Assessment of bioelectrical impedance analysis for determining dry weight in pediatric hemodialysis patients; single center experience

Aim: Maintaining euvolemia is an important purpose in patients on hemodialysis therapy. Multiple-frequency bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) appears to be a useful and appropriate technique for assessing hydration status and body composition in hemodialysis patients.The aims of this study were to determine the pre and post hemodialysis hydration status of the pediatric hemodialysis patients by BIS and compare the dry weight determined by BIS to established by clinically. Material and Methods: Body Composition Monitor (BCM; Fresenius Medical Care, Germany) was performed in 13 pediatric hemodialysis patients in a single center. Patients were measured at the midweek session, once immediately before and once 30 minutes after dialysis. Pre-and post-HD weights, blood pressures, were collected on the day of the BCM measurements. Results: Seven (53.8%) of the 13 patients were male and 6 (46.2%) were female. The mean age ranged from 11.92 ± 3.13 (5.7-16) years and duration time ranged from 7 to 54 months, and the median duration of dialysis was 11 months. Dry weights which was determined clinically were higher than those calculated by BCM. A significant difference was found between mean values (34,71 ± 12,68 versus 33,71 ± 12,16 kg, Δ: 1 ± 1,51, p = 0.035). There was a high positive correlation between dry weights measured by BCM and dry weight established by nephrologists (r = 0.993, p <0.001). Conclusion: In assessing dry weight, BCM appears to be a quick and easy-to-use tool that can assist the clinician in hemodialysis treatment and optimizing patient outcomes.