Comparison of electrical bioimpedance in newborns with electrodes positioned on the right and left sides of the body

TL;DR

The study compares bioimpedance measurements in newborns using electrodes on the right and left sides, finding differences that suggest a need for standardized positioning.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that electrode placement on the left side of newborns affects bioimpedance measurements compared to the right side.

Findings

Resistance and reactance values differ significantly between the right and left sides of newborns.

Measurements on both sides show strong correlation, but left-side positioning affects results.

Standardized electrode placement on the right side is recommended for consistency.

Abstract

Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a method used to assess body composition; a noninvasive test performed using an easy-to-handle portable device used in clinical practice. However, nonstandard methods in neonates hinder external validation and reliability. Currently, bioimpedance analysis is performed in newborns with electrodes positioned on the right side of the body; however, the use of medical devices, including vascular access, can prevent its use.

An uncontrolled before-after clinical trial comparing resistance and reactance measurements by bioelectrical impedance analysis on both sides was conducted. Measurements were performed immediately after the randomization of the initial measurement side. The sample size was calculated by considering a 10% deviation from the mean resistance and reactance values of previous studies with alpha and beta errors of 10% and 20%, respectively. Binary linear regression was used to quantify the correlation.

A significant difference was observed between resistance (672.88 ± 136.30 vs. 649.22 ± 119.59) and reactance (46.34 ± 17.99 vs. 44.439 ± 19.42) values measured on the right and left sides, respectively. However, when measured on both sides of the body, resistance and reactance values showed a good correlation (0.98 for both models, p < 0.001). Positioning the electrodes on the left side significantly affected the resistance and reactance values measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis compared with those on the right side.

Electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the body generated different resistance and reactance values, implying the need to use the right side exclusively for standard positioning. This restriction can create difficulties for the routine use of this technique in newborns.

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