Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are positively correlated with phase angle in mixed cancer patients: an exploratory cross-sectional study

The aim of this study is to verify the correlation between hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) levels with phase angle (PhA) values in patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory digestive organs. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 82 patients (38 females/44 males) diagnosed with cancer of gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs of digestion. Hb (g/dL) and Ht (%) levels were assessed by the cyanomethemoglobin and microhematocrit methods, respectively. Body composition and PhA were evaluated by the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The cut-off point used to classify patients with low PhA was set < 4°. Fifty-five (67%) of patients had PhA ≥ 4° values. We observed that body weight, BMI, fat mass, % weight loss, Ht, and Hb were higher in the PhA ≥ 4° group than in the PhA < 4° group. In the regression analysis, we found a positive association between PhA, Ht, and Hb without and after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, and type of treatment. In mixed cancer patients, there was a positive correlation between blood-red cell markers and PhA. This may be evidence that we can use of hematological parameters to suggest changes in PhA values during oncological treatment.