Body composition assessment with ultrasound muscle measurement: optimization through the use of semi-automated tools in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with a high prevalence and major impact on global health. Body composition (BC) data are of great importance in the assessment of nutritional status. Ultrasound (US) is an emerging, accessible and non-invasive technique that could be an alternative when it is not feasible to perform computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between CT, as a reference technique, and US of the rectus femoris (RF) as a "proof of concept," in a cohort of patients with CRC and assess the optimisation of results obtained by US when performed by our new semi-automated tool. A single-centre cross-sectional study including 174 patients diagnosed with CRC and undergoing surgery was carried out at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital. We found a strong correlation between CT and US of the RF area (r = 0.67; p < 0.005). The latter, is able to discriminate patients with worse prognosis in terms of length of hospital stay and discharge destination (AUC-ROC = 0.64, p 0.015). These results improve when they are carried out with the automatic tool (area AUC-ROC = 0.73, p 0.023), especially when normalised by height and eliminating patients who associate overflow. According to our results, the US could be considered as a valuable alternative for the quantitative assessment of muscle mass when CT is not feasible. These measurements are improved when measuring software is applied, such as "Bat" software.

Nutritional and Morphofunctional Assessment of Post-ICU Patients with COVID-19 at Hospital Discharge: NutriEcoMuscle Study.

This paper presents baseline results from the NutriEcoMuscle study, a multicenter observational study conducted in Spain which focused on changes in nutritional status, body composition, and functionality in post-intensive care unit (ICU) COVID-19 patients following a nutritional intervention. Assessments at hospital discharge included Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, the Barthel index, handgrip strength (HGS) and the Timed Up-and-Go test, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and nutritional ultrasound (US). The study involved 96 patients (71.9% male, mean age 58.8 years, mean BMI 28.8 kg/m2, 36.5% obese). All patients were malnourished at discharge according to GLIM and SGA. Functional status declined from admission up to hospital discharge. A total of 33.3% of patients had a low fat-free mass index (FFMI) and 29.5% had a low phase angle (PhA). Myosteatosis was observed in 83.7% of the population. There was a positive correlation between rectus femoris cross-sectional area, PhA, FFMI, and HGS. In conclusion, post-critically ill COVID-19 patients commonly suffer from malnutrition and reduced muscle mass, causing a loss of independence at hospital discharge. BIA and US could be valuable tools for assessing body composition in these patients. The NutriEcoMuscle study highlights the need for a thorough nutritional and morphofunctional status assessment of post-ICU patients.

Comparison of computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in the evaluation of body composition in patients with obesity.

Objective: a) To evaluate the accuracy of the pre-existing equations (based on cm2 provided by CT images), to estimate in kilograms (Kg) the body composition (BC) in patients with obesity (PwO), by comparison with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). b) To evaluate the accuracy of a new approach (based on both cm2 and Hounsfield Unit parameters provided by CT images), using an automatic software and artificial intelligence to estimate the BC in PwO, by comparison with DXA. Methods: Single-centre cross-sectional study including consecutive PwO, matched by gender with subjects with normal BMI. All the subjects underwent BC assessment by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and skeletal-CT at L3 vertebrae. CT images were processed using FocusedON-BC software. Three different models were tested. Model 1 and 2, based on the already existing equations, estimate the BC in Kg based on the tissue area (cm2) in the CT images. Model 3, developed in this study, includes as additional variables, the tissue percentage and its average Hounsfield unit. Results: 70 subjects (46 PwO and 24 with normal BMI) were recruited. Significant correlations for BC were obtained between the three models and DXA. Model 3 showed the strongest correlation with DXA (r= 0.926, CI95% [0.835-0.968], p<0.001) as well as the best agreement based on Bland - Altman plots. Conclusion: This is the first study showing that the BC assessment based on skeletal CT images analyzed by automatic software coupled with artificial intelligence, is accurate in PwO, by comparison with DXA. Furthermore, we propose a new equation that estimates both the tissue quantity and quality, that showed higher accuracy compared with those currently used, both in PwO and subjects with normal BMI.

