Whole-body versus segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with edema of the upper limb after breast cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare whole-body (50 kHz alternating current) and segmental (5 kHz alternating current) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in the assessment of manifested edema of the upper limbs.

METHODS

Whole-body and segmental BIA were performed in 30 patients with edema of the upper limb following breast cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Pearson correlation coefficient comparing both measurements was 0.8891 (p-value <0.0001) with corresponding least squares (r(2)) of 0.7904.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-body BIA seems to be a suitable method in the assessment of manifested edema of the upper limbs.