Is bioelectrical impedance accurate for use in large epidemiological studies?

Percentage of body fat is strongly associated with the risk of several chronic diseases but its accurate measurement is difficult. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a relatively simple, quick and non-invasive technique, to measure body composition. It measures body fat accurately in controlled clinical conditions but its performance in the field is inconsistent. In large epidemiologic studies simpler surrogate techniques such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio are frequently used instead of BIA to measure body fatness. We reviewed the rationale, theory, and technique of recently developed systems such as foot (or hand)-to-foot BIA measurement, and the elements that could influence its results in large epidemiologic studies. BIA results are influenced by factors such as the environment, ethnicity, phase of menstrual cycle, and underlying medical conditions. We concluded that BIA measurements validated for specific ethnic groups, populations and conditions can accurately measure body fat in those populations, but not others and suggest that for large epdiemiological studies with diverse populations BIA may not be the appropriate choice for body composition measurement unless specific calibration equations are developed for different groups participating in the study

Body composition assessment in 221 Nigerian adults using bioelectrical impedance measurements

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.10(1) 2000: 26-2

Chemical Pathology Laboratory Tests in Pregnancy

Normal healthy pregnancy causes normal physiological adjustments in all the organs and systems of the body apart from the anatomical and physiological changes, which chiefly involve the genital tract and the breast of the female body. Most of these adjustments revert to normal after delivery. The physiological changes range from adjustments in electrolyte levels to more complicated adaptations in hormone metabolism and to calcium metabolism. Thus, chemical pathology laboratory investigative test results during normal healthy pregnancy show significant differences from the normal reference intervals or ranges (i.e. non-pregnant woman's reference intervals or ranges) thereby causing misinterpretation as inappropriate or odd. This wrong interpretation of the chemical pathology laboratory test results in pregnant woman may lead to unwarranted and possibly risky management or treatment interventions. It is advisable that the obstetricians should consult the chemical pathologist or laboratory physician where there is suspicion about a laboratory test result from a pregnant woman. This is to clarify if the laboratory test result reflects the physiological changes, which occurred in the course of the pregnancy. Where the test result is correct or diagnostic of a disease condition further analysis or examination and therapeutic measures may then be advised or suggested.Keywords: Endocrine changes, kidney hepatic, thyroid function tests

Biochemical markers, extracellular components in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis

No Abstract. Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol. 17 (1) 2007: pp. 42-5

Bioelectrical impedance analysis and total body water in normotensive and hypertensive Nigerians

No Abstrac

LDL-peroxidation, and total atioxidant status in Nigerian patients with sickle-cell disease

No Abstract.Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol. 11(1-4) 2001: 46-5

Salt-Sensitivity in Normotensive and Hypertensive Nigerians

Background: Salt-sensitivity increases the risk for the development of high blood pressure in susceptible persons and also increases the risk for cardiovascular events and mortality.Objective: The study is to determine the pattern of saltsensitivity among normotensive and hypertensive Nigerians.Methods: Twenty-eight (28) hypertensive subjects (HT) and twenty-five (25) age-matched normotensive controls (NT) were given 200mmol/day salt as sodium chloride for 5 days after control parameters had been determined. Subjects were regarded as salt-sensitive when change in mean arterial blood pressure (cMABP) between baseline levels and that after salt loading was >5mmHg.Results: Systolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure but not diastolic blood pressure rose significantly (p < 0.05 and p <0.001  respectively) in NT subjects while all the parameters showed significant increases in hypertensive subjects (SBP p<0.01; DBP p < 0.001; MABP p < 0.0001). More hypertensive subjects (60.7%) were saltsensitive compared with normotensive (52.0%) subjects (p<0.05).Conclusion: This study has demonstrated pressor responses to acute salt-loading in normotensive and hypertensive Nigerians and  salt-sensitivity was higher in hypertensive subjects.Keywords: Salt-loading; Salt-sensitivity; Hypertensio

The Relationship Between Microalbuminuria, Cardiovascular Riskfactors and Disease Management in Type 2 Diabetes

Background :In patients with type 2 diabetes, microalbuminuria is an early clinical sign suggestive of vascular damage to the glomerulus. Microalbuminuria has also been currently reported as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and becomes relevant in the management of type 2 diabetes.Objectives :This study is to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria, identify the risk factors associated with microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes, and to asses the achievement of treatment goals for cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetics.Subjects and Methods : Seventy- two subjects with microalbuminuria were recruited from three hundred consecutively screened type 2 diabetics attending the Diabetic Clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Clinical data were obtained by interviewing the participants. Anthropometric measurements were made and blood specimens were collected for analysis.Results: The prevalence of microalbuminuria was twenty four percent (24%)intype 2 diabetes. Multiple logistic regression identified duration of diabetes (odds ratio 1.3(95% CI; 0.03 – 1.58), hypertension(odds ratio5.2 (95%CI; 1.24-18.62), Body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio 1.27 (95%CI; 1.0 - 1.6),waist / hip ratio (WHR) (odds ratio 1.9 (95% CI; 1.3 – 3.5), andHbA c (odds ratio 6.6 (95% CI; 1 1.02 – 27) as independent risk factors associated with microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetics. Optimum blood pressure, glycemic and weight control were achieved in eighty five percent (85%), fifty eight percent (58%) and nineteen percent (19%) of the type 2 diabetes respectively.Conclusion : This study showed that microalbuminuria is common among patients with type 2 diabetes. It also showed improvement in glycemic control and modifiable cardiovascular risk factor control when compared with previous studies.Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Microalbuminuria, Hypertension, Glycated haemoglobin (HbA c)