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Wellcome Open Research logoLink to Wellcome Open Research
. 2021 Jan 26;6:13. [Version 1] doi: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16560.1

Neck circumference in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Patricia A Espinoza López 1, Kelly Jéssica Fernández Landeo 1, Rodrigo Ricardo Pérez Silva Mercado 1, Jesús José Quiñones Ardela 1, Rodrigo M Carrillo-Larco 2,3,a
PMCID: PMC8080980  PMID: 33954266

Abstract

Background: High neck circumference (NC) is associated with high burden diseases in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC). NC complements established anthropometric measurements for early identification of cardio-metabolic and other illnesses. However, evidence about NC has not been systematically studied in LAC. We aimed to estimate the mean NC and the prevalence of high NC in LAC.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review in MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and LILACS. Search results were screened and studied by two reviewers independently. To assess risk of bias of individual studies, we used the Hoy et al. scale and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results: In total, 182 abstracts were screened, 96 manuscripts were reviewed and 85 studies (n= 51,978) were summarized. From all the summarized studies, 14 were conducted in a sample of the general population, 23 were conducted with captive populations and 49 studies were conducted with patients. The pooled mean NC in the general population was 35.69 cm (95% IC: 34.85cm-36.53cm; I²: 99.6%). In our patient populations, the pooled mean NC in the obesity group was 42.56cm (95% CI 41.70cm-43.42cm; I²: 92.40%). Across all studied populations, there were several definitions of high NC; thus, prevalence estimates were not comparable. The prevalence of high NC ranged between 37.00% and 57.69% in the general population. The methodology to measure NC was not consistently reported.

Conclusions: Mean NC in LAC appears to be in the range of estimates from other world regions. Inconsistent methods and definitions hamper cross-country comparisons and time trend analyses. There is a need for consistent and comparable definitions of NC so that it can be incorporated as a standard anthropometric indicator in surveys and epidemiological studies.

Keywords: Anthropometrics, cardio-metabolic risk factor, obesity

Abbreviations

Body Mass Index: BMI, Latin American and the Caribbean: LAC, Neck Circumference: NC, Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Hypopnea Syndrome: OSAHS, Waist Circumference: WC

Introduction

Anthropometric indicators have an important role in public health because they are risk factors or diagnostic criteria for some highly prevalent non-communicable diseases (e.g., cancers and cardio-metabolic diseases) 1– 4. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) have been broadly studied in terms of prevalence and time trends 4, 5, and their long-term association with health outcomes has been studied by large cohorts in many world regions 2, 3. This evidence for neck circumference (NC) lacks globally and in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC), where novel and inexpensive anthropometric indicators could contribute to the prevention and early identification of non-communicable diseases 6– 8.

Unlike BMI, there have been no efforts to summarize mean NC and prevalence estimates of high NC in LAC. This evidence could provide a baseline parameter of this anthropometric indicator to inform future research and surveillance plans, while also characterizing population groups in terms of their NC profile. In addition, a critical appraisal of the available evidence about NC in LAC lacks, thus research gaps, needs and methodological issues have not been identified to improve the formulation of future research. With evidence that NC appears to be a risk factor for many diseases (e.g. cardio-metabolic diseases and obstructive sleep apnea), in a similar magnitude as other anthropometric indicators 7– 10, it becomes relevant to understand the current status of NC so that it could be incorporated in population-based surveys or epidemiological studies.

To summarize the evidence about NC in LAC, to provide pooled estimates of mean levels and prevalences, and to highlight research needs and methodological caveats, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific evidence about NC in LAC populations.

Methods

Protocol and registration

This is a systematic review of the scientific literature with meta-analysis of summary data. The methodology and reporting followed the PRISMA guideline (see reporting guidelines) 11. The protocol was prepared before conducting the review and is available online 12.

Eligibility criteria

This review included original studies with the following populations: LAC adults either from the general population, captive/closed populations (e.g., workers) or patients from any healthcare facility. We excluded patients who had conditions that could have biased the NC measurement (e.g., cervical masses, thyroid diseases, cervical fractures or congenital anomalies). We excluded studies with LAC immigrants in countries outside the LAC region. Studies should have reported that NC was measured, regardless of the methodology; in other words, if NC was not directly measured (i.e., NC was self-reported), this study was excluded. We excluded case reports, case series, letters, editorials, narrative reviews, clinical trials and systematic reviews.

Information sources and search

We conducted the search in MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health, these three were searched through OVID; we also searched LILACS, a LAC specific search engine. The search was conducted on 27 September 2020. The complete search strategy is available as extended data 13.

Study selection

First, two authors (KFL, RPSM / PEL, JQA) independently screened the titles and abstracts of the search results. Second, the same reviewers independently studied the full text of the selected articles. Likewise, the full text of the selected articles was analyzed to ensure that multiple publications of the same study were included once only (e.g., national survey with multiple publications). Discrepancies between reviewers were resolved by consensus between them or by discussions with a third reviewer (RMC-L). If the information reported in the original article was not enough to assess the eligibility criteria, we tried to contact the corresponding author of these studies. Those articles which corresponding authors did not answer to our communications after two weeks were excluded from this review.

Data collection process

Two authors (KFL, RPSM / PEL, JQA) independently extracted the information from the included articles using a standard form for each of the population groups herein studied (general population, captive population and patients). Any differences between the two reviewers were resolved by consensus between them or by discussions with a third reviewer (RMC-L). The extraction form we used was developed before data collection and was not modified during the extraction process.

Data items

The following information was extracted from all articles: title, first author, country, publication year, year of data collection, study design, sample size, mean age and age range of the study population, men proportion, instrument and method to measure NC, cut-off point of high NC overall and by gender, prevalence of high NC overall and by gender, and mean NC overall and by gender. From articles with a sample of the general population, we also extracted information on whether it was a national sample. From articles with a captive population, we also extracted the origin of the population (e.g., students or elderly in nursing homes). From articles with patients we recorded the underlying disease. Additionally, the following information was extracted from the case-control studies: proportion of cases and controls, mean NC for cases and controls, and prevalence of high NC for cases and controls.

