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Background Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a validated method to assess body composition in persons with fluid homeostasis and reliable body weight. This is not the case during critical illness. The raw BIA markers resistance, reactance, phase angle, and vector length are body weight independent. Phase angle reflects cellular health and has prognostic significance. We aimed to assess the course of phase angle and vector length during intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and determine the relation between their changes ([DELTA]) and changes in body hydration. Methods A prospective, dual-center observational study of adult ICU patients was conducted. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed, including reactance as a marker of cellular mass and integrity and total body water according to the Biasioli equation (TBW.sub.Biasioli) and fluid balance as body weight independent markers of hydration. Results One hundred and fifty-six ICU patients (mean [plus or minus] SD age 62.5 [plus or minus] 14.5 years, 67% male) were included. Between days 1 and 3, there was a significant decrease in reactance/m (-2.6 [plus or minus] 6.0 [ohm sign]), phase angle (-0.4 [plus or minus] 1.1°), and vector length (-12.2 [plus or minus] 44.3 [ohm sign]/m). Markers of hydration significantly increased. [DELTA]phase angle and [DELTA]vector length were both positively related to [DELTA]reactance/m (r.sup.2 = 0.55, p < 0.01; r.sup.2 = 0.38, p < 0.01). Adding [DELTA]TBW.sub.Biasioli as explaining factor strongly improved the association between [DELTA]phase angle and [DELTA]reactance/m (r.sup.2 = 0.73, p < 0.01), and [DELTA]vector length and [DELTA]reactance/m (r.sup.2 = 0.77, p < 0.01). Conclusions Our results show that during critical illness, changes in phase angle and vector length partially reflect changes in hydration., Author(s): Nadine Denneman [sup.1], Lara Hessels [sup.2], Bo Broens [sup.1], Jolijn Gjaltema [sup.1], Sandra N. Stapel [sup.1], Julius Stohlmann [sup.1], Maarten W. Nijsten [sup.2], Heleen M. Oudemans-van Straaten [sup.1] Author [...]