The bioelectrical impedance phase angle as an indicator of undernutrition and adverse clinical outcome in cardiac surgical patients

Summary Background & aims In cardiac surgical patients, undernutrition increases the risk of adverse clinical outcome. We investigated whether the bioelectrical impedance phase angle is an indicator of undernutrition and clinical outcome in cardiac surgery. Methods In 325 cardiac surgical patients, we prospectively analyzed the associations between a preoperative low phase angle, measured by bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy, and well-established indicators of undernutrition such as body mass index (kg/m2 ), unintended weight loss, and fat free mass index (kg/m2 ), and muscle strength (handgrip strength (kg)), immune function (C-reactive protein and albumin), and adverse clinical outcomes. Results A low phase angle (