Development of predictive equations for total body water using the deuterium-dilution method as the gold standard in a population of asymptomatic HIV-positive Zulu women in South Africa

Objectives: The study aimed to derive predictive equations for total body water determinations with bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric measurements in a population of asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -positive Zulu women. Design: Cross-sectional data from within an ongoing prospective study that observed the effect of infant feeding mode on maternal and child health in a cohort of asymptomatic HIV-positive women were used for this objective. Setting: A community health centre in Durban. Subjects: Asymptomatic HIV-infected women who were not eligible for antiretroviral therapy. They were resident in the area and were of Zulu ethnicity. Outcome measures: Development of predictive equations for total body water. Results: Success was achieved in developing predictive equations for total body water using bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometric measurements that were specific to the HIV-positive female Zulu population. These equations were developed using the total body water that was obtained from deuterium-dilution method as a gold standard. Conclusion: These predictive equations are likely to be more valid for the HIV-positive female African populations of similar build than the current predictive equations that derive from the Western population.