Risk of bias of individual studies

Two authors (KFL, RPSM / PEL, JQA) independently assessed the risk of bias of the articles using the risk of bias tool for prevalence studies by Hoy et al. 14; we used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the case-control and cohort studies 15. Discrepancies between the two reviewers were solved by discussion with a third reviewer (RMC-L). Items that did not apply (e.g., acceptable case definition for prevalence studies) to our selected reports were not assessed.

Synthesis of results

We conducted a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) of mean NC only, because evidence from prevalence estimates was largely heterogeneous (e.g., different definitions) and scarcer than for mean estimates. We decided to conduct the meta-analysis when there were at least three individual estimates 12. We only conducted the meta-analysis for overall mean estimates (i.e., not sex-stratified). Using the mean estimates along with the corresponding standard errors computed from the confident intervals [standard error = (upper limit - lower limit)/3.92], we conducted a random-effects meta-analysis in STATA v16.1 (College Station, Texas 77845 USA); we used the metan function with the randomi option for a random-effects model following the DerSimonian & Laird method.

Ethics

This is a systematic review of the scientific literature in which human subjects were not directly studied. We did not request approval by an Ethics Committee. All authors had access to the collated data and are collectively responsible for the accuracy of results and conclusions. All authors approved the submitted version. The funder had no role in the study design, analyses, interpretation or conclusions.

Results

Study selection

The article search yielded 323 results; of these, 182 titles and abstracts were screened and then, 96 manuscripts were studied. We finally included 85 (n=51,978) studies ( Figure 1) 16– 100.

Figure 1. Selection flow chart.

Figure 1.

Neck circumference in the general population

Of the total selected articles, 14 studies 16– 29 were conducted in a sample of the general population (one study also contributed to the captive population group 29). The 14 studies followed a cross-sectional design. Most of them were from Brazil (10) 16– 18, 20– 24, 26, 28 while the rest were from Argentina 25, Chile 29, Colombia 27 and Venezuela 19. The age of the study population was ≥18 years old, except in one study which was ≥15 years 29. The total sample was 24,401, with a mean age of 39.73 years. The instrument or methodology to measure NC was detailed in 11 studies ( Table 1) 17– 19, 21– 27, 29.

Table 1. Synthesis of population-based studies.

Study Information Neck Circumference (cm) Contribution
to Meta-
analysis
First
Author
Country Data
Year
Study
Design
Sample Mean
Age
Age
Range
Men
Proportion
Instrument Measured How Cut
Point
for
Men
(cm)
Cut
Point
for
Women
(cm)
Mean
Overall
Mean
Men
Mean
Women
Prevalence
Elevated
Overall
Prevalence
Elevated
Men
Prevalence
Elevated
Women
Moraes, W.
et al. 16
Brazil Cross -
sectional
1042 42.20 20 – 80 44.91 36.20 39.40 33.60 Yes
Neves, T.
et al. 17
Brazil 2010 Cross -
sectional
387 71.00 65 – 93 36.43 Measuring
tape
The mean height of the
neck.
35.46 38.00 34.00 No
Ribeiro, L.
et al. 18
Brazil 2018 Cross -
sectional
130 ≥18 32.31 Measuring
tape
The cricothyroid cartilage
height level was used
as a reference for the
measurement. For men,
the NC was measured
just below the cartilage
because of the greater
prominence of this region.
37.00 34.00 57.69 No
Méndez-
Pérez, B.
et al. 19
Venezuela 2015 Cross -
sectional
1132 15 – 65 48.76 Measuring
tape
39.00 35.00 36.17 38.17 34.27 46.75 48.70 44.80 Yes
Leite, J.
et al. 20
Brazil Cross -
sectional
2027 40.90 35.62 Yes
Volaco, A.
et al. 21
Brazil 2014 Cross -
sectional
950 47.40 ≥18 34.64 Measuring
tape
At the middle high of the
neck, bellow the laryngeal
prominence (Adams’s
apple), around the neck,
parallel to the floor.
39.50 34.50 35.50 38.20 34.10 Yes
Stabe, C.
et al. 22
Brazil 2004 Cross -
sectional
1053 39.40 18 – 60 28.58 Measuring
tape
Below cricothyroid
cartilage.
40.00 36.10 36.98 39.70 35.90 Yes
Zanuncio, V.
et al. 23
Brazil 2013 Cross -
sectional
948 38.34 20 – 59 44.94 Measuring
tape
Below laryngeal
prominence.
39.50 33.30 35.59 38.63 33.11 Yes
Chaves, T.
et al. 24
Brazil 2011 Cross -
sectional
365 43.90 18 – 65 43.83 Measuring
tape
40.50 34.20 33.60 Yes
Alfie, J.
et al. 25
Argentina 2008 Cross -
sectional
3987 43.80 ≥18 48.40 Measuring
tape
Base of the neck. 41.00 35.00 0.37 No
Soares,
M. et al. 26
Brazil Cross -
sectional
993 41.80 20 – 80 46.12 At the level of the
cricothyroid membrane.
43.00 38.00 36.33 39.40 33.70 Yes
Ruiz, A.
et al. 27
Colombia 2013 Cross -
sectional
6074 40.10 ≥18 46.20 Measuring
tape
Above laryngeal
prominence, perpendicular
to the neck axis.
43.18 40.64 35.96 38.78 34.87 Yes
Polesel,
D. et al. 28
Brazil Cross -
sectional
407 34.80 20 – 80 0.00 33.75 0.00 33.30 Yes
Mora, R.
et al. 29
Chile 2016 Cross -
sectional
4906 31.50 ≥15 40.00 Measuring
tape
At the level of most
prominence of the cricoid
cartilage (Adam’s apple).
41.00 35.00 36.90 39.10 34.70 Yes

Mean NC was available from 12 articles (n=20,284) 16, 17, 19– 24, 26– 29, though the pooled mean NC was based on 11 estimates 16, 19– 24, 26– 29: the overall pooled mean NC was 35.69cm (95% IC: 34.85cm-36.53cm; I²: 99.6%) ( Table 1). The minimum and maximum mean NC in men were 38.17cm and 39.70cm, respectively; while these numbers in women were 33.11cm and 35.90cm, respectively ( Table 1). The prevalence of high NC was available from 3 studies 18, 19, 25, all of which used different thresholds for men and women; for men, the cut-off points ranged between 37cm and 41cm, while for women the range was between 34cm and 35cm. Based on these definitions, the prevalence of high NC in the general population went from 37.00% to 57.69% ( Table 1). One study 19 reported the prevalence of high NC stratified by sex; for men, high NC was defined at >39cm while for women this cut-off point was >35cm, yielding a prevalence of 48.70% in men and 44.80% in women ( Table 1).

