A comparison of skinfold anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for the evaluation of body fat in cirrhotic patients

Background and aims: Skinfold anthropometry has been used to evaluate the n utritional status in cirrhosis. Such estimates are based on the calculation s which derive from healthy subjects and may not apply to cirrhotic patient s. We aimed to calculate the limits of agreement between Skinfold anthropom etry (SA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in estimating body fat in cirrhotics. Methods: Forty cirrhotic patients were studied by both methods. The limits of agreement were estimated by the Bland and Altman method. Results: Percentage body fat was similar when measured by DXA and SA (29.6 +/- 9.2 vs 28.9 +/- 7.5 %). Body fat mass was also similar (20.3 +/- 8.4 vs 20.3 +/- 7.7 kg). The limits of agreement between DXA and SA measurements were -7.04 (95%Cl: -9.55 to -5.2) +8.56 (95%Cl: +10.7 to +6.4.) in the asse ssment of percentage body fat and -5.32 (95%Cl: -6.77 to -3.87) +5.24 (95%C l: +3.79 to +6.69) in the assessment of fat mass. Conclusion: Percentage body fat can be evaluated by SA or DXA with a differ ence of less then 5% in the majority of cirrhotic patients without overt fl uid retention. This result is important when considering the large applicab ility of SA. (C) 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.