Patients’ weight and height were measured with a calibrated scale and stadiometer, respectively. Subsequently, waist, hip, and mid-arm circumference were assessed using a flexible, nonelastic tape measure. We employed the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper (Baty International, West Sussex, United Kingdom) to determine triceps skinfold thickness and recorded the mean of three repeated measurements.
Body composition analysis was performed with the seca mBCA 525 (seca, Hamburg, Germany), an eight-electrode, phase-sensitive, segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device. Patients were instructed to restrain from eating for 4 hours, from strenuous physical activity for 12 hours, and from alcohol consumption for 24 hours; as well as to empty their bladder prior to the assessment. The measurement was conducted in a supine position using adhesive gel electrodes placed at specified anatomical sites on the dorsal surfaces of hand, wrist, ankle and foot.
Handgrip strength was tested employing the Jamar Plus+ Digital Hand Dynamometer (Patterson Medical, Warrenville, IL, USA). Three measurements were taken with the patients seated, the elbow in 90° flexion, and the wrist in a neutral position using their dominant hand. The maximum value of the three attempts was considered for analysis.
Assessment of blood pressure followed a standardized protocol employing a fully automated device (boso medicus, BOSCH+ SOHN, Jungingen, Germany). The measurement was taken in a seated position after a minimum rest of 5 minutes on the right arm.
Blood testing was performed in all patients. Selection of blood parameters that were determined was based on the guideline’s recommendations and included the following: Complete blood count, electrolytes, creatinine, blood glucose and HbA1c, vitamins A, B1, and B12, folic acid, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathormone, albumin, calcium, ferritin as well as zinc, copper and selenium.
Body composition analysis was performed with the seca mBCA 525 (seca, Hamburg, Germany), an eight-electrode, phase-sensitive, segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device. Patients were instructed to restrain from eating for 4 hours, from strenuous physical activity for 12 hours, and from alcohol consumption for 24 hours; as well as to empty their bladder prior to the assessment. The measurement was conducted in a supine position using adhesive gel electrodes placed at specified anatomical sites on the dorsal surfaces of hand, wrist, ankle and foot.
Handgrip strength was tested employing the Jamar Plus+ Digital Hand Dynamometer (Patterson Medical, Warrenville, IL, USA). Three measurements were taken with the patients seated, the elbow in 90° flexion, and the wrist in a neutral position using their dominant hand. The maximum value of the three attempts was considered for analysis.
Assessment of blood pressure followed a standardized protocol employing a fully automated device (boso medicus, BOSCH+ SOHN, Jungingen, Germany). The measurement was taken in a seated position after a minimum rest of 5 minutes on the right arm.
Blood testing was performed in all patients. Selection of blood parameters that were determined was based on the guideline’s recommendations and included the following: Complete blood count, electrolytes, creatinine, blood glucose and HbA1c, vitamins A, B1, and B12, folic acid, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathormone, albumin, calcium, ferritin as well as zinc, copper and selenium.
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