Body composition in patients on home parenteral nutrition

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures and separates three of the principal compartments of the body, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), comprising muscle, inner organs and body water, and the total bone mineral content (TBMC). The aim of the present study was to determine body composition by DXA scan in 37 patients who had been on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for 6-216 months. The height and weight of patients were significantly lower when compared to a group of healthy subjects. The weight, however, was relatively more reduced than the height. This is reflected by a significantly reduced body mass index in young female and male patients (p < 0.05). Fat-free mass and total body mineral content were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in patients on home parenteral nutrition compared to a group of healthy subjects. However, the percentage of fat-free mass was unchanged. No significant change in fat mass was observed. We conclude that patients, with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome, who are on HPN have a smaller body size with a normal relative body composition.