Body composition analysis in liver cirrhosis. The measurement of body fat by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in comparison to skinfold anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance and total body potassium.

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study of methods to determine total body fat in patients with abnormal body composition secondary to chronic liver disease, we have demonstrated that TBFDXA by four-site skinfold anthropometry was highly correlated to TBFDXA, with small SEE and no bias in patients with ascites, but a small and significant bias in patients without ascites. TBFBIA showed no bias but a weaker correlation with a large SEE. In the presence of fluid retention the correlation coefficient decreased. TBFTBK showed a highly significant bias, and the correlation was not as good as SFA, and decreased in the presence of fluid retention.