Energy and nutrient intake by people with and without sarcopenia diagnosed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: There is growing evidence that insufficient dietary intake is associated with sarcopenia. OBJECTIVE: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the energy and nutrient intakes by people with and without sarcopenia were compared using only the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2019 (EWGSOP2) consensus diagnostic criteria. DATA SOURCES: Only observational studies that compared energy and nutrient intake from food alone by individuals with and without sarcopenia were included. Studies were searched in the following databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Ovid, and Scopus. The review followed the PRISMA checklist and submitted the protocol to PROSPERO. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted by 2 authors independently. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. DATA ANALYSIS: A total of 8648 articles were identified and 12 were selected. Among individuals with sarcopenia, lower intakes of energy and some nutrients, mainly with antioxidant properties, were observed compared with those without sarcopenia. Meta-analyses showed that individuals with sarcopenia consume fewer calories/day than individuals without sarcopenia (n = 10 studies; standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.15; 95% confidence interval: -0.29, -0.01) diagnosed by EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2. Individuals with sarcopenia consume less omega-3, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E when compared with those without sarcopenia. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that insufficient intake of energy and nutrients with antioxidant potential may be associated with sarcopenia. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD 42020195698.

Factors associated with diet quality among Brazilian individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann-Whitney or Pearson's chi-squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0-30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high-quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302-2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097-2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107-1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086-1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: A low-quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country.

Factors associated with diet quality among Brazilian individuals with cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND: An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann-Whitney or Pearson's chi-squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0-30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high-quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302-2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097-2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107-1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086-1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: A low-quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country.

Prevalence of sarcopenia using different methods in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a clinical condition associated with several liver diseases and it includes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in its broad spectrum as steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis. However, the criteria to define sarcopenia are diverse, and even those established in consensus have been discussed regarding their performance in making an accurate diagnosis. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia, using different methods, in patients with NAFLD, and its association with clinical-anthropometric parameters. METHODS: This was an observational study of outpatients with NAFLD. Sarcopenia was defined by the European Working Group Consensus on Sarcopenia in Older People of 2010 (EWGSOP1) and 2018 (EWGSOP2). The skeletal muscle index was used to estimate muscle mass, handgrip strength was assessed using the dynamometer and physical performance by walking a distance of four meters at usual walking speed. The non-invasive fibrosis scores, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), were used to assess the absence and presence of fibrosis. RESULTS: Fifty-seven individuals with NAFLD were evaluated, the mean age (SD) was 52.7 (11.3) years and 75.4% were female. Fibrosis assessed by FIB-4 and APRI was observed in 3.7% and 16.6% of patients with NAFLD, respectively. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was identified only by EWGSOP1 in 3.5% of NAFLD patients, and the prevalence of probable/pre-sarcopenia was higher using the EWGSOP2 consensus at 26.3%, when compared to 1.8% with EWGSOP1. Sarcopenia defined by EWGSOP1, was associated with grade I steatosis, but without overweight (P < 0.05). An association between sarcopenia and fibrosis was not observed (P > 0.05). EWGSOP2 showed a greater number of patients with probable sarcopenia, and who were overweight (12 (80.0%)), with a higher degree of steatosis [11 (73.3%) and presence of fibrosis (1 (6.7%), FIB-4 and 3 (20.0%), APRI] compared to EWGSOP1 [1 (100%), 0 (0.0%), 0 (0.0%), FIB-4 and 0 (0.0%), APRI, respectively]. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that sarcopenia in NAFLD was not predominant in patients without fibrosis, by both diagnostic methods. In addition, the prevalence of probable sarcopenia also depends on the method applied.

Assessment of sleep and stress level in individuals with chronic pain.