Neck circumference in captive populations

Of the total selected articles, 23 reports 30– 51 included captive populations and 1 38 of these reports provided 2 estimates (i.e., two different populations). Studies followed a cross-sectional, case-control and cohort design. Most of the articles were from Brazil (19) 30– 35, 37– 45, 48– 51 while the others were from Chile (3) 29, 36, 46 and Peru (1) 47. The instrument and methodology to measure NC was reported in 19 studies ( Table 2) 29, 31– 34, 36, 37, 39– 46, 48, 49– 51.

Table 2. Synthesis of reports in selected populations.

Study Information Neck Circunference (cm)
First
Author
Country Data
Year
Study
Design
Population Type Sample Mean
Age
Age
Range
Men
Proportion
Instrument Measured How Cut
Point
Men
Cut
Point
Women
Mean
Overall
Mean
Men
Mean
Women
Prevalence
Elevated
Overall
Prevalence
Elevated
Men
Prevalence
Elevated
Women
Tavares, C.
et al.. 30
Brazil Cross-
sectional
Healthcare professionals 159 43.20 21.38 34.74 39.30 33.50
Dantas, E.
et al. 31
Brazil Cross-
sectional
University students 406 20.95 33.25 Measuring
tape
Above the thyroid cartilage
prominence.
39.60 36.10 33.66 36.95 32.02
De Siquiera, K.
et al. 32
Brazil 2011 Cross-
sectional
University students 691 18 – 58 37.80 Measuring
tape
Below the superior border of
the prominence of the larynx.
39.00 35.00 37.10
De
Alexandria, F.
et al. 33
Brazil 2011 Cross-
sectional
Female nurse 71.0 42.00 18 – 69 0.00 Measuring
tape
Midpoint of the neck height. 34.00 33.00 33.00
Alves, H.
et al. 34
Brazil 2010 Cross-
sectional
University students 702 21.50 ≥18 37.40 Measuring
tape
The measuring tape was
positioned just below the
top edge of the laryngeal
prominence.
39.00 35.00 33.70
Santosa, D.
et al. 35
Brazil 2008 Cross-
sectional
Professional urban bus
drivers
404 38.20 100.00 39.10
Pedreros, A.
et al. 36
Chile Cross-
sectional
Miners 221 38.00 100.00 Measuring
tape
38.00 39.60 39.60
Haueisen,
M. et al. 37
Brazil 2009 Cross-
sectional
Active or retired civil servants
of universities or research
institutions /Brazilian
Longitudinal Study of Adult
Health (ELSA–Brasil)
11221 51.50 35 – 74 48.50 Measuring
tape
Right above the cricoid
cartilage and perpendicular
to the long axis of the neck,
with the participant in a
sitting position.
36.62 39.50 33.90
Genta, P.
et al. 38
Brazil 2004 Case -
Control
Japanese descendants in São
Paulo, Brazil
54 53.30 ≥18 100.00 40.00
Genta, P.
et al. 38
Brazil 2004 Case -
Control
White males in São Paulo,
Brazil
466 50.60 ≥18 100.00 42.00
Nogueira, M.
et al. 39
Brazil 2012 Cross-
sectional
Elderly at a health center 411 70.00 26.00 Measuring
tape
The base of the neck, below
the laryngeal prominence
35.11 39.70 33.50
Barbosa, P.
et al. 40
Brazil 2015 Cross-
Sectional
Adults attended at a health
center
126 36.20 18 – 59 19.00 Measuring
tape
Midpoint of the cervical spine
to the anterior half of the
neck. In men with laryngeal
prominence.
34.00
Frizon, V.
et al. 41
Brazil 2013 Cross-Sectional Patients waiting for medical,
dental, psychological, or
nutritional consultation
155 38.00 19 – 60 29.00 Measuring
tape
At the base of the neck,
at the height of the
cricothyroid cartilage. In
men with prominence,
NC was measured below
prominence.
37.00 34.00 36.10 40.10 34.50 54.80 86.70 41.80
Coelho, H.
et al. 42
Brazil 2015 Cross-
sectional
Elderly at a health center 435 68.28 ≥18 14.80 Measuring tape Just above the cricoid
cartilage and perpendicular
to the long axis of the neck
40.5 35.7 36.94 40.20 36.38 54.25 50.79 54.99
Da Silva, A.
et al. 43
Brazil Cross-
Sectional
General outpatient nutrition
clinic of a public university
hospital specialized in
cardiology
129 55.60 ≥35 26.40 Measuring
tape
long the axis of the neck at
the midpoint of the cervical
spine to the midanterior of
the neck.
37.00 34.00 36.60 40.30 35.70
Closs, V.
et al. 44
Brazil 2012 Cross-
sectional
Elderly at a health center 583 68.50 60–103 36.37 Over laringeal prominence. 36.86 39.19 35.53
Petreça, D.
et al. 45
Brazil 2016 Cross-
sectional
Elderly at a health center 170 69.50 ≥60 0.00 measuring
tape
Above thyroid cartilage. 34.60 34.60
Pizarro-
Montaner,
C. et al. 46
Chile Cohort Miners 111 34.70 25–44 100.00 Below laringeal prominence. 37.00 39.95 39.95
Peralta, L.
et al. 47
Peru 2011 Cross-
sectional
Medical students 46 19.60 18–23 50.00 35.40 37.30 33.50
Dos reis, E.
et al. 48
Brazil Cross-
sectional
Elderly caregivers 34 43.68 ≥18 100.00 measuring
tape
34.00 35.87 35.87 62.00 62.00
Ferreira, A.
et al. 49
Brazil 2016 Cross-
sectional
Mura ethnia 455 42.10 18–81 42.20 measuring
tape
Horizontal plane of Frankfort. 37.00 34.00 36.68
Ramires,
A.R. et al. 50
Brazil 2011 Cross-
sectional
Sedentary women 60 33.90 ≥18 0.00 measuring
tape
Below laryngeal prominence. 35.00 33.78 55.00
Mora, R.
et al. 29
Chile 2016 Cross-
sectional
Outdoor Gym Users 1023 31.50 ≥15 70.97 measuring
tape
Cricoid cartilage prominence. 41.00 35.00 38.22 39.30 35.60
Sgariboldi, D.
et al. 51
Brazil Cross-
sectional
Sedentary women 100 44.59 25–75 0.00 measuring
tape
Cricotiroid cartilage level. 35.84 35.84

