Sarcopenia Index Is a Simple Objective Screening Tool for Malnutrition in the Critically Ill.

BACKGROUND: Reliable and valid tools to screen for malnutrition in the intensive care unit (ICU) remain elusive. The sarcopenia index (SI) [(serum creatinine/serum cystatin C) × 100], could be an inexpensive, objective tool to predict malnutrition. We evaluated the SI as a screening tool for malnutrition in the ICU and compared it with the modified-NUTRIC score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a historical cohort study of ICU patients with stable kidney function admitted to Mayo Clinic ICUs between 2008 and 2015. Malnutrition was defined by the Subjective Global Assessment. Diagnostic performance was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 398 included patients, 181 (45%) had malnutrition, with 34 (9%) scored as severely malnourished. The SI was significantly lower in malnourished patients than in well-nourished patients (64 ± 27 vs 72 ± 25; P = 0.002), and reductions in SI corresponded to increased malnutrition severity (P = 0.001). As a screening tool, the SI was an indicator of malnutrition risk (AUC 0.61) and performed slightly better than the more complex modified-NUTRIC score (AUC = 0.57). SI cutoffs of 101 and 43 had >90% sensitivity and >90% specificity, respectively, for the prediction of malnutrition. Patients with a low SI (≤43) had a significantly higher risk of mortality (HR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.06-6.48, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The frequency of malnutrition was high in this critically ill population, and it was associated with a poor prognosis. The SI could be used to assess nutrition risk in ICU patients.

Use of both quantitative and qualitative methods to improve assessment of resting energy expenditure equation performance in hospitalized adults.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the use of qualitative assessment in energy expenditure (EE) equation research to improve the understanding of performance of the equations in the clinical setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hospitalized individuals who had an indirect calorimetry (IC) measurement during their hospital stay from 2010 to 2012 were included in the study (n = 59). An additional 1000 patients hospitalized during this time were used to limit the IC cohort to a more "clinically relevant" BMI range (n = 46). The following estimation equations were assessed: Harris-Benedict, 25 kcal/kg using actual body weight, Mifflin St. Jeor, Ireton-Jones, Penn State, and Owen. Bland-Altman plots with Loess curves were generated to compare estimated basal caloric needs between EE equations and IC values. RESULTS: This study found a large amount of variability with all EE equations. As the mean calorie level increased, the Harris Benedict, Mifflin St. Jeor, Penn State, and Owen equations all tended to increasingly under-predict caloric need. CONCLUSION: In a research setting a qualitative assessment of EE equations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of equation performance by complementing traditional quantitative methods. The addition of a Loess curve to the Bland-Altman plot further enhances qualitative assessment.

Enteral Nutrition in Chronic Liver Disease: Translating Evidence Into Practice.

Malnutrition is prevalent in individuals with chronic liver disease and occurs as a result of inadequate nutrient intake, altered metabolism, and malabsorption. Although limited data show benefits of enteral nutrition (EN) in this population, patients with chronic liver disease often have inadequate oral intake and are potential candidates for EN. The goals of the EN, type and severity of liver disease, and access for EN will influence the decision to initiate EN. This paper summarizes EN studies in patients with liver disease and provides practical tips regarding patient selection, EN access, and EN formula choices. Two case studies illustrate the principles and challenges of providing EN to patients with cirrhosis. The paper concludes with suggested parameters for an EN feeding protocol and recommendations for future research.

Obesity and organ transplantation: successes, failures, and opportunities.

The increasing rate of societal obesity is also affecting the transplant world through obesity in candidates and donors as well as its posttransplant repercussions. Being overweight and obese has been shown to have significant effects on both short- and long-term complications as well as patient and graft survival. However, much of the comorbidity can be controlled or prevented with careful patient selection and aggressive management. A team approach to managing obesity and its comorbidities both pre- and posttransplant is essential for successful transplant outcomes. Complicating understanding the results of obesity research is the inclusion different weight categories, use of listing vs transplant weights, patient populations large enough for statistical power, and changes in transplant management, especially immunosuppression protocols, anti-infection protocols, and operative techniques. Much more research is needed regarding many elements, including safe weight loss before transplantation, prevention of weight gain after transplant, genomic influences, and the role of bariatric surgery in the transplant process.

Medical weight loss treatment options in obese solid-organ transplant candidates.

With the increasing incidence of obesity in our country, the rate of obesity seen in organ transplant candidates is also rising. Accurate descriptions and measures of weight and degree of obesity vary between organ systems. Weight loss can be achieved in some patients while they wait for the transplant surgery. Weight reduction in transplant candidates involves a team approach, with a program of education and support, including medical nutrition therapy, physical therapy, and psychological support. The safety and applicability of weight loss medications to assist with pretransplant weight loss is also not well understood. It is not yet well known if weight loss before transplantation will improve posttransplant outcomes. Many questions regarding the treatment of obesity in transplant candidates remain unanswered.

Nutrition in alcoholic liver disease.

Liver disease secondary to alcohol ranges from alcoholic fatty liver disease to acute hepatitis to cirrhotic liver disease. It is imperative that alcohol be discontinued to allow for any potential improvement in liver function, with most benefit being seen in the early stages of the disease. Alcoholic liver disease has a profound effect on nutrient intake, nutrition status, and metabolism, contributing to a high prevalence of malnutrition in this population. Early intervention with nutrition therapy may improve response to treatment, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality and quantity of life. In this review, nutrition assessment parameters and medical nutrition therapy goals for alcoholic liver disease are discussed.