Research - Prognostic Indicator

In patients with cirrhosis nutritional disturbances can progress to sarcopenia, worsening the disease prognosis. Phase angle (PA) may be a useful marker for sarcopenia in this clinical population reflecting the cellular integrity level. This cross-sectional and prospective study evaluated the association between low PA values and clinical/nutritional variables in cirrhosis with emphasis on sarcopenia.

Nutritional status can be difficult to assess. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived phase angle (PA), and the plasma markers citrulline and transthyretin (pre-albumin) have the potential to assist, but the protocol of fasting and resting for BIA renders the investigation impractical for routine use, especially so in populations at high risk of malnutrition.

The choice of the best nutrition assessment method in hospitalized patients remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to review the use of phase angle (PA) in clinical practice.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides a simple method to assess changes in body composition. Raw BIA variables such as phase angle provide direct information on cellular mass and integrity, without the assumptions inherent in estimating body compartments, e.g. fat-free mass (FFM). Phase angle is a strong functional and prognostic marker in many disease states, but data in COPD are lacking. Our aims were to describe the measurement of phase angle in patients with stable COPD and determine the construct and discriminate validity of phase angle by assessing its relationship with established markers of function, disease severity and prognosis.

Physical fitness is important for health and longevity, and it has been argued that measurements should be considered routinely in clinical practice. Yet, many general practioners (GPs) have too little time to engage in discussions around physical activity or fitness, let alone their measurement. However, BIA is a quick and simple measure and, if PhA is predictive of such outcomes, may offer a valuable alternative for GPs and other clinical practitioners. Despite various studies in other specific clinical populations, there is little research considering the typical person at elevatedrisk of cardiometabolic disease or type 2 diabetes who might present to a GP and be referred for exercise. As such, the aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of PhA with respect to these measures in a sample of exercise referral patients.

Phase angle and impedance ratio: Two specular ways to analyze body composition.

In critically ill patients, muscle loss is associated with adverse outcomes. Raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters (eg, phase angle [PA] and impedance ratio [IR]) have received attention as potential markers of muscularity, nutrition status, and clinical outcomes. Our objective was to test whether PA and IR could be used to assess low muscularity and predict clinical outcomes.

The consequences of generalized oedema following major abdominal surgery are under-recognized, and its causes are poorly understood.

Chronic fluid overload due to overestimation of dry weight (DW) is the major factor in the development of hypertension in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether bioimpedance ratio in the calf (Calf-BR = impedance at 200 kHz/impedance at 5 kHz) could be a useful hydration marker for estimation of DW and facilitate better control of blood pressure (BP) in HD patients.