title: Bioelectrical impedance analysis for assessment of fluid status and body composition in neonates--the good, the bad and the unknown.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a critical need for improved technologies to monitor fluid balance and body composition in neonates, particularly those receiving intensive care. Bioelectrical impedance analysis meets many of the criteria required in this environment and appears to be effective for monitoring physiological trends.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature regarding the use of bioelectrical impedance in neonates was reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It was found that prediction equations for total body water, extracellular water and fat-free mass have been developed, but many require further testing and validation in larger cohorts. Alternative approaches based on Hanai mixture theory or vector analysis are in the early stages of investigation in neonates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research is required into electrode positioning, bioimpedance spectroscopy and Cole analysis in order to realise the full potential of this technology.
authors.affiliation: UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. b.lingwood@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Lingwood
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001823:Body Composition; D001825:Body Fluid Compartments / Q000737:chemistry*; D001834:Body Water; D058266:Dielectric Spectroscopy; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D055641:Mathematical Concepts; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D014867:Water