Management of acute mesenteric ischaemia: Results of a worldwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a condition with high mortality. This survey assesses current attitudes and practices to manage AMI worldwide. METHODS: A questionnaire survey about the practices of diagnosing and managing AMI, endorsed by several specialist societies, was sent to different medical specialists and hospitals worldwide. Data from individual health care professionals and from medical teams were collected. RESULTS: We collected 493 individual forms from 71 countries and 94 team forms from 34 countries. Almost half of respondents were surgeons, and most of the responding teams (70%) were led by surgeons. Most of the respondents indicated that diagnosis of AMI is often delayed but rarely missed. Emergency revascularisation is often considered for patients with AMI but rarely in cases of transmural ischaemia (intestinal infarction). Responses from team hospitals with a dedicated special unit (14 team forms) indicated more aggressive revascularisation. Abdominopelvic CT-scan with intravenous contrast was suggested as the most useful diagnostic test, indicated by approximately 90% of respondents. Medical history and risk factors were thought to be more important in diagnosis of AMI without transmural ischaemia, whereas for intestinal infarction, plasma lactate concentrations and surgical exploration were considered more useful. In elderly patients, a palliative approach is often chosen over extensive bowel resection. There was a large variability in anticoagulant treatment, as well as in timing of surgery to restore bowel continuity. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed diagnosis of AMI is common despite wide availability of an adequate imaging modality, i.e. CT-scan. Large variability in treatment approaches exists, indicating the need for updated guidelines. Increased awareness and knowledge of AMI may improve current practice until more robust evidence becomes available. Adherence to the existing guidelines may help in improving differences in treatment and outcomes.

Expert Consensus on Morphofunctional Assessment in Disease-Related Malnutrition. Grade Review and Delphi Study.

Disease-related malnutrition (DRM) affects approximately a third of hospitalized patients and is associated with an increased risk of morbimortality. However, DRM is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Our aim is to evaluate the prognostic value of morphofunctional tools and tests for nutritional assessment in clinical practice. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies relating to the morphofunctional assessment of nutritional status and mortality or complications. Evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) method. Twelve GRADE recommendations were made and divided into seven topics: food intake and nutrient assimilation, anthropometry, biochemical analysis, hand grip strength, phase angle, muscle imaging, and functional status and quality of life. From these recommendations, 37 statements were developed and scored in a two-survey Delphi method by 183 experts. A consensus was reached on accepting 26/37 statements. Surveys had high internal consistency and high inter-rater reliability. In conclusion, evidence-based recommendations were made on the prognostic value of morphofunctional assessment tools and tests to assess malnutrition, most of which were found to be feasible in routine clinical practice, according to expert opinions.

Protein Supplementation with Short Peptides Prevents Early Muscle Mass Loss after Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass.

Introduction: A significant reduction in fat-free mass (FFM) following bariatric surgery (BS) has been reported, and adequate protein intake is recommended for FFM preservation. Current guidelines of nutritional management after BS recommend complex protein (CP) compounds. However, Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB) has a negative impact on CP digestion, leading to protein malabsorption. At present, there is no data regarding the impact of early supplementation with short peptide-based (SPB) or hydroxy methylbutyrate (HMB)-enriched formulas on the evolution of the FFM after the BS. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of nutritional products based on CP, HBM-enriched, or SPB formulas on the FFM of patients that undergo RYGB. Material and methods: This is a prospective interventional study, including three groups of patients (according to the type of protein product) as candidates for BS, recruited between December 2021 and April 2022, matched by age, gender, and BMI. All patients underwent evaluations at baseline and one month post-BS, including: medical history, physical and anthropometric evaluation, bioimpedance, and biochemical analysis. Results: A total of 60 patients were recruited: 63% women, mean age 43.13 ± 9.4 years, and BMI 43.57 ± 4.1 kg/m2. The % of FFM loss from total weight loss (TWL) was significantly lower in the SPB group than CP and HMB groups despite the major %TWL in this group (40.60 ± 17.27 in CP, 34.57 ± 13.15 in HMB, and 19.14 ± 9.38 in SPB, p < 0.001). TWL% was 9.98 ± 1.82 vs. 9.83 ± 2.71 vs. 13.56 ± 4.30, p < 0.001, respectively. Conclusion: In our study, the SPB supplementation prevented almost 50% FFM lost from the TWL than the CP- or HMB-enriched compounds at one month post-BS. These results are significant in the setting of muscle mass preservation after the BS, and have the potential to change the current guidelines for the management of nutritional supplementation after BS.