Of the 23 articles in this group, 22 articles (n=18,173) reported the mean NC. Additionally, 14 studies 29, 31– 36, 41– 43, 46, 48– 50 established different cut-off points for high NC for men and women, with a minimum and maximum value for men of 37cm and 42cm, respectively; while the values for women were 34 cm and 36.10 cm, respectively ( Table 2).

From all the captive population articles, 4 of these included university students 31, 32, 34, 47 and also reported the mean NC ( Table 2). The minimum and maximum mean NC in this captive population were 33.66cm and 37.10cm, respectively; in men were 36.95cm and 37.30cm, respectively; and in women the minimum and maximum values were 32.02cm and 33.50cm, respectively ( Table 2).

Of all the articles with captive populations, 4 of these included elderly people 39, 42, 44, 45 and also reported the mean NC. The minimum and maximum mean NC in this captive population were 34.60cm and 36.94cm, respectively; in men were 39.19cm and 40.20cm, respectively; and in women the minimum and maximum values were 33.50cm and 36.38cm, respectively ( Table 2).

The prevalence of high NC was available from 3 studies 41, 42, 50, all of which used different thresholds for men and women; for men, the cut-off points ranged between 34cm and 40.5cm, while for women the range was between 34cm and 35.7cm ( Table 2). Based on these definitions, the prevalence of high NC in the overall sample of captive populations went from 54.25% to 62%; while for men and women it went from 50.79% to 86.70%, and from 41.80% to 54.99%, respectively ( Table 2).

Neck circumference in patients

Of the total selected studies, 49 reports 52– 100 were conducted with patients. Studies followed a cross-sectional, case-control and cohort design. Most of the articles were from Brazil (35) 52– 57, 60, 61, 63– 65, 70, 71, 73– 86, 88, 91– 93, 95– 97, 99 while the others were from Chile (5) 58, 68, 87, 89, 94, Mexico (4) 66, 67, 90, 100, Peru (3) 62, 69, 72 and Argentina (2) 59, 98. The most frequently studied patients were those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) (22) 53, 54, 58– 62, 64– 69, 74, 75, 79, 81, 86, 87, 90, 94, 97, 98 and obesity (13) 52, 71, 73, 80, 82– 85, 91, 92, 95, 99, 100; other diseases included HIV/AIDS, sleep disorders, bronchiectasis, depression, stroke, epilepsy, hepatic and cardiovascular pathologies. The instrument or methodology to measure NC was reported in 29 studies 54– 57, 60, 63, 65– 67, 69– 71, 73, 77, 80– 82, 84, 86, 88– 93, 95, 97, 99, 100. We found 1 report 53, which contributed with 2 estimates (e.g., one report provided more than one set of estimates).

Of the 49 studies in this group, 44 studies (n=8,059) 52– 57, 59– 61, 63, 65, 66, 68– 73, 75– 100 reported the mean NC. The overall pooled mean NC in patients with OSAHS (19 estimates; n=4,141) 53, 54, 58, 60, 61, 65, 68, 69, 75, 79, 81, 86, 87, 90, 97, 98 was 41.09cm (95% CI 40.42cm-41.77cm; I²: 94.80%), and for those with obesity (13 estimates; n=1,952) 52, 71, 73, 80, 82– 85, 91, 92, 95, 99, 100 the overall pooled mean NC was 42.56cm (95% CI 41.70cm-43.42cm; I²: 92.40%) ( Table 3). In studies that included patients with OSAHS, the minimum and maximum mean NC were 37.40cm and 44.50cm, respectively ( Table 3). Studies with obese patients, the minimum and maximum mean NC were 37.01cm and 44.41cm, respectively ( Table 3).

Table 3. Synthesis of hospital-based studies.

