Methodology for integrated analysis of vector- and spectroscopic bioimpedance methods

Electrical bioimpedance is based on the opposition exerted by body tissues to the passage of an electrical current. This characteristic allows the assessment of the individual's body composition, nutritional status, and hydration status. Electrical bioimpedance can be used to estimate body composition, health-related markers, general health status, diagnosis and prognostic of diseases, evaluation of treatment progress, and others. The aim of this study is to propose a methodology that allows us to integrate two methods of electrical bioimpedance analysis: bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy to evaluate the health of individuals. For methodology validation a retrospective clinical investigation was carried out where the data of healthy individuals and cancer patients included in the Database of the characterization of bioelectrical parameters by electrical Bioimpedance methods were analyzed. The values of electrical resistance and electrical reactance are higher in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. However, the phase angle is lower in these patients. In the advanced stages of the disease, patients are located outside the tolerance ellipses. All these results are obtained at the characteristic frequency. The integration of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy can be a sensitive complementary tool, capable of establishing differences between healthy individuals and cancer patients. Enrichment could be achieved by including the analysis of different physiological parameters through estimation equations validated by BIS parameters.