Introduction: The experience of living with chronic pain allows for the appearance of changes in sleep patterns, mood, and stress levels. Objective: To describe the phases of stress and the quality of sleep in patients with chronic pain. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out at the pain clinic of the HUPES Complex, Salvador-Bahia. Data collection between March 2016 and November 2017. Instruments: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Numerical Pain Scale (EVN), Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), and Stress Symptoms Inventory for LIPP adults (ISSL). Categorical variables were expressed by absolute and relative frequency and quantitative variables by means and standard deviation (SD). The comparison of categorical variables was performed using the chi-square test. Values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age (standard deviation) of 50.0 (10) years, 89.6% of whom were female. Predominance of people with a partner, with religion, high school, and unemployed or removed by the INSS. They have severe sleep disorders, severe pain, and the presence of stress in the resistance phase. Most subjects reveal that they have improved with the treatment and have moderate self-esteem and personal satisfaction, despite the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Chronic pain has a very significant impact on life, increasing the level of stress, compromising and limiting daily activities, and showing more presence of anxious and depressive symptoms in people who suffer from chronic pain.

Low bone mineral density in pre-menopausal women one year after gastric bypass / Baixa densidade mineral óssea em mulheres pré-menopausadas um ano após bypass gástrico

Introduction: Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes and severe weight loss after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) can promote changes in bone metabolism which may lead to a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD). Objective: to investigate the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and factors associated with BMD in pre-menopausal women who underwent RYGB. Methodology: a cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data of patients followed-up in a specialized center for obesity treatment. Variables studied: biochemical and anthropometric data, body composition by multifrequency bioimpedance and BMD of the lumbar spine (LS), total femur (TF) and femur neck (FN) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. For statistical analysis, the SPSS® software and a 5% significance level were utilized. Results: seventy-two (72) pre-menopausal women were evaluated. Mean age, BMI and mean post-surgery time was 38.7±6.5 years, 25.8±2.5 kg/m² and 13.1±1.7 months, respectively. The prevalence of osteopenia in at least one of the densitometry sites was 13.9%, with LS being the most frequent site. A lower LS BMD was associated with greater weight loss, higher percentage of body fat before surgery and lower post-surgery serum vitamin D levels. There was a positive correlation between skeletal muscle mass index adjusted for height in the pre-surgery period and LS BMD (r=0.361; p=0.010) and TF (r=0.404; p=0.004). Conclusion: a relevant prevalence of osteopenia was detected in pre-menopausal women after RYGB, mainly in the LS.

Introdução: o Bypass Gástrico em Y de Roux (BPGYR) pode promover mudanças no metabolismo ósseo decorrentes de deficiências nutricionais, alterações hormonais e perda severa de peso, podendo acarretar redução da Densidade Mineral Óssea (DMO). Objetivo: investigar a prevalência de osteopenia/osteoporose e fatores associados à DMO em mulheres pré-menopausadas submetidas à BPGYR. Metodologia: estudo transversal com dados secundários de pacientes acompanhadas em um serviço especializado no tratamento da obesidade. Variáveis estudadas: dados bioquímicos e antropométricos, composição corporal por bioimpedância multifrequencial e DMO de coluna lombar (CL), fêmur total (FT) e colo do fêmur (CF) por Absorciometria por Dupla Emissão de Raios X. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o programa SPSS®, com o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: foram avaliadas 72 mulheres pré-menopausadas, com média de idade e de IMC de 38,7±6,5 anos e 25,8±2,5 kg/m², respectivamente, e tempo médio de pós-operatório de 13,1±1,7 meses. A prevalência de osteopenia em pelo menos um dos sítios densitométricos foi de 13,9%, sendo a CL o sítio mais frequente. Uma menor DMO na CL se associou a maior perda de peso, maior percentual de massa gorda antes da cirurgia e níveis séricos menores de vitamina D pós-operatória. Observou-se correlação positiva entre o índice de massa muscular esquelética ajustada pela altura no pré-operatório e a DMO da CL (r=0,361; p=0,010) e do FT (r=0,404; p= 0,004). Conclusão: detectou-se prevalência relevante de osteopenia em mulheres pré-menopausadas após BPGYR, principalmente na CL.