Study Information Neck Circunference (cm)
First
Author
Country Study
Design
Disease Sample Mean
Age
Men
Proportion
Case
Proportion
Instrument Measured How Cut
Point
(cm)
Cut
Point
for
Men
(cm)
Cut
Point
Women
(cm)
Mean
Overall
Mean
Men
Mean
Women
Mean
Cases
Mean
Controls
Prevalence
Elevated
Overall
Prevalence
Elevated
Men
Prevalence
Elevated
Women
Prevalence
Elevated
Cases
Prevalence
Elevated
Controls
De Paiva, R,
et al. 52
Brazil Case -
Control
Obesity 45 46.50 31.10 68.90 43.40 44.60 39.50
Zonato, A,
et al. 53
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS / Public
Clinic
307 50.00 67.00 33.00 41.00 41.00
Zonato, A,
et al. 53
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS /
Private Clinic
317 48.00 87.00 13.00 43.00 43.00
Sutherland, K,
et al. 54
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 137 48.10 69.50 30.50 Measuring
tape
Below the laryngeal
prominence with tape
measure perpendicular to the
long axis of the neck.
41.80 41.80
Pinto, J,
et al. 55
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Sleep
disorders
82 43.76 80.50 19.50 Along a horizontal line across
the midline of the thyroid
cartilage.
39.87
Oliveira, N,
et al. 56
Brazil Cross -
sectional
HIV/AIDS 35 43.90 51.40 48.60 Measuring
tape
37.00 34.00 35.20 36.90 33.40
Musman, S,
et al. 57
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Sleep
disorders
323 44.60 59.13 40.87 Measuring
tape
The level of the
cricoarytenoid joint.
40.00 42.00 37.00 42.00 38.00
Salas, C,
et al. 58
Chile Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 1044 53.20 76.00 24.00 42.10 38.30
Saban, M,
et al. 59
Argentina Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 302 56.00 55.96 44.04 41.00 42.00 37.00
Moura, P,
et al. 60
Brazil Cohort OSAHS 102 46.75 55.90 44.10 At the level of the cricothyroid
membrane.
38.47 40.86 35.44 38.47
Souza, F,
et al. 61
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 10 48.90 40.00 60.00 40.35 40.35
De Castro, J,
et al. 62
Peru Case -
Control
OSAHS 95 48.90 43.32
Boemeke, L,
et al. 63
Brazil Cross -
Sectional
Non-alcoholic
fatty liver
disease
82 41.70 33.00 67.00 Measuring tape Below the prominence of
the larynx and perpendicular
to the long axis of the neck,
with the tape positioned at
the same height at the front
and at the back of the neck.
The individual was asked to
remain in an upright position,
with proper posture and
looking forward.
42.00 36.00 41.70 46.50 39.40 86.60
Hiray, M,
et al. 64
Brazil Cross -
Sectional
OSAHS 48 34.00 79.20 20.80 40.00 42.00 38.00 100.00 64.10
Borges, P,
et al. 65
Brazil Cross -
Sectional
OSAHS 93 46.70 58.10 41.90 At the level of the cricothyroid
cartilage.
38.56 40.91 35.31 38.56
Saldaña,R,
et al. 66
Mexico Cross -
Sectional
OSAHS 10 44.90 60.00 40.00 At the level of the cricothyroid
membrane.
41.80
Castorena-
Maldonado, A,
et al. 67
Mexico Case -
Control
OSAHS 61 35.50 62.30 37.70 Measuring
tape
At the level of the cricothyroid
membrane.
39.80 34.50
Jorquera, A,
et al. 68
Chile Cross -
Sectional
OSAHS 457 52.27 80.00 20.00 39.20 39.20
De Castro, J,
et al. 69
Peru Cohort OSAHS 408 49.40 91.00 9.00 Technique proposed by
Lohman.
41.55 41.55
Rodrigues, A,
et al. 70
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Depression 79 XXX 24.10 75.90 Measuring
tape
The participant standing
upright and the
measurement was taken at
mid-neck height.
37.00 34.00 33.41 30.40
Aguiar, I,
et al. 71
Brazil Cross-
Sectional
Obesity 38 42.00 13.16 86.84 Horizontally at the level of the
cricoid cartilage.
43.00 41.00 42.60 44.48 42.32 42.60
Chávez-
Gonzáles, C,
et al. 72
Peru Cross -
Sectional
Snore 230 49.76 56.50 43.50 40.60
De Menezes,
R, et al. 73
Brazil Cross -
Sectional
Obesity 1089 38.10 28.30 71.70 At the level of the cricoid
membrane with the patients
in the supine position.
42.00 42.30 47.50 40.30 42.30
Cunha, F,
et al. 74
Brazil Case -
Control
OSAHS 37 33.94 41.90 35.50
Prescinotto,
R, et al. 75
Brazil Cohort OSAHS 28 48.80 32.10 67.90 38.30 38.30
Faria, J,
et al. 76
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Bronchiectasis 21 51.60 42.90 57.10 38.81
Schommer,
V, et al. 77
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Heart failure 123 61.90 60.20 39.80 Measuring
tape
Midpoint of the neck. 37.86
Amaro, T,
et al. 78
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Acute
myocardial
infarction
34 61 58.8 41.2 37 34 37.5 75.20 95.00 50.00
Nerbass, F,
et al. 79
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 90 46 51 49 43 41 37.4 39 36.4
Lucas, E,
et al. 80
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Obesity 147 40.71 34.69 65.31 Measuring
tape
Individuals seated on a
chair, the head in a neutral
position, looking straight
ahead. Around the neck, Over
thyroid cartilage.
42 36 41.3 45.4 39.1 44.9 34.2
Freire, L,
et al. 81
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 50 57.52 42 58 Measuring
tape
Participants stood up
straight, with their heads
positioned in the horizontal
plane of Frankfort. Below the
laryngeal prominence and
applied perpendicularly along
the neck axis.
39.14 39.38 35.33
Sgariboldi, D,
et al. 82
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Obesity 156 44.46 0 100 Measuring
tape
Cricoid cartilage. 37.01 37.01 41.25 32.55
Martinho, F,
et al. 83
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Obesity 45 46.5 31.11 68.88 43.4 43.46 39.5
Correa, M,
et al. 84
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Obesity 81 42 27.16 62.84 Measuring
tape
Cricoid cartilage. 38.8 38.8 38
Magalhaes, E,
et al. 85
Brazil Case -
Control
Obesity 88 49.2 21.6 78.4 38.5 40.7 36.4
Menezes, D,
et al. 86
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 456 43.7 63.8 36.2 Measuring
tape
Cricothyroid membrane. 40 40.8 41.6 38.1 51.8
Saldias, P,
et al. 87
Chile Case -
Control
OSAHS 328 52 82 18 41 43 40 42.72 44 41.3 57.92
Mendes, C,
et al. 88
Brazil Cohort Stroke 89 64.39 64 36 Below larynx. 43 38 40.33 40.33 40.05 39.32 34.2 65.8
Miño, F,
et al. 89
Chile Cross -
sectional
Cardiovascular
disease
112 55 34.51 65.49 Measuring
tape
39.31 37.4 38.93
Garcia, J,
et al. 90
Mexico Cohort OSAHS 146 47.6 67.1 32.9 Cricothyroid membrane. 40 41.04 41.04 61.64
Lima, J,
et al. 91
Brazil Cohort Obesity 42 42.5 40.5 59.5 Cricoid cartilage. 42.2 47.2 40.5 42.2
Padilha, L,
et al. 92
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Obesity 20 48.54 0 100 Landmarks. 41.77 41.77 41.77
Bruch, J,
et al. 93
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Chronic Hepatitis C 58 51.6 44.8 55.2 Measuring
tape
By the smallest circumference
just above the laryngeal
prominence with patient
sitting down or standing
up, with the spine erect and
the head in the Frankfurt
horizontal plane.
37 34 37.3 34.6 40 37.3
Saldias, F,
et al. 94
Chile Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 1464 54.4 65.23 34.77 40 41.6 43.2 38.2 41.6 79.6 26.6
Oliveira, D,
et al. 95
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Obesity 60 36 25 75 Measuring
tape
Laryngeal prominence. 44.1 44.1
Venturi, M,
et al. 96
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Epilepsy 98 39.97 60.2 39.8 39 35 34.06 33.71 34.41 34.06
Barbosa, L,
et al. 97
Brazil Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 14 46.8 14.3 85.7 Measuring
tape
Laryngeal prominence. 43 41 41.3 41.3
Gallego, C,
et al. 98
Argentina Cross -
sectional
OSAHS 22 61 86.37 13.63 44.5 44.5
Serafim, P,
et al. 99
Brazil Cross -
sectional
Obesity 120 XXX 24 76 Measuring
tape
44.29 51.5 42 44.29
Oriol, S,
et al. 100
Mexico Cross -
sectional
Obesity 21 XXX 28.58 71.42 At the level of thyroid
cartilage.
44.41 47.7 43.1 44.41

