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 nutritional status in cirrhosis. Such estimates are based on the calculations which derive from healthy subjects and may not apply to cirrhotic patients. We aimed to calculate the limits of agreement between Skinfold anthropometry (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%CI: −9.55 to −5.2) +8.56 (95%CI: +10.7 to +6.4.) in the assessment of percentage body fat and −5.32 (95%CI: −6.77 to −3.87) +5.24 (95%CI: +3.79 to +6.69) in the assessment of fat mass. Conclusion: Percentage body fat can be evaluated by SA or DXA with a difference of less then 5% in the majority of cirrhotic patients without overt fluid retention. This result is important when considering the large applicability of SA.