Clinical nutrition issues in 2022: What is missing to trust supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) in ICU patients?

A multidisciplinary group of international physicians involved in the medical nutrition therapy (MNT) of adult critically ill patients met to discuss the value, role, and open questions regarding supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) along with oral or enteral nutrition (EN), particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. This manuscript summarizes the discussions and results to highlight the importance of SPN as part of a comprehensive approach to MNT in critically ill adults and for researchers to generate new evidence based on well-powered randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The experts agreed on several key points: SPN has shown clinical benefits, resulting in this strategy being included in American and European guidelines. Nevertheless, its use is heterogeneous across European countries, due to the persistence of uncertainties, such as the optimal timing and the risk of overfeeding in absence of indirect calorimetry (IC), which results in divergent opinions and barriers to SPN implementation. Education is also insufficient. The experts agreed on actions needed to increase evidence quality on SPN use in specific patients at a given time point during acute critical illness or recovery.

Malnutrition management of hospitalized patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia and COVID-19 infection.

Diabetes mellitus and/or hyperglycemia are highly prevalent medical conditions in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are associated with adverse outcomes. In addition, COVID-19 itself can provoke fluctuating and high glucose levels that can be difficult to manage upon hospitalization. Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are at high risk of malnutrition due to an increase in nutritional requirements and a severe acute inflammatory response. The management of patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia and COVID-19 is challenging and requires a specific nutritional approach, the purpose of which is to fulfill the nutritional requirements while maintaining an optimal glycemic control. In this study, an expert group of nutritional endocrinologists carried out a qualitative literature review and provided recommendations based on evidence and guidelines, when available, or on their own experience. The optimal care based on these recommendations was compared with the routine bedside care as reported by a panel of physicians (mainly, endocrinologists, geriatricians, and internists) treating patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia and COVID-19 in their daily practice. Early screening and diagnosis, a diabetes-specific therapeutic approach, and a close malnutrition monitoring are essential to improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. In conclusion, the proposed recommendations are intended to provide a useful guide on the clinical management of malnutrition in patients with COVID-19 and diabetes/hyperglycemia, in order to improve their outcomes and accelerate their recovery. The comparison of the recommended optimal care with routine clinical practice could aid to identify gaps in knowledge, implementation difficulties, and areas for improvement in the management of malnutrition in this population.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Muscle Mass in Patients with Obesity: 2-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery (BS) induces a significant and sustained weight loss in patients with severe obesity (SO). Nevertheless, apart from significantly reducing body fat, fat-free mass (FFM) might also be lost. At present, there is little and controversial data in the literature regarding the impact of BS on FFM. In recent years, bioimpedance (BIA) has emerged as a reliable test to assess body composition easily to use in the daily clinical practice. On the bases, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of BS on the FFM, evaluated by means of BIA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study, including consecutive patients with SO that underwent BS between February 2018 and February 2019 at our center. At baseline, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after the BS, all the patients underwent complete medical history, physical and anthropometric evaluation, and body composition assessment by means of BIA (using Bodystat QuadScan4000®). RESULTS: Eighty-five patients with SO were recruited, 72.9% females, aged 45.54 ± 9.98 years, pre-BS BMI 43.87 ± 6.52 kg/m2. FFM significantly decreased continuously after BS at all timepoints. The loss of FFM 24 months post-BS accounted for approximately 21.71 ± 13.9% of the total weight loss, and was independent of BS technique or protein metabolism. Pre-BS HOMA-IR and FFM were independent predictors of FFM at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Significant and early loss of FFM in patients with SO that undergo BS was seen, not related to protein metabolism parameters or the BS technique used, suggesting an independent mechanism.

