DXA, BIA, ANTHROPOMETRY AND SKIN FOLDS METHODOLOGY IN BODY COMPOSITION

Background Body composition is a strong indicator of nutritional and health status. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), multifrecuency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometry and, skinfolds are non invasive methods to assess body composition with different levels of reliability. The validity of anthropometric and skinfolds to estimate body composition in HD is still controversial. Aims To determine and compare body composition according to DXA, BIA, anthropometry and, skinfolds estimates in HD. Methods Cross-sectional, multicenter and, national study. 20 genetically confirmed HD patients and, 10 gender gender-aged paired controls. Body composition was assessed under standardized conditions using the DXA (Prodigy of General Electric Healthcare), and BIA (Body Composition Analyzer Seca mBCA 525). Skinfold thicknesses were measured by Holtain skinfold caliper. Circumferences at waist, hip, calf, arm, wrist were measured using soft non stretchable tape Seca and, weight and heigth by Seca brand electronic scale with height rod. To analize the accuracy of BIA, anthropometrics, and skin folds against DXA, correlations and receiver operating curve analysis will be performed. Results Whereas DXA is a method where is necessary to have technical staff and qualified in the handling of X-rays equipment, rarely used in routine clinical practice. BIA has limitations due to the chemical composition of fat free mass because of considerable inter- and intraindividual variability. The accuracy of BIA measurements is high when specific predictive equations and standardized measurement protocols are utilized. Anthropometry and skinfolds are very-low cost, accesible to health personnel in routine clinical practice, with good sensitivity and specificity in the adult, healthy population. The results of this study will be presented. Conclusions The results will help to estimate body composition with low-cost methods easy to use to prevent malnutrition and sarcopenia in HD.