Is bioelectrical impedance vector analysis of value in the elderly with malnutrition and impaired functionality?
Norman K; Smoliner C; Valentini L; Lochs H; Pirlich M Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. OBJECTIVE: The calculation of body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis is difficult in the elderly because most equations have been found to be inadequate, especially in the malnourished elderly. We therefore evaluated the use of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in elderly nursing home residents. METHODS: One hundred twelve nursing home residents were included in the study (34 men, 78 women, age 85.1 y, age range 79.1-91.4 y). Nutritional status was determined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), functional status was assessed by handgrip strength, knee extension strength, and Barthel’s index, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed using Nutriguard M (Data Input, Darmstadt, Germany). RESULTS: Twenty-two nursing home residents were classified as well nourish
