Comparison between two solute equations and bioimpedance for estimation of body fluid volumes

Background The extracellular volume (ECV) and intracellular volume (ICV) estimated by bioimpedance analysis (BIA) deviates markedly from the textbook volumes of 20% and 40% of the body weight (BW). We estimated the transcellular exchange of water by calculating solute equilibriums after fluid challenges to examine whether the BIA or the textbook volumes are likely to be most correct. Methods Data was retrieved from 8 healthy male volunteers who received 25 mL/kg of Ringer’s solution or 3–5 mL/kg of hypertonic (7.5%) saline over 30 min after the ECV and ICV had been estimated by BIA. The exchange of water between the ECV and the ICV was calculated according to a sodium equation and an osmolality equation. Simulations were performed, where deviating body fluid volumes were applied. Results The mean ECV measured with BIA was 24.9% of BW ( p