National survey on the experiences of people with celiac disease in Spain. The CELIAC-SPAIN project.

INTRODUCTION: coeliac disease (CD) is well known, but not so its impact on the patient's life. OBJECTIVE: to determine the impact of CD in the life of celiac patients on different aspects such as diagnosis, follow-up and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: associates of FACE participated in an auto-administered, telematic survey conducted between May and July, 2019. Three participant profiles have been defined: adults diagnosed in adulthood, adults diagnosed in childhood and parents/guardians of celiac children. RESULTS: 540 surveys (343 adult celiacs, 58 celiacs from children and 139 parents/guardians) from all autonomous communities have been included. In the diagnostic process highlights the diagnostic delay (up to 2 years) and the limitations to screening of family members. After diagnosis, about 20 % of adults do not refer to follow any control. Having a CD generates different reactions, but concern and quality of life limitation are very common. As for the gluten-free diet, 90 % of patients referred good adherence to treatment, which is accompanied by improved symptoms and weight gain. Diet tracking limits patients' daily lives. Gluten-free manufactured products are considered expensive, with unclear and unappealing labeling. CONCLUSIONS: the results of the "CELIAC-SPAIN" project show that there are still many aspects to be improved in CD, both diagnosis and follow-up and in facilitating access to gluten-free products.

Acute intestinal failure: International multicenter point-of-prevalence study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intestinal failure (IF) is defined from a requirement or intravenous supplementation due to failing capacity to absorb nutrients and fluids. Acute IF is an acute, potentially reversible form of IF. We aimed to identify the prevalence, underlying causes and outcomes of acute IF. METHODS: This point-of-prevalence study included all adult patients hospitalized in acute care hospitals and receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) on a study day. The reason for PN and the mechanism of IF (if present) were documented by local investigators and reviewed by an expert panel. RESULTS: Twenty-three hospitals (19 university, 4 regional) with a total capacity of 16,356 acute care beds and 1237 intensive care unit (ICU) beds participated in this study. On the study day, 338 patients received PN (21 patients/1000 acute care beds) and 206 (13/1000) were categorized as acute IF. The categorization of reason for PN was revised in 64 cases (18.9% of total) in consensus between the expert panel and investigators. Hospital mortality of all study patients was 21.5%; the median hospital stay was 36 days. Patients with acute IF had a hospital mortality of 20.5% and median hospital stay of 38 days (P > 0.05 for both outcomes). Disordered gut motility (e.g. ileus) was the most common mechanism of acute IF, and 71.5% of patients with acute IF had undergone abdominal surgery. Duration of PN of ≥42 days was identified as being the best cut-off predicting hospital mortality within 90 days. PN ≥ 42 days, age, sepsis and ICU admission were independently associated with 90-day hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Around 2% of adult patients in acute care hospitals received PN, 60% of them due to acute IF. High 90-day hospital mortality and long hospital stay were observed in patients receiving PN, whereas presence of acute IF did not additionally influence these outcomes. Duration of PN was associated with increased 90-day hospital mortality.

Consensus document on exclusion diets in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This paper summarizes the contents of a consensus document on exclusion diets in irritable bowel disease that was developed by a task force from SEPD, FEAD, SENPE, FESNAD, SEÑ, SEEN, SEGHNP, SEDCA and ADENYD. The complete document is available at the FEAD and in SENPE websites. Irritable bowel syndrome is a highly prevalent functional digestive disorder where, in addition to drugs, therapy includes diet and acquisition of healthy habits as basic elements for its control. In order to facilitate dietary counseling for these patients in daily practice, the present consensus document on the role of exclusion diets was developed. To this end, consensus opinions were collected from various experts in the national scientific societies aiming at establishing recommendations applicable to the health care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Consensus document on exclusion diets in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This paper summarizes the contents of a consensus document on exclusion diets in irritable bowel disease that was developed by a task force from SEPD, FEAD, SENPE, FESNAD, SEÑ, SEEN, SEGHNP, SEDCA and ADENYD. The complete document is available at the SEPD website. Irritable bowel syndrome is a highly prevalent functional digestive disorder where, in addition to drugs, therapy includes diet and acquisition of healthy habits as basic elements for its control. In order to facilitate dietary counseling for these patients in daily practice, the present consensus document on the role of exclusion diets was developed. To this end, consensus opinions were collected from various experts in the national scientific societies aiming at establishing recommendations applicable to the health care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

ESPEN guideline clinical nutrition in neurology.

