A clinical application of bioelectrical impedance analysis: RXc graph method in a group of infants affected by acute enteritis.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) allow to evaluate the hydrational state. Bioimpedance vector analysis following the RXc graph method, which uses the plot of direct measurements of reactance (Xc) and resistance (R) standardized by the infant’s length, seems to be a new clinical approach for routine monitoring of the body fluid variations, without making any assumption on body composition. Aim: to evaluate the RXc graph method as indicator of hydrational status in a group of dehydrated infants affected by acute diarrhea. Conclusions: Bioimpedance vector analysis could have a clinical application to monitor hydration state and body fluid variations in infants. Further controlled studies are required to verify validity and specificity of RXc graph method in clinical practice.