Body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis is a viable alternative to magnetic resonance imaging in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained measures of body composition in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Youth with obesity and NAFLD who had BIA and abdominal MRI testing were included. BIA measured skeletal muscle mass (SMM), appendicular lean mass (ALM), trunk muscle mass (TMM), and percent body fat. MRI measured total psoas muscle surface area (tPMSA) and fat compartments. Univariate analysis described the relationship between BIA- and MRI-derived measurements. Multivariable regression analyses built a model with body composition measured via MRI. Results: 115 patients (82 (71%) male, 38 (33%) Hispanic, median age14 years) were included. There was a strong correlation between tPMSA and SMM, ALM, and TMM (correlation coefficients [CCs]: 0.701, 0.689, 0.708, respectively; all P