Body composition index obtained by using a bioelectrical impedance analysis device can be a predictor of prolonged operative time in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery

Pretreatment bioelectrical impedance analysis predicts chemotherapy efficacy and toxicity in metastatic colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of body composition in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients receiving systemic chemotherapy is increasingly recognized. This study aimed to explore the relationship between various body composition metrics measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and patient outcomes in patients with mCRC.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort of 164 mCRC patients, body composition was assessed using BIA before first-line chemotherapy. Metrics evaluated included the extracellular water/total body water ratio (ECW/TBW), skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, protein, and mineral levels. This study examined the relationship between these parameters and survival outcomes and their impact on chemotherapy-induced toxicity and relative dose intensity.

RESULTS

Patients with a higher ECW/TBW ratio had significantly lower overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) across quartiles (median OS: Q1 = 38.6 months, Q4 = 19.1 months) and a significantly lower progression-free survival (median progression-free survival: Q1 = 10.5 months, Q4 = 8.3 months; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis identified ECW/TBW as an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio: 2.12; 95 % confidence interval: 1.36-3.23; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant interaction between ECW/TBW quartiles and the effectiveness of anti-endothelial growth factor receptor and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies on overall survival (p for interaction <0.001). Body composition was significantly associated with chemotherapy relative dose intensity and hematologic adverse events, particularly thrombocytopenia, which was significantly correlated with ECW/TBW, skeletal muscle mass, lean body mass, and protein levels.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the value of comprehensive body composition assessment using BIA in predicting outcomes for patients with mCRC, supporting its incorporation into clinical practice for enhanced patient care.

The Antibody Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Booster in Healthcare Workers: Association between the IgG Antibody Titers and Anthropometric and Body Composition Parameters

BACKGROUND

Research shows that in most people, two-dose vaccination helps to shape the humoral response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further studies are required to learn about the vaccine's effectiveness after boosting.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study among 103 healthcare workers (HCWs) from a regional multi-specialty hospital vaccinated with three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. We compared their immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers 14 days after the second dose with those 21 days after the booster. We also compared their anthropometric and body composition parameters with IgG concentrations at the same time points.

RESULTS

Twenty-one days after the booster, all study participants were seropositive. Their mean IgG antibody titers were significantly lower than 14 days after the second dose (158.94 AU/mL ± 90.34 AU/mL vs. 505.79 AU/mL ± 367.16 AU/mL). Post-booster Spearman's correlation analysis showed a significantly weak correlation between the IgG antibody titer and parameters related to muscle tissue and adipose tissue (including body fat mass).

CONCLUSIONS

The BNT162b2 booster stimulates the humoral response to a lesser extent than the two-dose BNT162b2 primary vaccination. The adipose and muscle tissue parameters show a weak positive correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers.