BODY-COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS ON HOME PARENTERAL-NUTRITION

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures and separates three of the principal compartments of the body, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), comprising muscle, inner organs and body water, and the total b one mineral content (TBMC). The aim of the present study was to determ ine body composition by DXA scan in 37 patients who had been on home p arenteral nutrition (HPN) for 6-216 months. The height and weight of p atients were significantly lower when compared to a group of healthy s ubjects. The weight, however, was relatively more reduced than the hei ght. This is reflected by a significantly reduced body mass index in y oung female and male patients (p<0.05). Fat-free mass and total body m ineral content were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in patients on home parenteral nutrition compared to a group of healthy subjects. However , the percentage of fat-free mass was unchanged. No significant change in fat mass was observed. We conclude that patients, with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome, who are on HPN have a smaller bod y size with a normal relative body composition.