Anthropometric clinical indicators of visceral adiposity as predictors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the role of anthropometric clinical indicators of visceral adiposity as predictors of NAFLD, identifying the cutoff points based on gender. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in patients with or without NAFLD. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), Conicity Index (C Index), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 107 individuals were evaluated, of which 46.7% were diagnosed with NAFLD. Individuals with NAFLD presented higher values of WC, BMI, C Index, LAP, and WHtR when compared with those without NAFLD (p<0.05). For the total sample, the indicators WC, BMI, WHtR, LAP, and C Index had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) above 0.87, with no difference in the prediction of NAFLD in both sexes. WHtR (AUC=0.934) was the indicator of visceral adiposity with the best discriminatory power for NAFLD, followed by LAP (0.919), WC (0.912), C Index (0.907), and BMI (0.877). CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometric clinical indicators of visceral adiposity showed high performance, especially the WHtR indicator, as NAFLD predictors.

Acurácia do VES-13 em um ambulatório geriátrico de referência / Accuracy of VES-13 in a geriatric outpatient clinic / Exactitud del VES-13 en un ambulatorio geriatrico de derivación

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a acurácia do Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) em um ambulatório geriátrico de referência. Este é um estudo transversal com amostra de conveniência constituída por idosos (? 60 anos) em um ambulatório geriátrico de referência. O escore do VES-13, aplicado pelos pesquisadores, foi comparado com os estratos da Classificação Clínico Funcional (CCF), realizada pelas equipes assistentes. Após análise descritiva das variáveis, a acurácia do VES-13 foi calculada em diversos pontos de cortes. Foram avaliados 110 idosos, com idade entre 62 e 99 anos, média de 77,6 (±8.5) anos e predominância feminina (75,5%). A fragilidade esteve presente em 75,5% da amostra (CCF ? 6) e associada ao sexo feminino pelo VES-13 (RP = 2,28; IC 95%: 1,24-4,14), mas não pela CCF (RP = 1,02; IC 95%: 0,79-1,32). Pontos de corte reduzidos apresentaram sensibilidade elevada, sendo maior no escore ? 2 (96,4%). O escore do VES-13 ? 7 obteve o melhor balanço entre a sensibilidade e especificidade (respectivamente 63,86% e 59,26%). O valor preditivo positivo (VPP) foi de aproximadamente 80% em todos os cortes, possivelmente devido à alta prevalência de fragilidade na amostra. Em conclusão, reitera-se a acurácia do VES-13 na identificação dos idosos robustos (VES-13 ? 2), que podem ser manejados exclusivamente na atenção primária à saúde (APS) e dos idosos frágeis (VES-13 ? 7), que devem ser encaminhados para atenção especializada. O subgrupo intermediário (VES-13 entre 3 e 6) necessita de avaliação adicional para melhor definição da sua condição, configurando-se assim uma estratégia de hierarquização da atenção integral à saúde do idoso.

This study aims to assess the accuracy of the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) in a geriatric reference center. This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of older adults (? 60 years) in a geriatric outpatient clinic. The VES-13 score, applied by the researchers, was compared with the strata of the Clinical Functional Classification (CCF), performed by the assistant teams. After descriptive analysis of the variables, the accuracy of the VES-13 was calculated at several cutoff points. A group of 110 individuals were evaluated, aged between 62 and 99 years, with an average of 77.6 (±8.5) years and female predominance (75.5%). Frailty was present in 75.5% of the sample (CCF ? 6) and associated with females by VES-13 (PR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.24-4.14), but not by CCF (PR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.79-1.32). Reduced cutoff points showed high sensitivity, higher at score ? 2 (96.4%). The VES-13 score ? 7 obtained the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (63.86% and 59.26%, respectively). The positive predictive value (PPV) was approximately 80% at all cutoffs, possibly due to the high prevalence of frailty in the sample. In conclusion, the accuracy of the VES-13 to identify robust older people (VES-13 ? 2), who can be accompanied exclusively in primary health care (PHC), and fragile older people (VES-13 ? 7), who must be referred to specialized care, is reiterated. The intermediate subgroup (VES-13 between 3 and 6), needs additional assessment to better define their condition, thus configuring a hierarchical comprehensive strategy of health care for older adults.

