Body Composition Analysis of the Clinical Routine Using Air Displacement Plethysmography: Age-Group-Specific Feasibility Analysis among Preterm Infants

Preterm infants rely on optimum external nutritional management and feeding, whereas a healthy fetus in a healthy pregnancy stays in utero until term and receives adequate placental nutrition for the growth of body mass, organs, and particularly the brain. Body composition assessments using Air Displacement Plethysmography (COSMED PEAPOD^®) have been introduced into clinical practice at a few neonatal units. To allow accurate body composition assessments in term and preterm infants, a workflow for routine testing is needed. 

This study aimed to analyzed the following: the feasibility of weekly routine ADP assessments for preterm infants; preterm infants’ readiness for first ADP testing across different gestational ages at birth and number of repeated tests during in-hospital routine; the workload of body composition measurements using ADP in clinical practice.

The study proved the feasibility of weekly routine ADP assessments in preterm infants. However, the initiation of routine testing in extremely preterm infants starts at a significantly greater postnatal age than in more mature groups. 

ADP assessments can be safely, easily and reasonably integrated into routine clinical practice. Body composition data may be a valuable tool for providing additional information on nutritional status and infant growth. A standardized routine protocol allowing identical measurement conditions across healthcare institutions and a standardized interpretation tool for age-adapted body composition data, however, will improve the comparability and usability of the method.