women (50.6 8.4 yrs) and 1886 men (50.7 9.0 yrs) with both cc-IMT and CAC, free from previous cardiovascular disease at baseline, we built logistic models using diverse cut-off points for CAC score (0 vs >0, 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Neck circumference was significantly and independently associated with cc-IMT but not with CAC in women and men, indicating a possible effect of perivascular fat tissue on atherosclerosis

Tonsillar enlargement in apparently healthy adults in a rural community in Nigeria

Background: Tonsillar enlargement could worsen airway obstruction thereby causing apnea and hypoventilation. This is rarely investigated especially in developing country, hence this study which was aimed at determining the prevalence of enlarged palatine tonsils and comparing the degree of obstruction with selected anthropometric measurements in healthy adults in a rural community.Methods: A cross-sectional study of apparently healthy adults (≥ 18 years) in Oyo community, South Western Nigeria. The participants were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Interviewer assisted structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on age, gender, occupation, history of smoking and snoring. Ear, nose and throat examination was done and Brodsky grading of tonsil documented. The neck circumference (cm), weight (kilogram) and height (meter) were measured and their Body Mass Indices (BMI) calculated. The data was analysed using IBM- Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and text of association between tonsillar grade, and BMI and Neck circumference was performed using Chi Square.Results: Participants were 408 subjects, consisting 202 (49.5%) males and 206 (50.5%) females, the mean age was 37 ± 15.2 years. One hundred and fifteen (28.2%) participants had enlarged Palatine tonsils of which; 70 (17.2%) had grade 1 enlargement, 33(8.1%) had grade II enlargement, and 12(2.9%) had grade III enlargement. None of the participants had grade IV tonsillar enlargement. The Mean Body Mass 2 Index was 24.32 ± 4.50 kg/m and mean neck circumference was 34.08 ± 2.70cm. Palatine tonsillar enlargement was significantly associated with young age (p = 0.01), female gender (p = 0.02), and neck circumference (p =0.01), but not with high BMI (P = 0.06).Conclusion: Tonsillar enlargement is prevalent, and it is associated with young age, and female gender, but not with Body Mass Index and neck circumference.Keywords: Adults, Body mass index, Gender, Neck circumference, Palatine Tonsi

Relationship between Human Body Anthropometric Measurements and Basal Metabolic Rate

Through the use of 3D body measurement technology and cardiopulmonary function test equipment, obtaining the body size data and basal metabolic rate of 116 young healthy subjects, this study aims to find the relationship between the size of human body and basal metabolic rate. Factor analysis, univariate analysis, and linear regression analysis were performed on 13 observed items (selected from 152 human data) by SPSS data analysis software. The 13 observed items include the largest abdominal circumference, waist circumference, chest circumference (horizontal), thigh circumference, hip circumference, weight, total shoulder width, neck circumference, height, waist height, high cervical point, hip height, and chest height. The results indicate that girth and height factors are correlated with the predicted basal metabolic rate as well as the measured basal metabolic rate. The predicted basal metabolic rate is significantly correlated with weight, height, hip circumference, and neck circumference. The measured basal metabolic rate is significantly correlated with the neck circumference as well as height

Correlation of Neck Circumference with Body Fat Percentage by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Introduction: Obesity is a significant public health concern associated with various health risks. Accurate and accessible methods for assessing body fat percentage are essential for obesity evaluation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neck circumference and body fat percentage, considering bioelectrical impedance analysis as the reference method. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 63 male medical and paramedical students aged 18 to 25 years. Neck circumference, body fat percentage, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were measured using standardized techniques. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and significance testing. Results: The mean neck circumference was 37.4 cm (SD = ±1.6), and the mean body fat percentage was 22.8% (SD = ±4.5). A strong positive correlation was observed between neck circumference and body fat percentage (r = 0.75, p ≤ 0.001). The results indicated that neck circumference can serve as a practical and accessible measurement for estimating body fat percentage. Conclusion: Neck circumference strongly correlated with body fat percentage, suggesting its potential as an obesity assessment tool. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these findings and explore the clinical implications of using neck circumference in obesity evaluation.Introducción: La obesidad es un importante problema de salud pública asociado a diversos riesgos para la salud. Los métodos precisos y accesibles para evaluar el porcentaje de grasa corporal son esenciales para la evaluación de la obesidad. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la relación entre la circunferencia del cuello y el porcentaje de grasa corporal, considerando el análisis de impedancia bioeléctrica como método de referencia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 63 estudiantes de medicina y paramédica del sexo masculino con edades entre 18 y 25 años. La circunferencia del cuello, el porcentaje de grasa corporal, el peso, la altura y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) se midieron utilizando técnicas estandarizadas. El análisis estadístico incluyó estadísticas descriptivas, análisis de correlación y pruebas de significación. Resultados: La circunferencia media del cuello fue de 37,4 cm (DE = ±1,6) y el porcentaje medio de grasa corporal fue del 22,8% (DE = ±4,5). Se observó una fuerte correlación positiva entre la circunferencia del cuello y el porcentaje de grasa corporal (r = 0,75, p ≤ 0,001). Los resultados indicaron que la circunferencia del cuello puede servir como una medida práctica y accesible para estimar el porcentaje de grasa corporal. Conclusión: la circunferencia del cuello se correlacionó fuertemente con el porcentaje de grasa corporal, lo que sugiere su potencial como herramienta de evaluación de la obesidad. Se necesita más investigación que involucre a poblaciones más grandes y diversas para validar estos hallazgos y explorar las implicaciones clínicas del uso de la circunferencia del cuello en la evaluación de la obesidad