[Association between phase angle, PRISM I and sepsis severity]

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Critical Care Medicine
• Nutritional Assessment

Context:

• Phase angle (PA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), reflects body cell mass and cellular integrity.
• Low phase angle is linked to increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
• Understanding PA's role in pediatric critical care is crucial for prognosis.

Purpose:

• To investigate the relationship between phase angle and the Pediatric Risk of Mortality I (PRISM I) score.
• To explore the association between phase angle and sepsis severity in pediatric patients.
• To determine the prognostic implications of phase angle in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Summary:

• A transversal study in a PICU evaluated 75 pediatric patients, including 68 with sepsis.
• Phase angle measurements using BIA were analyzed in relation to PRISM I scores, sepsis severity, and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS).
• While no significant differences were found across PRISM I or MODS categories, the lowest phase angle values (1.5º-2.2º) were associated with the highest PRISM I scores (>30%).

Impact:

• Low phase angle values in pediatric critical patients may serve as a prognostic indicator.
• This finding highlights the potential utility of phase angle in assessing the severity and predicting outcomes for critically ill children, particularly those with sepsis.
• Further research can explore therapeutic interventions to improve phase angle and patient outcomes.