Korean J Intern Med.  1999 Jul;14(2):64-71.

Assessment of body composition using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in patients with liver cirrhosis: comparison with anthropometry

• Jeong SH
• Lee JA
• Kim JA
• Lee MW
• Chae HB
• Choi WJ
• Shin HS
• Lee KH
• Youn SJ
• Koong SS
• Park SM

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of body composition in cirrhotic patients. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and anthropometry were used, and the values obtained were compared. METHODS: Mid-arm fat and muscle areas were calculated by anthropometry in 66 cirrhotic patients and 94 healthy controls. In 37 of the cirrhotic patients and 39 of the controls, fat mass, lean soft tissue mass and bone mineral contents were measured with DEXA. RESULTS: The number of cirrhotic patients with measured values below the fifth percentile of normal controls was 21 (31.8%) by mid-arm fat area, six (9.1%) by mid-arm muscle area, 15 (40.5%) by fat mass and 0 (0%) by lean soft tissue mass. The fat mass in cirrhotic patients was less than in controls, whereas lean soft tissue mass and bone mineral content were not different. Fat depletion was severe in Child-class C patients and with severe ascites. Mid-arm fat area and fat mass showed close correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.01), but mid-arm muscle area and lean soft tissue mass showed poor correlation (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cirrhotic patients showed lower fat component, with preserved lean soft tissue mass and bone mineral content. In clinical practice, the measurement of mid-arm fat area was useful for the assessment of fat mass.

Keyword

Liver Cirrhosis; Body Composition; Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry; Anthropometry

MeSH Terms

Adipose Tissue/pathology
Adult
Aged
Anthropometry
Body Composition*
Bone Density
Case-Control Studies
Comparative Study
Densitometry, X-Ray
Female
Human
Liver Cirrhosis/pathology*
Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism*
Male
Middle Age