INTERNATIONAL-FEDERATION-OF-CLINICAL-CHEMISTRY - LABORATORY ASSESSMENT OF PROTEIN-ENERGY STATUS

Laboratory and non-laboratory methods for assessing protein - energy n utritional status are reviewed. These are classified into methods for assessing adequacy of recent nutritional intake, methods for assessing whole body status, and tests which assist in the interpretation of th ese assessments. Each measurement is critically discussed in terms of the rationale for its use, the method of analysis, reference values, t echnical interference and limitations of methods, the effects of nutri tonal status and of other factors on the results, its overall usefulne ss in nutritional assessment, and its value relative to other methods. Non-laboratory tests, such as dietary assessment, indirect calorimetr y, functional tests and the many methods available for assessment of b ody composition, including anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance and isotope and imaging techniques, are compared with the clinical chemist ry tests in common use, such as nitrogen balance, plasma protein measu rements and urinary markers of muscle metabolism. This review provides comprehensive and practical advice on the use and limitations of thes e tests in the assessment of protein-energy nutritional status of a gr oup, or of an individual patient.