Gender-specific bioelectrical impedance reference values in healthy children

Background & AimsBioimpedance parameters are important for assessing children's body composition and health status. However, interpreting these is still challenging, especially without reference data cut-off points.This study aimed to describe gender-specific phase angle (PhA) values bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) plots healthy Brazilian children.MethodsChildren aged 6–9 years were recruited from four public schools in Natal, Brazil. Anthropometric measurements (BIA) performed. The of age, weight (kg), height (cm), resistance (Ω), reactance (Ω) measured. Only eutrophic children included according mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-score. BIVA 2002 software was used the construction plots. A P-value < 0.05 accepted as statistically significant.ResultsThe sample size 108 (boys, n= 49; girls, 59) with average age 8.4 ± 0.77. girls showed significantly higher normalized by (R/H) (P 0.05) compared boys. Considering 95% confidence ellipses mean vectors, there no difference between boys girls. Mean PhA our traced. 75th tertil 5.79° 5.40° respectively. When comparing other ethnic groups observed that we had R/H (582.4–620.7 versus 552.5–589.5) lower Xc/H (53.8–54,7 61.7–64,7) (5.3–5.1 5.5–6.3) respectively.ConclusionsThe new tolerance provided reflect normal growth development prepubertal studied. These have significant clinical utility since they can point out altered due pathophysiological conditions. Verifying changes nutritional prognosis hydration status allow early interventions. Bioimpedance children. Children significant.