Non-fasting bioelectrical impedance analysis in cystic fibrosis: Implications for clinical practice and research

Background: Nutritional status affects pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and can be monitored by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). BIA measurements are commonly performed in the fasting state, which is burdensome for patients. We investigated whether fasting is necessary for clinical practice and research.

Methods: Fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were determined in adult CF patients (n = 84) by whole body single frequency BIA (Bodystat 500) in a fasting and non-fasting state. Fasting and non-fasting BIA outcomes were compared with Bland-Altman plots. Pulmonary function was expressed as Forced Expiratory Volume at 1 s percentage predicted (FEV1%pred). Comparability of the associations between fasting and non-fasting body composition measurements with FEV1%pred was assessed by multiple linear regression.

Results: Fasting FFM, its index (FFMI), and phase angle were significantly lower than non-fasting estimates (-0.23 kg, p = 0.006, -0.07 kg/m², p = 0.002, -0.10°, p = 0.000, respectively). Fasting FM and its index (FMI) were significantly higher than non-fasting estimates (0.22 kg, p = 0.008) 0.32%, p = 0.005, and 0.07 kg/m², (p = 0.005). Differences between fasting and non-fasting FFM and FM were <1 kg in 86% of the patients. FFMI percentile estimates remained similar in 83% of the patients when measured after nutritional intake. Fasting and non-fasting FFMI showed similar associations with FEV1%pred (β: 4.3%, 95% CL: 0.98, 7.70 and β: 4.6%, 95% CI: 1.22, 8.00, respectively).

Conclusion: Differences between fasting and non-fasting FFM and FM were not clinically relevant, and associations with pulmonary function remained similar. Therefore, BIA measurements can be performed in a non-fasting state.