Utility of phase angle in children with intestinal failure

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers in pediatric health
• Cell membrane integrity and function
• Nutritional assessment in critical care

Background:

• Phase angle, derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), is a potential biomarker for cell membrane integrity.
• Lower phase angle values may indicate altered cellular health, relevant in conditions like malnutrition and disease.
• Its role in pediatric intestinal failure requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare phase angle in children with intestinal failure against healthy controls.
• To investigate the association between phase angle and nutritional status in this cohort.
• To explore phase angle as a potential indicator of muscle quality and strength.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study of 68 children (1-18 years) with intestinal failure.
• Phase angle calculated using BIA; nutritional status assessed via anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
• Handgrip strength and accelerometry used for strength and physical activity assessment.

Main Results:

• Children with intestinal failure exhibited significantly lower phase angle (5.0) compared to literature controls (6.0).
• Phase angle was significantly associated with mid-upper arm circumference, handgrip strength, and mid-upper arm muscle circumference.
• Associations were positively mediated by age.

Conclusions:

• Phase angle may offer insights into muscle mass and strength in children with intestinal failure, beyond traditional assessments.
• Further research is needed to validate its clinical application in this population.
• Phase angle shows promise as a non-invasive indicator of cellular health and nutritional status.