El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la exactitud de Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) en un centro geriátrico de derivación. Este es un estudio transversal, con una muestra de conveniencia de personas mayores (? 60 años) en un centro geriátrico de derivación. La puntuación de VES-13 fue aplicada por los investigadores y se comparó con los estratos de la Clasificación Clínica Funcional (CCF), realizada por los equipos asistentes. Después del análisis descriptivo de las variables, se calculó la precisión del VES-13 en varios puntos de corte. Se evaluaron a 110 ancianos, con edades entre 62 y 99 años, promedio de edad de 77,6 (± 8,5) años y predominio del sexo femenino (75,5%). La fragilidad estuvo presente en el 75,5% de la muestra (CCF ? 6) y se asoció con las mujeres por VES-13 (RP = 2,28; IC del 95%: 1,24-4,14), pero no por la CCF (RP = 1,02; IC del 95%: 0,79-1,32). Los puntos de corte con reducción mostraron una alta sensibilidad, con una puntuación ? 2 (96,4%). La puntuación VES-13 ? 7 obtuvo el mejor equilibrio entre sensibilidad y especificidad (63,86% y 59,26%, respectivamente). El valor predictivo positivo (VPP) fue aproximadamente el 80% en todos los cortes, posiblemente debido a la alta prevalencia de fragilidad en la muestra. Se reitera la exactitud del VES-13 para identificar ancianos robustos (VES-13 ? 2), que pueden ser manejados exclusivamente en atención primaria de salud (APS) y ancianos frágiles (VES-13 ? 7), que deben ser derivados a atención especializada. Se necesita evaluar más el subgrupo intermedio (VES-13 de 3 a 6) para definir mejor su condición, configurando así una estrategia jerárquica para la atención integral de la salud del adulto mayor.

Muscle mass and cellular membrane integrity assessment in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between muscle mass depletion and compromising of the cell membrane integrity and clinical-anthropometric characteristics in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS: This observational study evaluated waist circumference, body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Skeletal mass index corrected by weight and impairment of cell membrane integrity were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: In 56 patients, muscle mass depletion was observed in 62.5% and cell membrane impairment in 28.6%. The metabolic syndrome and elevated aspartate aminotransferase were the only clinical factors associated with mass depletion (p<0.05). The linear regression analysis showed association between skeletal mass index and waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference, after adjustments (p<0.05). The phase angle value was not different between those with and without mass depletion, and also it did not have correlation with skeletal mass index and clinical parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mass depletion and cell membrane impairment was higher in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The muscle mass depletion was associated with central obesity, aspartate aminotransferase elevated, and metabolic syndrome; however, the phase angle is not associated with clinical and anthropometric data.

Impairment of quality of life due to anxiety and depression in patients with chronic pain / Comprometimento da qualidade de vida por ansiedade e depressão em pacientes com dor crônica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain causes functional and social disability, resulting in emotional impact. This study's objective was to describe the main impairments of activities of daily living, anxious and depressive symptoms, and quality of life in patients with chronic pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with chronic pain outpatients. Analysis of clinical and sociodemographic variables, as well as activities of daily living. Assessment of pain, anxious and depressive symptoms by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, quality of life by the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire and data analysis by the SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: The study observed limitations in work, movement, leisure and home activities, quality of life below the median and worse for the physical and emotional domains. Sleep was very impaired, followed by partial difficulty with appetite and sexual activity. Although they had anxious and depressive symptoms, most participants were moderately satisfied with their treatment. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain has a very significant impact on quality of life, impairing and limiting daily activities more intensely in individuals with anxious and depressive symptoms.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Dor crônica acarreta incapacidade funcional e social, impactando emocionalmente os indivíduos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os principais comprometimentos das atividades de vida diária, sintomas ansiosos e depressivos e qualidade de vida em pacientes com dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com pacientes de ambulatório de dor crônica. Análise das variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas, assim como das atividades de vida diária. Avaliação de dor, de sintomas ansiosos e depressivos pela Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, de qualidade de vida pelo questionário Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey e a análise dos dados no programa estatístico SPSS. RESULTADOS: Foi evidenciada limitação para o trabalho, movimento, lazer e atividade domiciliar, qualidade de vida abaixo da mediana e pior para os domínios aspectos físicos e emocionais. O sono foi muito comprometido, seguido de dificuldade parcial para apetite e atividade sexual. Embora apresentassem sintomas ansiosos e depressivos, a maioria dos participantes estavam moderadamente satisfeitos com o tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A dor crônica impacta de forma muito significativa na qualidade de vida, comprometendo e limitando as atividades diárias de modo mais intenso nos portadores de sintomas ansiosos e depressivos.

