It is believed that altered metabolism secondary to HIV may cause muscle wasting while fat stores are maintained. Also weight may be an inappropriate measure of nutritional status when infected children have water retention secondary to cardiac disorders or heoatosplenomegaly. In these instances the indirect measure of lean tissue using tricep skinfold and mid-arm circumference is helpful. The use of skin fold calipers has several advantages. The technique is non-invasive and poses no health risks to the patient or practitioner.
Minimal equipment is needed as the practitioner needs only the calipers and a tape measure.
The calipers themselves are a low level technology, relatively inexpensive and very portable. One concern in the use of skinfold measurements in the accuracy of measurements. Skilled users are able to obtain highly reliable and reproducible results. It is strongly recommended that new users receive adequate hands-on training in the use of calipers by skilled practitioners. The biggest challenge in feeding children with AIDS is tempting their taste buds, says Patricia Robinson.