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Bioimpedance electrical spectroscopy in the first six months of life: some methodologic considerations
María-Angeles Sesmero1, Manolo Mazariegos, Consuelo Pedrón
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) is feasible in newborns and young children. Controlling for factors like age and movement ensures accurate body composition measurements.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a non-invasive technique for assessing body composition.
- Its application in newborns and young infants requires careful consideration of methodologic and biological factors.
- Previous studies have not extensively evaluated multifrequency BIS in this specific population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) in newborns and first-semester infants.
- To determine the influence of various methodologic and biological factors on BIS measurements in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 69 healthy term infants (birth to 6 months) was conducted.
- Serial, repeated BIS measurements were performed by two observers.
- Data were collected on infant age, movement, feeding status, and restraint during measurements.
Main Results:
- Mean extracellular resistance was 470.0±73.3 Ω and intracellular resistance was 604.6±179.2 Ω.
- Advancing age and infant movement significantly influenced both resistance measurements.
- Restraint and milk consumption affected extracellular resistance; interobserver differences were not significant.
Conclusions:
- Multifrequency BIS is a feasible technique for newborns and young children.
- Controlling for physiologic and methodologic factors is crucial for accurate BIS measurements in infants.
- This technique can be reliably used for body composition assessment in early life stages.
Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) in newborns and first-semester infants and to assess the influence of diverse methodologic and biological factors on BIS measurements.
Methods:
We studied 69 infants of both sexes, from the first day after birth through age 6 mo. They were healthy term infants who had no congenital malformations and were born in a low-income, peri-urban neighborhood of Guatemala City. The design was based on serial, repeated BIS measurements.
Results:
Overall mean values of extra- and intracellular resistance (mean+/-standard deviation) were 470.0+/-73.3 Omega and 604.6+/-179.2 Omega, respectively. We found statistical differences in both resistances in relation to advancing age and degree of movement while taking the measurements. With respect to repeat measurements by two separate observers, interobserver differences were a non-significant 7.6 Omega for both resistances. Restraining the infants and previous consumption of milk or formula had a significant effect on extracellular resistance measurements. The mean standard errors of measurement was 4.5 Omega for extracellular resistance and 73.9 Omega for intracellular resistance.
Conclusion:
The BIS technique is feasible in newborn and young children when physiologic and methodologic aspects are respected or controlled.
