Is the Phase Angle, a Prognostic Indicator for Nutritional Status in Cirrhotic Patients?

Abstract

Background & Aim: The phase angle value, obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis, is an important prognostic indicator in several clinical conditions. This study aimed to compare the performance of the standardized phase angle with that of Child-Pugh score, a well-known prognostic indicator of chronic liver disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with cirrhotic patients. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed, and the standardized phase angle was calculated. Low standardized phase angle was defined as a value below -1.65. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Of 195 participants, 59% were male. Mean age was 55.9 ± 10.8 years; 59% of patients were classified as Child-Pugh class A, 22.6% as class B, and 18.5% as class C. The Phase Angle average was 5.79 (±1, 20) with z score average -0.75 (±1, 61). 76.4% of the population studied showed Phase Angle indicative of good prognosis. Conclusions: The standardized phase angle was correlated with the Child-Pugh score and can therefore be considered a reliable prognostic indicator of nutritional status in cirrhotic patients.