Assessment of body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis in Prader-Willi syndrome

This study investigated the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a means of assessing body composition in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Segmental, multifrequency BIA was performed on 30 patients with PWS (16 males and 14 females; mean age: 8.1 ± 3.9 years; age range: 2.9–19.6 years) using eight tactile electrodes. No patient had received growth hormone treatment prior to baseline measurements. Standard deviation scores for height, weight, and body mass index were –0.96 ± 1.29, 2.28 ± 2.66, and 3.14 ± 2.74, respectively. Percentages of body fat, total body water, and soft lean mass were 45.9 ± 10.8%, 36.6 ± 7.3%, and 49.9 ± 9.9%, respectively. Body fat percentage was positively correlated with the body mass index standard deviation score (r = 0.665, p < 0.01). Follow-up BIA was also performed on five patients who received growth hormone therapy (duration of treatment: 1.5–4.6 years). All of these patients showed reductions in their body fat percentages after treatment. BIA confirmed a significantly higher percentage of body fat in patients with PWS compared with normal children. These findings and the follow-up data can be used to develop quality care strategies for patients with PWS.