Additionally, 12 studies 53, 63, 70, 71, 78– 80, 87, 88, 93, 96, 97 established different cut-off points for elevated NC for men and women, with a minimum and maximum value for men of 37cm and 43cm, respectively; while the values for women were 34cm and 41cm, respectively. The prevalence of high NC was available from 7 studies 63, 70, 78, 86– 88, 90, all of which used different thresholds for all, men and women. Overall, the cut-off points for high NC ranged between 40 cm and 42 cm; for men, the cut-off points ranged between 37 cm and 43 cm, while for women the range was between 34 cm and 41 cm ( Table 3). Based on these definitions, the prevalence of high NC in the general sample of patient population went from 30.4% to 86.6%; while for men and women it went from 34,2% to 95%, and from 26.6% to 65.8%, respectively ( Table 3).

Risk of bias of individual studies

From all the cross-sectional studies, only 4 studies 19, 22, 25, 29 are considered as a close representation of the general population. Finally, analyzing the risk of bias of the prevalence studies included, the majority represent a moderate risk 17, 24, 29– 31, 33, 35– 43, 45, 47, 48, 50– 51, 53– 66, 68, 70– 73, 76– 84, 86, 89, 92– 100 (57); some are low risk 16, 18– 23, 25– 29, 32, 34, 44, 49 (16); no study represents a high risk ( Table 4 – Table 6).

Table 4. Summary table about risk of bias for cross- sectional studies.

Risk of Bias – Prevalence Stuides
First
Author
External Validity Internal Validity 11. Summary
1. A close
representation
2. True or close
representation
3. Random
selection
4. Non-
response
bias
minimal
5. Directly
from the
subjects
6. Acceptable
case
definition
7. Measured
was
reliability
and validity
8. Same
mode
of data
collection
9. Length of
the shortest
prevalence
period
10. Numerator(s)
and
denominator(s)
appropate
Moraes, W.
et al. 16
NO YES YES YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES LOW
Neves, T.
et al. 17
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR NO YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Ribeiro, L.
et al. 18
NO YES YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Méndez, B.
et al. 19
YES YES YES YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES LOW
Leite, J.
et al. 20
NO YES YES YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES LOW
Tavares, C.
et al. 30
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Dantas, E.
et al. 31
NO NO NO YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
De Siqueira, K.
et al. 32
NO YES YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
De
Alexandria, F.
et al. 33
NO NO NO NO YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Alves, H.
et al. 34
NO YES YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Santos, D.
et al. 35
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Pedreros, A.
et al. 36
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Haueisen, M.
et al. 37
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR NO YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Nogueira, M.
et al. 39
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Barbosa, P.
et al. 40
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Frizon, V.
et al. 41
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Coelho, H.
et al. 42
NO NO NO NO YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Da Silva, A.
et al. 43
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Zonato, A.
et al. 53
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Sutherland, K.
et al. 54
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Pinto, J.
et al. 55
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR NO YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Oliveira, N.
et al. 56
NO NO NO YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Musman, S.
et al. 57
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Salas, C.
et al. 58
INO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Saban, M.
et al. 59
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR NO YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Souza, F.
et al. 60
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Boemeke, L.
et al. 63
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Hiray, M.
et al. 64
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Borges, P.
et al. 65
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Saldaña, R.
et al. 66
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Jorquera, A.
et al. 68
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Rodrigues,
A. et al. 70
NO NO NO YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Aguiar, I. et al. 71 NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Saldías, P.
et al. 87
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Chávez, C.
et al. 72
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
De
Menezes, R.
et al. 73
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR NO YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Faria, N.
et al. 76
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Schommer,
V. et al. 77
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Amaro, T.
et al. 78
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA UNCLEAR YES YES YES MODERATE
Volaco, A.
et al. 21
NO NO YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Stabe, C.
et al. 22
YES YES NO NO YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Zanuncio, V.
et al. 23
NO NO YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Chaves, T.
et al. 24
NO NO YES NO YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Alfie, J.
et al. 25
YES YES YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Soares, M.
et al. 26
NO YES YES YES YES NA NO YES YES YES LOW
Ruiz, A.
et al. 27
NO YES YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Polesel, D.
et al. 28
NO YES YES YES YES NA NO YES YES YES LOW
Mora, R.
et al. 29
YES YES YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Closs, V.
et al. 44
NO YES UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES LOW
Petreça, D.
et al. 45
NO NO NO NO YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Peralta, C.
et al. 47
NO YES UNCLEAR NO YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Dos reis, E.
et al. 48
NO YES UNCLEAR NO YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Ferreira, A.
et al. 49
NO YES YES YES YES NA YES YES YES YES LOW
Ramires, A.
et al. 45
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Mora, R.
et al. 29
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Sgariboldi, D.
et al. 51
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Nerbass, F.
et al. 79
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Lucas, E.
et al. 80
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Freire, L.
et al. 81
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Sgariboldi, D.
et al. 82
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Martinho, F.
et al. 83
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR NO YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Correa, M,
et al. 84
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Menezes, D,
et al. 86
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Miño, F,
et al. 89
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Padilha, L,
et al. 92
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Bruch, J,
et al. 93
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Saldias, F,
et al. 94
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Oliveira, D,
et al. 95
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Venturi, M,
et al. 96
NO UNCLEAR YES YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Barbosa, L,
et al. 97
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA YES YES YES YES MODERATE
Gallego, C,
et al. 98
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Serafim, P,
et al. 99
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR NO YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE
Oriol, S,
et al. 100
NO UNCLEAR UNCLEAR YES YES NA NO YES YES YES MODERATE

Table 5. Summary table about risk of bias for case - control studies.