Neurological diseases are frequently associated with swallowing disorders and malnutrition. Moreover, patients with neurological diseases are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency and dehydration. On the other hand, nutritional factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. Multiple causes for the development of malnutrition in patients with neurological diseases are known including oropharyngeal dysphagia, impaired consciousness, perception deficits, cognitive dysfunction, and increased needs. The present evidence- and consensus-based guideline addresses clinical questions on best medical nutrition therapy in patients with neurological diseases. Among them, management of oropharyngeal dysphagia plays a pivotal role. The guideline has been written by a multidisciplinary team and offers 88 recommendations for use in clinical practice for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis.

Duodenal lengthening in an adult with ultra-short bowel syndrome. A case report.

BACKGROUND: We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of lengthening the duodenum in children with short bowel syndrome and a dilated duodenum. This procedure gains additional intestinal length in a challenging area of autologous gut reconstruction. Herein, we report the successful application of this technique in an adult with ultra-short bowel syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old man with a history of mid-gut volvulus was referred to our center for intestinal transplant evaluation. Only a megaduodenum stump that reached as far as the third portion (30 cm of length) and the colon up to the hepatic flexure in the form of a mucous fistula was retained. A gastrostomy tube drained gastric and bilio-pancreatic secretions (output range: 2.5-4 liters/day). The time spent on parenteral nutrition (3 liters/day; 1500 calories/day) and I.V. fluid (1.5-2 liters/day) administration was 24 hours per day. The patient underwent duodenal lengthening and tapering with 7 sequential transverse applications (5 of 45 mm and 2 of 60 mm) of an endoscopic stapler on the anterior and posterior walls of the duodenum, respecting the pancreatic parenchyma and end-to-side duodeno-colonic anastomosis. The final duodenal length was 83 cm. The pre-lengthening citrulline level increased from 13.6 micromol/L to 21.6 micromol/L one year post-lengthening. After 24 month of follow-up, the time on a parenteral pump was shortened to 9 hours during the night. The volume and calorie requirements were also reduced by half. DISCUSSION: Duodenal lengthening may be effective as part of the autologous intestinal reconstruction armamentarium in adults with short bowel syndrome.

Five-year survival and causes of death in patients on home parenteral nutrition for severe chronic and benign intestinal failure.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is the primary treatment for chronic intestinal failure (IF). Intestinal transplantation (ITx) is indicated when there is an increased risk of death due to HPN complications or to the underlying disease. Age, pathophysiologic conditions and underlying disease are known predictors of HPN dependency and overall survival. Although the cause of death on HPN is mostly related to underlying disease in these patients, the relationship between mortality and duration of HPN use remains unclear. The purpose of the present study is to describe factors associated with survival and HPN dependency as well as causes of death in adult patients requiring HPN for chronic intestinal failure during the first 5 years of treatment with HPN. METHODS: A multicenter international (European and USA) questionnaire-based retrospective follow-up of a cohort of 472 IF patients who started HPN was conducted between June and December 2000. Study endpoint was either end of 5-year follow-up, weaned-off HPN, ITx, or death on HPN. Data were analyzed for HPN dependence and overall survival using Kaplan-Meier models and log rank tests. RESULTS: The overall survival probability was 88%, 74% and 64% at 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. Survival was inversely related to age (p < .001) and higher in patients with Crohn's disease or chronic idiopathic pseudo-obstruction. A total of 169 (36.5%) patients were weaned-off HPN mainly (80%) within the first year and most frequently in patients with fistulae. Five of the 14 patients who underwent ITx died. By the end of the study, 104 (23%) of patients died on HPN; 65% of deaths occurred within the first 2.5 years of HPN. CONCLUSIONS: Younger ages at HPN initiation and underlying pathologies are significantly predictive of survival on HPN. Risk of death is greatest during the first 2 years of HPN.

