Bioelectrical impedance assessment of nutritional status in critically ill patients.

The objective of this study was to assess the utility of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in determining nutritional status in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data were collected prospectively in 33 mechanically ventilated medical and surgical ICU patients requiring nutrition as part of their care. BIA, with subsequent calculation of bodycomposition indexes, was performed every other day for the duration of ICU stay. Body cell mass (BCM) changes correlated with energy and protein intakes (r 2 =0.87, P<0.001 AND R 2 =0.67, P<0.001, respectively)