title: Assessment of body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis in Prader-Willi syndrome.
abstract: This study investigated the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a means of assessing body composition in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Segmental, multifrequency BIA was performed on 30 patients with PWS (16 males and 14 females; mean age: 8.1 ± 3.9 years; age range: 2.9-19.6 years) using eight tactile electrodes. No patient had received growth hormone treatment prior to baseline measurements. Standard deviation scores for height, weight, and body mass index were -0.96 ± 1.29, 2.28 ± 2.66, and 3.14 ± 2.74, respectively. Percentages of body fat, total body water, and soft lean mass were 45.9 ± 10.8%, 36.6 ± 7.3%, and 49.9 ± 9.9%, respectively. Body fat percentage was positively correlated with the body mass index standard deviation score (r = 0.665, p < 0.01). Follow-up BIA was also performed on five patients who received growth hormone therapy (duration of treatment: 1.5-4.6 years). All of these patients showed reductions in their body fat percentages after treatment. BIA confirmed a significantly higher percentage of body fat in patients with PWS compared with normal children. These findings and the follow-up data can be used to develop quality care strategies for patients with PWS.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Number 92, Section 2 Chung-Shan North Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Hsiang-Yu
authors: HY
authors: Lin
authors: Ming-Ren
authors: MR
authors: Chen
authors: Chih-Kuang
authors: CK
authors: Chuang
authors: Chi-Yu
authors: CY
authors: Huang
authors: Dau-Ming
authors: DM
authors: Niu
authors: Shuan-Pei
authors: SP
authors: Lin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011218:Prader-Willi Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*