ASSESSMENT OF BODY COMPOSITIONS BY FOOT-TO-FOOT BIOELECTRIC IMPEDANCE AMONG CHILDREN WITH NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS

OBJECTIVE: In clinical practice, the use of foot-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in the assessment of body composition continues to increase. Its preference is primarily defined by its portability, simplicity, speed, and reliability. The present study aimed to evaluate body composition by BIA among children with neurological manifestations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurements and body composition of 406 children attending the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic were analyzed, and the gender and groups were compared based on the diagnosis. RESULTS: Boys manifested lower values of weight, percentage body fat (%BF), fat percentile, fat mass, and Body mass index (BMI) but higher values of percentage total body water (%TBW) than girls [weight (p = 0.015), %BF (p<0.001), fat percentile (p = 0.001), fat mass (p<0.001), BMI (p = 0.006), and %TBW (p<0.001)]. Significant differences were determined among the groups except for weight standard deviation score (SDS) and height SDS (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on body composition evaluation by foot-to-foot BIA, We may suggest that each neurological subgroup within the pediatric population demonstrates a distinct body composition. Therefore, evaluation of body composition will contribute to obtaining information about nutritional/hydration status..