The Process of Intrapartum Care Among Skilled Birth Attendants in the Dominican Republic and Maternal Perceptions of Care During Labor and Birth: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization calls for situation analyses of maternity settings globally to improve maternal-newborn health. This study evaluated the care processes of skilled birth attendants and women's satisfaction with the care in a public hospital in the Dominican Republic. The purpose of the assessment was to establish a baseline to build quality improvements. METHODS: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods, observational study was conducted by an international team. Eighty-four participants were included in the Intrapartum Data Set (American College of Nurse-Midwives), and 55 participants completed the Chilean Maternal Well-Being Scale. The data set was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Three focus groups were conducted with health providers, and 4 focus groups were conducted with postpartum women. Themes were derived using content analysis. RESULTS: Nurses were the skilled birth attendants (SBAs) for 54% of women; 46% were attended by either obstetricians or family medicine residents. Ninety-one percent of newborns with nurse attendants had immediate skin-to-skin contact, compared to 79% of newborns with physician attendants. Newborns breastfed within the first hour of life for 67% of the dyads with nurse SBAs, whereas 24% of newborns attended by physicians did so. The well-being survey indicated most women perceived care was adequate or better, irrespective of attending provider. Nevertheless, 67% of rural women perceived care negatively. Qualitative findings indicated that some women felt neither respected nor heard. DISCUSSION: When nurses managed the labor and birth, their care was comparable to that of physicians. Moreover, women were more likely to receive evidence-based newborn care, including skin-to-skin contact, immediate breastfeeding, and discharge instructions. Qualitative findings highlighted the discrepancy between health care providers' perception of the care they provided and patients' perceptions of that care. Reflexive practice and frequent communication with patients about their experience of care should be a part of every practitioner's toolkit, wherever that care is provided.

Spanish home enteral nutrition registry of the year 2014 and 2015 from the NADYA-SENPE Group / Registro del Grupo NADYA-SENPE de nutrición enteral domiciliaria en España, años 2014 y 2015.

Objective: To present the results of the Spanish home enteral nutrition (HEN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE group for the years 2014 and 2015. Methods: From January 1st 2014 to December 31st 2015 the HEN registry was recorded and afterwards a further descriptive and analytical analysis was done. Results: In 2014, 3749 patients were recorded, and 4202 in 2015; prevalence was 80.58 patients/one million inhabitants in Spain in 2014 and 90.51 in 2015. There were 49.9% females in 2014 and 50.3% in 2015. Median age was 73 years (IQI 59-83) in 2014 as well as in 2015. 684 episodes finished in 2014 and 631 in 2015, with death as the main cause, in 54.9% and 50.4%, respectively. The ones who were fed through nasogastric tube had a mean age higher than the ones fed by any other route (p-value < 0.001). Sisty-seven paediatric patients were recorded in 2014 (56.7% females) and 77 in 2015 (55.8% females). Median age at the beginning of HEN among children was 5 months in 2014 and 5 months in 2015. The main route of administration was gastrostomy, in 52.5% in 2014 and nasogastric tube in 50.8% in 2015. 7 episodes finished in 2014 and 13 in 2015, having death as the main cause (57.1% in 2014 and 38.5% in 2015). It was found that were younger children the ones who were mainly fed by nasogastric tubes (p-value 0.004 vs. 0.002). Among paediatric patients as well as adults, the main diagnosis leading to HEN was neurological disease which gives aphagia or severe dysphagia. Conclusions: There has been an increase in the number of patients in the registry as well as the participating centers and the number of patients per center, without any significant change in the characteristics of the patients other than longer duration of the episodes.