Risk of Bias – Case & Control Studies
First Author Selection Comparability Exposure
1. Is the case
definition
adequate?
2. Representativeness
of the cases
3. Selection
of Controls
4. Definition
of Controls
5. Ascertainment
of exposure
6. Same method of
ascertainment for
cases and controls
7. Non-
Response
rate
Genta, P. et al. 38 B A B B NA NA A A
De Paiva, R, et al. 52 C A B A NA NA A A
De Castro, J, et al. 62 A A B B NA NA A A
Castorena-
Maldonado, A, et al. 67
A A B A NA NA A A
Cunha, F, et al. 74 A A B A NA NA A A
Magalhaes, E, et al. 85 A A B A NA NA A A
Saldias, P, et al. 87 A A C B NA NA A A

Table 6. Summary table about risk of bias for cohort studies.

Risk of Bias – Cohort Studies
First Author Selection Comparability Exposure
1. Representativeness
of the exposed cohort
2. Selection
of the non-
exposed cohort
3. Ascertainment
of exposure
4. Demonstration
that outcome of
interest was not
present at start
of study
5. Assessment
of outcome
6. Was follow-
up long enough for
outcomes to
occur
7. Adequacy
of follow up
of cohorts
Moura, P, et al. 60 B C A A NA NA B A
De Castro, J, et al. 69 B A A B NA NA UNCLEAR A
Prescinotto, R,
et al. 75
B A A A NA NA B A
Pizarro-Montaner,
C. et al. 46
C A A B NA Unclear A A
Mendes, C, et al. 88 C A A A NA Unclear A A
Garcia, J, et al. 90 C A A B NA Unclear A A
Lima, J, et al. 91 C A A A NA Unclear A A

Regarding the risk of bias of the case-control studies, in all the studies (7) 38, 52, 62, 67, 74, 85, 87 the sample selection adequately represented the corresponding cases. In addition, concerning the risk of bias of the cohort studies (7) 46, 60, 69, 75, 88, 90, 91, all the studies had an adequate follow-up of the cohorts ( Table 4 – Table 6).

Discussion

Summary of evidence

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the mean NC and the prevalence of high NC in adults from LAC. We summarized evidence from 14 studies in the general population; 23 from captive populations (e.g., students); and 49 studies with patients (mostly OSAHS and obesity). The mean NC in the general population ranged between 33.60cm and 36.98cm 22, 24, and the prevalence of elevated NC ranged between 37.00% and 57.69% 18, 25. The average NC in captive populations went from 33.00cm to 42.00cm 33, 38, and the prevalence of elevated NC varied between 54.25% and 62.00% 42, 48. In the patients-based studies, the minimum mean NC was 33.41cm whilst the maximum was 44.50cm 70, 98; the prevalence of high NC ranged between 30.40% and 86.60% 63, 70. NC raises as a relevant anthropometric indicator which could complement information based on BMI and WC for the early identification of cardio-metabolic and other diseases in LAC. This systematic review provides the first regional overview of mean NC and prevalence of high NC in LAC.

Limitations of the reviewed reports

The main limitation we found in the original reports was the lack of details on how NC was measured; that is, they did not consistently report the instruments (e.g., inelastic tape) and how NC was assessed. The same problem was observed regarding the cut-off points to define high NC; that is, there were not consistent and comparable thresholds. These limitations have overall implications and for our review as well. First, the high heterogeneity in methods and definitions hampers comparisons across studies/countries; also, the heterogeneity makes it difficult to study time trends. Regarding our review, the inconsistent methods and lack of standard definitions could explain the large heterogeneity reported in the meta-analyses, and also prevented us from conducting more meta-analyses, for example of prevalence estimates. We argue that the dearth of homogenous reporting and methodology is due to the lack of international standardization in the measurement of NC, which could be explained by how novel this anthropometric indicator is. There is a need for an international standardized measurement of NC which would allow cross-country and time trends analyses.

Another limitation of the reviewed studies was that only 4 19, 22, 25, 29 were conducted with a nationally representative sample. Therefore, information on mean NC and prevalence of high NC at the national level is missing in most countries of LAC. NC is an inexpensive and non-invasive anthropometric indicator, as it is the case with BMI or WC. Once standard procedures to measure NC and standard thresholds to define high NC are defined, NC could be implemented in large national surveys (e.g., DHS or WHO STEPS) to expand the arsenal of anthropometric indicators strongly associated with morbidity and mortality of cardio-metabolic diseases 7– 10.

Limitations of the review

Our review has some limitations. First, although we used major global search engines (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Global Health), and one specific for LAC (LILACS), we did not search grey literature sources. These sources could have contributed few more results to our review; however, we doubt they would have substantially changed the conclusions. Most likely, they would have exhibited the same -or more severe- limitations as those herein pinpointed. Second, some studies did not report all the information. Even though we tried to contact the authors of the reports with missing information, 6/16 answered to our requests. As NC becomes a more popular anthropometric indicator, and standard methods and definitions are established by international or regional organizations, we believe that studies including NC information would provide more comprehensive methods and results. Hopefully, our work would spark interest in NC and about the relevance to have standard procedures, as there are with BMI and other anthropometric indicators. Third, our review could not find estimates for all countries in LAC, and neither did other multi-country endeavors (e.g., ELANS) 101. Therefore, we cannot conclusively state that our estimates represent the scenario across the region. Nonetheless, our work adds to the regional literature with a summary from captive populations and patients-based studies; also, we provide a risk of bias assessment and discuss the limitations of original reports and propose recommendations.