Muscle mass and cellular membrane integrity assessment in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between muscle mass depletion and compromising of the cell membrane integrity and clinical-anthropometric characteristics in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS: This observational study evaluated waist circumference, body mass index, and waist-to-height ratio in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Skeletal mass index corrected by weight and impairment of cell membrane integrity were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: In 56 patients, muscle mass depletion was observed in 62.5% and cell membrane impairment in 28.6%. The metabolic syndrome and elevated aspartate aminotransferase were the only clinical factors associated with mass depletion (p<0.05). The linear regression analysis showed association between skeletal mass index and waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference, after adjustments (p<0.05). The phase angle value was not different between those with and without mass depletion, and also it did not have correlation with skeletal mass index and clinical parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mass depletion and cell membrane impairment was higher in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The muscle mass depletion was associated with central obesity, aspartate aminotransferase elevated, and metabolic syndrome; however, the phase angle is not associated with clinical and anthropometric data.

The possible benefits of vitamin D in COVID-19.

Molecular studies have demonstrated the importance of the exacerbated immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, called the cytokine storm, in more severe COVID-19. The pathophysiology is complex and involves several homeostatic factors; among them, a deficit of vitamin D draws attention because of its high frequency in the population. Some evidence suggests that people with low serum vitamin D levels have worse outcomes, often requiring intensive care. This review analyzed the studies available in the global literature addressing the benefits of vitamin D in COVID-19, relating serum levels to the severity of the disease, and indicating vitamin D as a possible prophylactic and therapy in infection.

Influence of nutritional assistance on mortality by COVID-19 in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Evidence suggests the existence of an association between the institution of nutritional therapy and clinical outcomes in patients with critical COVID-19. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of nutritional assistance on COVID-19 mortality in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). METHODS: This is a subset of the cohort "Influence of nutritional therapy on clinical prognosis in patients with COVID-19: a multicenter retrospective cohort study". Clinical and nutrition assistance information (type of assistance, evaluation of anthropometric status, and time of introduction of nutritional therapy) and presence of diabetes, hypertension and previous respiratory disease were collected from electronic medical records. To evaluate the association between the variables of interest and mortality, the hazard ratio was estimated. RESULTS: We evaluated 153 critically ill patients ≥18 years old, affected by COVID-19, with a rate of mortality of 77.8%. Among non survivors 58.8% were female, 52.9% aged <65 years, 66.4% had arterial hypertension, 46.2% diabetes mellitus and 81.5% had an early onset of nutritional support. Initiation of nutritional therapy after 48 h (HR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.57-4.20) and the presence of obesity (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.04-2.31) were associated with higher mortality, even after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that the provision of early nutritional therapy should be prioritized, with greater attention directed to obese patients, and the nutritional assistance can contribute favorably to the clinical evolution and prognosis of critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Thyroid Hormone Levels During Hospital Admission Inform Disease Severity and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Illness severity in patients infected with COVID-19 is variable. Methods: Here, we conducted an observational, longitudinal, and prospective cohort study to investigate serum thyroid hormone (TH) levels in adult COVID-19 patients, admitted between June and August 2020, and to determine whether they reflect the severity or mortality associated with the disease. Results: Two hundred forty-five patients [median age: 62 (49-75) years] were stratified into non-critical (181) and critically ill (64) groups. Fifty-eight patients (23.6%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 41 (16.7%) died. Sixteen (6.5%) exhibited isolated low levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3). fT3 levels were lower in critically ill compared with non-critical patients [fT3: 2.82 (2.46-3.29) pg/mL vs. 3.09 (2.67-3.63) pg/mL, p = 0.007]. Serum reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) was mostly elevated but less so in critically ill compared with non-critical patients [rT3: 0.36 (0.28-0.56) ng/mL vs. 0.51 (0.31-0.67) ng/mL, p = 0.001]. The univariate logistic regression revealed correlation between in-hospital mortality and serum fT3 levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI 0.29-0.74]; p = 0.0019), rT3 levels (OR: 0.09; [CI 0.01-0.49]; p = 0.006) and the product fT3 × rT3 (OR: 0.47; [CI 0.28-0.74]; p = 0.0026). Serum thyrotropin, free thyroxine, and fT3/rT3 values were not significantly associated with mortality and severity of the disease. A serum cutoff level of fT3 (≤2.6 pg/mL) and rT3 (≤0.38 ng/mL) was associated with 3.46 and 5.94 OR of mortality, respectively. We found three COVID-19 mortality predictors using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC score): serum fT3 (AUC = 0.66), rT3 (AUC = 0.64), and the product of serum fT3 × rT3 (AUC = 0.70). Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (fT3 < 2.0 pg/mL) was associated with a 7.05 OR of mortality ([CI 1.78-28.3], p = 0.005) and the product rT3 × fT3 ≤ 1.29 with an 8.08 OR of mortality ([CI 3.14-24.2], p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This prospective study reports data on the largest number of hospitalized moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients and correlates serum TH levels with illness severity, mortality, and other biomarkers to critical illness. The data revealed the importance of early assessment of thyroid function in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, given the good prognostic value of serum fT3, rT3, and fT3 × rT3 product. Further studies are necessary to confirm these observations.