Objetivo: exponer los resultados del registro de nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED) del año 2014 y 2015 del Grupo NADYA-SENPE. Métodos: se recopilaron los pacientes introducidos en el registro desde el 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2014 y la mismas fechas de 2015, y se procedió al análisis descriptivo y analítico de los datos. Resultados: en el año 2014, se registraron 3.749 pacientes y en 2015, 4.202; la prevalencia fue de 80,58 pacientes/millón de habitantes en el año 2014 y de 90,51 en 2015. Por sexos, hubo un 49,9% de mujeres en 2014 y un 50,3% en 2015. La edad media fue de 73 años (IIQ 59-83) en ambos años. Finalizaron 684 episodios de NED en 2014 y 631 en 2015, la causa principal fue el fallecimiento en el 54,9% y 50,4% de los casos, respectivamente. Los portadores de sonda nasogástrica presentan una edad media superior a los pacientes con cualquier otra vía (p < 0,001). Se registraron 67 pacientes pediátricos en 2014 (56,7% niñas) y 77 en 2015 (55,8% niñas). La vía principal de administración fue la gastrostomía en el 52,0% de los casos de 2014 y sonda nasogástrica en el 50,8% de los casos de 2015. La causa principal de finalización de la nutrición fue el fallecimiento (57,1% en 2014 y 38,5% en 2015). Se observó que los niños más pequeños eran los que se alimentaban preferentemente por SNG (p 0,004 vs.0,002).Tanto en pacientes pediátricos como en adultos el diagnóstico principal que motivó la necesidad de NED fue la enfermedad neurológica que cursa con afagia o disfagia severa. Conclusiones: se ha incrementado el número de pacientes del registro, así como el número de centros participantes y el número medio de pacientes comunicados por cada centro respecto a años anteriores, sin que se hayan modificado sustancialmente las características de los pacientes, salvo mayor duración de los episodios.

Midwifery practice and maternity services: A multisite descriptive study in Latin America and the Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE: over the past three decades there has been a social movement in Latin American countries (LAC) to support humanised, physiologic birth. Rates of caesarean section overall in Latin America are approximately 35%, increasing up to 85% in some cases. There are many factors related to poor outcomes with regard to maternal and newborn/infant health in LAC countries. Maternal and perinatal outcome data within and between countries is scarce and inaccurate. The aims of this study were to: i) describe selected obstetric and neonatal outcomes of women who received midwifery care, ii) identify the level of maternal well-being after experiencing midwifery care in 6 Latin America countries. DESIGN: this was a cross sectional and descriptive study, conducted in selected maternity units in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Uruguay. Quantitative methods were used to measure midwifery processes of care and maternal perceptions of well-being in labour and childbirth through a validated survey of maternal well-being and an adapted version of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) standardized antepartum and intrapartum data set. SETTING: Maternity units from 6 Latin American countries. PARTICIPANTS: the final sample was a convenience sample, and the total participants for all sites in the six countries was 3009 low risk women. FINDINGS: for the countries reporting, overall, 82% of these low risk women had spontaneous vaginal deliveries. The rate of caesarean section was 16%; the Dominican Republic had the highest rate of Caesarean sections (30%) and Peru had the lowest rate (4%). The use of oxytocin in labour was widely variable, although overall there was a high proportion of women whose labour was augmented or induced. Ambulation was common, with the lowest proportion (48%) of women ambulating in labour in Chile, Uruguay (50%), Peru (65%), Brazil (85%). The presence of continuous support was highest in Uruguay (93%), Chile (75%) and Argentina (55%), and Peru had the lowest (22%). Episiotomies are still prevalent in all countries, the lowest rate was reported in the Dominican Republic (22%), and the highest rates were 52 and 53% (Chile and Peru, respectively). The Optimal Maternal well-being score had a prevalence of 43.5%, adequate score was 30.8%; 25% of the total sample of women rated their well-being during labour and childbirth as poor. KEY CONCLUSIONS: despite evidence-based guidelines and recommendations, birth is not managed accordingly in most cases. Women feel that care is adequate, although some women report mistreatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: More research is needed to understand why such high levels of intervention exist and to test the implementation of evidence-based practices in local settings.