Results in context

NC has been associated with several cardiometabolic risk factors: insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and obesity 102, 103. Moreover, NC has also been associated with SAHOS 104. Nevertheless, and despite that NC appears to be as good (or even better) as other anthropometric indicators (e.g., BMI), NC has not been subject to extensive research. In this work we propose the first systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the overall mean NC in LAC, and to highlight research needs. Our work is the starting point to raise awareness about NC as a potential anthropometric indicator, while signaling the need for NC cut-off points in LAC.

A multinational study (ELANS conducted in 2014–2015) 101 was conducted in eight LAC countries and they found a mean NC of 35.60cm, which is virtually the same as our pooled mean estimate. This similarity could be explained by the fact that we covered the same countries. Notably, the ELANS study included populations in more countries than those herein summarized, yet we included older and more recent studies, and we also summarized evidence from a larger sample. Overall, mean NC in LAC appears to be ~35cm, though this deserves further verification following consistent methods and including countries for which evidence is still unavailable.

Studies in Asia reported a mean NC between 31cm and 44cm 102, 103. Our pooled estimates fall within this range. As it is the case with other anthropometric indicators (e.g., BMI), LAC is usually in the middle of the distribution 105. Reasons behind this could be diet and nutrition, phenotypes, opportunities to exercise, and access to preventive healthcare, all of which vary widely across countries and regions. As more evidence about NC in LAC becomes available, we would be in a stronger position to study determinants and outcomes for high NC to identify reasons for cross-country and cross-region comparisons.

The mean NC and prevalence of high NC was larger in captive populations in comparison to the general population. This could be explained by the underlying profile of each captive group. For example, in bus drives, miners, sedentary women and adults - elderly waiting for medical attention, those variables were higher due to the fact that these people have a long working day which could condition a sedentary lifestyle. However, in other population groups (e.g., university students, health professionals, outdoor gym users) the mean NC and prevalence of high NC was lower than in the general population. This could be because these groups have healthier lifestyles and are more concerned about their health (due to their profession).

We also found that the mean NC in the group of OSAH and obese is higher than the general population (41.09cm and 42.56cm vs 35.69cm). This is concordant with the studies that considered NC as an anthropometric measure useful for assessing the risk and severity of OSAH and also it is known for its strong relationship with obesity 106, 107. A higher NC in this group of patients can be explained by the accumulation of fat around the neck contributing to the airway narrowing and at the same time facilitating its obstruction 108, 109. NC could be incorporated as part of the standard of care for OSAH patients.

Currently, there are no guides that include NC as an official anthropometric measure; however, there are studies that found NC as a reliable index and highlight the fact that it is an economical test easy to use which takes less time and correlates well with other anthropometric parameters such as BMI, WC and hip circumference 110, 111. Our findings indicate that NC could be used either in clinical practice and epidemiologic studies.

Conclusions

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the mean NC in LAC was 35cm in the general population; although there were different thresholds, the prevalence of high NC ranged between 37.00% and 57.69%. The methodology to measure NC was inconsistently reported and evidence lacks from several countries in LAC. Even though NC could be a novel anthropometric indicator closely related with different diseases and health outcomes, NC has been seriously understudied in LAC. This work highlights the current evidence about NC in LAC and pinpoints research gaps.

Data availability

Underlying data

All data underlying the results are available as part of the article and no additional source data are required.

Extended data

Figshare: Supplementary Material. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13550534 13

This project contains the following extended data:

  • -

    Supplementary Material.docx (Document with study search strategy)

Reporting guidelines

Figshare: PRISMA checklist for ‘Neck circumference in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis’ https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13550534 13

Funding Statement

This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust through an International Training Fellowship to RMC-L [214185, <a href=https://doi.org/10.35802/214185> https://doi.org/10.35802/214185</a>].

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

[version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

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Wellcome Open Res. 2021 Apr 22. doi: 10.21956/wellcomeopenres.18249.r43403

Reviewer response for version 1

Mary Penny 1

This is an interesting article that reviews the little-used measurement of neck circumference and the advantages and limitations of this measure as reported in the literature. The review of the use in different studies is helpful and the authors suggest that it would be a convenient and useful addition to the arsenal of anthropometric measures currently in use.

The review and suggestion for the use of measuring neck circumference is convincing as the neck is relatively accessible for measurement and this could be a useful addition in studies that require anthropometry.

I recommend indexing.

Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated?

Yes

Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?

Yes

Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?

Yes

Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review?

Yes

Reviewer Expertise:

Population research which usually includes anthropometric assessment of candidates for randomized controlled studies

I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard.

Wellcome Open Res. 2021 Feb 2. doi: 10.21956/wellcomeopenres.18249.r42342

Reviewer response for version 1

Jose Alfie 1,2

The increase in neck circumference, a measure of ectopic fat, is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk and obstructive sleep apnea beyond classical anthropometric measures of obesity.

The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the mean neck circumference and the prevalence of high neck circumference in Latin America and the Caribbean.

I find the article correctly written and analyzed.

Although the measurement of neck circumference differs between studies, the net impact of these differences is probably minimal compared to different definitions of abdominal obesity. This, added to the fact that to measure the circumference of the neck it is not necessary to ask the patient to get up from the chair or to remove their clothes, it represents advantages over other anthropometric measurements.

The objective of the study was to establish mean values and the prevalence of high neck circumference in Latin America and the Caribbean. This was based on statistical definitions provided by the selected studies. Another approach to define normality and cutoff values could be based on the consequences of increased neck circumference on metabolism, blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated?

Yes

Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate?

Yes

Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others?

Yes

Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review?

Yes

Reviewer Expertise:

My area of expertise is high blood pressure. I am the first author of one of the articles selected in the current metaanalysis (25).

I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard.

Associated Data

    This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

    Data Availability Statement

    Underlying data

    All data underlying the results are available as part of the article and no additional source data are required.

    Extended data

    Figshare: Supplementary Material. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13550534 13

    This project contains the following extended data:

    • -

      Supplementary Material.docx (Document with study search strategy)

    Reporting guidelines

    Figshare: PRISMA checklist for ‘Neck circumference in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis’ https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13550534 13


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