Association between bariatric surgery and oral health: a literature review

Objective: to review the literature on the relationship between oral health and bariatric surgery in obese individuals. Methods: articles published until March 2021 were searched in the Medline/PubMed, LILACS, BBO, and Web of Science databases. The search used a combination of descriptors related to the words: obesity, bariatric surgery, and oral health. Results: one hundred thirty-five studies were identified in the database search. Of these, 47 were included in this review. The oral changes investigated in the literature for individuals who underwent bariatric surgery were dental caries, tooth wear/erosion, hypersensitivity, periodontal disease, hyposalivation, halitosis, and changes in mastication and oral soft tissue. The evaluated articles showed methodological controversy regarding the study design, follow-up period, sample size, and assessed clinical parameters, which complicated the comparison of studies. Final considerations: there is no consensus in the literature regarding the relationship between oral health and bariatric surgery in obese individuals. Further prospective cohort studies should be conducted to investigate this association better.(AU)

Objetivo: revisar a literatura sobre a relação entre saúde bucal e cirurgia bariátrica em indivíduos obesos. Métodos: foi realizada uma busca de estudos publicados até março de 2021 nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed, LILACS, BBO e Web of Science. Foi utilizada uma combinação de descritores relacionada às palavras: obesidade, cirurgia bariátrica e saúde bucal. Resultados: foram identificados 135 estudos nas bases de dados pesquisadas. Desses, 47 estudos foram incluídos nesta revisão. As alterações bucais investigadas em indivíduos que realizaram cirurgia bariátrica apresentadas na literatura foram: cárie dentária, desgaste dentário/erosão dentária, hipersensibilidade, doença periodontal, hipossalivação, halitose, alterações da função mastigatória e alterações no tecido mole bucal. Os estudos avaliados mostraram controvérsia metodológica em relação a: tipo de desenho de estudo, tempo de seguimento, tamanho da amostra e parâmetros clínicos avaliados, fato que dificultou comparar os estudos. Considerações finais: não há consenso na literatura sobre a relação entre saúde bucal e cirurgia bariátrica em indivíduos obesos. Mais estudos de coorte prospectivos devem ser realizados para estudar melhor essa associação.(AU)

Diabetic Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Show More Metabolic Syndrome than Nondiabetic Patients: Multicentric Study in the Northeast of Brazil.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular mortality. However, few Brazilian studies evaluated MS in diabetic individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, the objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of MS in cardiac patients with and without DM. Methods: Cross-sectional study of BALANCE Program Trial with patients with CVD, ≥45 years old, who had been attending specialized ambulatories on cardiovascular health, in eight states in the Northeast of Brazil. The components of MS were evaluated by following the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and Joint Interim Statement (JIS). In addition, there were investigated different indexes of abdominal obesity, variables related to lifestyle, and food intake. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, and chi-squared tests for the comparison of groups. There were significant values of P < 0.05. Results: Six hundred forty-seven individuals were evaluated with average (standard deviation) age of 63.1 (9.3) years, being 50.5% females and 40.3% diabetic patients. When the groups of patients who were diabetic and the nondiabetic ones, the first showed higher percentage of obesity (38.5% vs. 23.2%, P < 0.001), of high waist circumference (84.8% vs. 71.9%; P < 0.001), higher waist-height ratio [0.6 (0.6-0.7) vs. 0.6 (0.5-0.6); P < 0.001], conicity index [1.35 (1.29-1.39) vs. 1.32 (1.27-1.38); P = 0.004], and prevalence of MS, because of the criteria of NCEP ATP III (98.8% vs. 80.4%; P < 0.001), as well as the criteria of JIS (99.2% vs. 89.3%; P < 0.001). The component of higher frequency was high blood pressure and/or hypertension (95.0%), followed by hypertriglyceridemia (93.0%). There were no differences regarding age, lifestyle, and food intake. Conclusions: Diabetic individuals with CVD showed more prevalence of MS and more abdominal obesity than nondiabetic individuals. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01620398.

Phase angle and metabolic parameters in severely obese patients.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: obese patients present an inflammatory and metabolic profile that leads to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Phase angle is an indicator of cellular integrity and has been proposed as a prognostic parameter for changes in the metabolic profile. Objective: to investigate the possible association between phase angle and metabolic parameters in obese patients. Material and method: this was a cross-sectional study of adult obese patients who attended a specialized clinic between 2014 and 2016. All patients were ≥ 18 years of age, with a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2. All data were obtained from medical records and made part of the clinical protocol. Patients were divided into two groups using a cutoff point for phase angle, and the groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis or Chi-squared test for quantitative and categorical variables, respectively. Correlations were identified by Spearman's and Pearson's correlation analyses. All between-group differences were considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: a low phase angle was present in 30.5 % of the 141 patients enrolled in the study. We found an association between low phase angle and presence of hyperuricemia (p = 0.018) when adjusted for waist circumference, dysglycemia, arterial hypertension, and hyperuricemia. There was no correlation between phase angle and the components of body composition. Conclusions: there is an association of phase angle with uric acid levels, but not with other metabolic parameters.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: los pacientes obesos presentan un perfil inflamatorio y metabólico que provoca estrés oxidativo y daño celular. El ángulo de fase es un indicador de integridad celular que se ha propuesto como parámetro pronóstico de los cambios del perfil metabólico. Objetivo: investigar la posible asociación entre el ángulo de fase y los parámetros metabólicos en pacientes obesos. Material y método: este fue un estudio transversal de pacientes obesos adultos que asistieron a una clínica especializada entre 2014 y 2016. Todos los pacientes tenían ≥ 18 años de edad y un índice de masa corporal ≥ 35 kg/m2. Todos los datos se obtuvieron de los registros médicos y formaron parte del protocolo clínico. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos usando un punto de corte para el ángulo de fase, y los grupos se compararon usando la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis o del chi cuadrado para las variables cuantitativas y categóricas, respectivamente. Las correlaciones se identificaron mediante el análisis de correlación de Spearman y el de Pearson. Todas las diferencias entre grupos se consideraron estadísticamente significativas si p ≤ 0.05. Resultados: se observó un ángulo de fase bajo en el 30,5 % de los 141 pacientes incluidos en el estudio. Encontramos una asociación entre el ángulo de fase bajo y la presencia de hiperuricemia (p = 0.018) cuando se ajustó para la circunferencia de la cintura, la disglucemia, la hipertensión arterial y la hiperuricemia. No hubo correlación entre el ángulo de fase y los componentes de la composición corporal. Conclusiones: el ángulo de fase presenta asociación con los niveles plasmáticos de ácido úrico pero no con otros parámetros metabólicos.