Validation of BIA device in CF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Body composition estimation in cystic fibrosis: Comparison of direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis with dual x-ray absorptiometry
IRAS ID
215956
Contact name
Anne Greenough
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition where thick secretions in various organs lead to lung disease, frequent chest infections, malnutrition and other health problems. It shortens life expectancy and lung failure is the commonest cause of death. Nutrition plays a major role in CF. Patients with CF who have normal weight live longer and have better lung function. However, some researchers have shown that there are some patients that have normal weight, but low muscle mass and they seem to have poorer lung function. In order to identify these patients we need to be able to analyse their body composition, i.e. how much muscle vs fat one has. The best way of estimating body composition at the moment is by doing a bone scan, also known as DXA scan. As this test involves x-rays and radiation, it is not ideal for regular use due to the unwanted side effects of radiation.
We would like to test how accurate a portable device is in analysing the body composition of patients with cystic fibrosis. This device uses a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and does not use radiation. BIA is based on the principle that water, in contrast to fat, conducts electricity. It thus calculates the amount of water by sending a small current of electricity between 4 leads and differentiating between muscle and fat tissue by how quickly the electricity travels between the leads. From water the device can calculate muscle mass. This method of body composition has been shown to give conflicting results when compared to the gold-standard bone scan in CF potentially because of the way the disease affects electricity in the body. In order to establish the accuracy of this device, we aim to compare it with DXA in patients with CF in our hospital.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2154
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion