Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis: Advanced Technique To Obtain Nutritional Risk in a Patient With Major Burns

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Patients with major burns are similar to critically ill patients; knowing their premorbid nutritional status at the time of hospitalization is important for further interventions. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is an advanced technique that helps to assess the detailed information on body composition, including basal metabolic rate, fat percentage, muscle mass, total body protein, bone health, segmental distribution of muscles and fat, and extra- and intracellular water. Patients with burns and high percentage of total burn surface area are known to be in a hypermetabolic state; a prolonged period of hypermetabolism with insufficient nutrient supply can lead to catabolism and cachexia. Finding the patient's nutritional status at the beginning of hospitalization helps to prevent further complications and to support faster recovery. Here, we present a nutritional risk analysis by using bioelectrical impedance in a patient with catabolic symptoms and major burns for management of nutrition with successful outcome.