Impaired trunk control and its relationship with balance, functional mobility, and disease severity in patients with cervical dystonia.

BACKGROUND: Impaired trunk control is common in neurological disorders; however, trunk control has not been examined in patients with cervical dystonia (CD). Therefore, the primary aim was to compare trunk control between patients with CD and healthy people. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between trunk control and balance, functional mobility, and disease severity in patients with CD. METHODS: ]This cross-sectional study included 32 patients with CD and 32 healthy people. Trunk control was compared using the trunk impairment scale (TIS) that consists of three subscales: static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and trunk coordination between two groups. Balance was assessed using Berg Balance Scale, four square step test, and one-leg stance test. The Timed Up and Go Test was measured to determine functional mobility. Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale was used to evaluate disease severity.]>

Which is responsible for aphasia by subcortical lesions? Subcortical lesions or the cortical hypoperfusion?

Cerebral lesions causing aphasia involve morphological and functional changes. In this study, it was aimed to explain the connection between aphasia and subcortical lesions with SPECT. The study included 30 patients diagnosed in the first three days of stroke with a single hemorrhagic or ischemic lesion in the dominant hemisphere subcortical area. Gulhane Aphasia Test and SPECT were performed. Aphasia was detected in 19 cases (63.3%). The relationship between aphasia and perfusion dysfunction in cortical and subcortical regions of the brain was evaluated, aphasia was found to be present in 15 (71.4%) of the 21 patients with cortical hypoperfusion in the dominant hemisphere and 4 (44.4%) of the 9 patients without cortical hypoperfusion; the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). In the ischemia group, aphasia was present in 11 (78.5%) of the 14 cases with cortical hypoperfusion in the dominant hemisphere. Aphasia wasn't detected in any of the 5 cases that did not have cortical hypoperfusion, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.005). When cerebral regions were evaluated separately, significant difference was reported in the aphasia seen with frontal, anterior parietal, and occipital hypoperfusion compared to cases with normal perfusion in these areas, with p = 0.003, p = 0.021, and p = 0.004, respectively. This study showed that aphasia to be more common in cases with cortical hypoperfusion in the dominant hemisphere than in cases without hypoperfusion. Our results provide evidence that direct effect of the lesion in the basal ganglia on the development of aphasia is doubtful.

Comparison of pramipexole versus ropinirole in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Background and purpose: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Levodopa is the most effective drug in the symptomatic treatment of the disease. Dopamine receptor agonists provide sustained dopamin-ergic stimulation and have been found to delay the initiation of levodopa treatment and reduce the frequency of various motor complications due to the long-term use of levodopa. The primary aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of potent nonergoline dopamine agonists pramipexole and ropinirole in both "dopamine agonist monotherapy group" and "levodopa add-on therapy group" in Parkinson's disease. The secondary aims were to evaluate the effects of these agents on depression and the safety of pramipexole and ropinirole. Methods: A total of 44 patients aged between 36 and 80 years who were presented to the neurology clinic at Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey and were diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, were included into this randomized parallel-group clinical study. Dopamine agonist monotherapy and levodopa add-on therapy patients were randomized into two groups to receive either pramipexole or ropinirole. The maximum daily dosages of pramipexole and ropinirole were 4.5 mg and 24 mg respectively. Patients were followed for 6 months and changes on Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness, Clinical Global Impression-improvement, Beck Depression Inven-tory scores, and additionally in advanced stages, changes in levodopa dosages were evaluated. Drug associated side effects were noted and compared. Results: In dopamine agonist monotherapy group all of the subsections and total scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness of the pramipexole subgroup showed significant improvement particularly at the end of the sixth month. In the pramipexole subgroup of levodopa add-on therapy group, there were significant improvements on Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness and Beck Depression Inventory scores, but we found significant improvement on Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness score at the end of the sixth month in ropinirole subgroup too. The efficacy of pramipexole and ropinirole as antiparkinsonian drugs for monotherapy and levodopa add-on therapy in Parkinson's disease and their effects on motor complications when used with levodopa treatment for add-on therapy have been demonstrated in several previous studies. Conclusion: This study supports the effectiveness and safety of pramipexole and ropinirole in the monotherapy and levodopa add-on therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

The role of heparin in preventing the early silent ischemia in carotid stenting.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Serebral silent ischemia is a complication of carotid stenting. If silent ischemia occurs 24 h later of carotid stenting, it called early serebral silent ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heparin infusion on the prevention of early silent ischemia in patients who underwent carotid stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 26 patients who underwent carotid stenting. Patients who had carotid stenting, we randomized into two groups. The first group of patients were given continuously heparin infusion a maximum of 20,000 units for 24 h, and screened the aPTT value each 6 h. The aPTT value aimed a range of 2-3 times to up baseline. The second group didn't take heparin infusion. Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) and gradient echo (GRE) sequences performed in all patients at the 24 h of carotid stenting. RESULTS: Early serebral silent ischemia was detected by DWI-MRI in 13 (50%) of 26 patients who underwent carotid stenting. Seven (53.80%) of 13 patients whit early serebral silent ischemia did not receive heparin treatment, while 6 (46.20%) received heparin treatment. There was no symptomatic or asymptomatic acute hemorrhage in patients who treated with heparin. CONCLUSION: In our study, the continuation of anticoagulant therapy for 24 h to prevent early silent ischemia was not statistically significant. Also there is no reduction for count of serebral silent ischemia between two groups. However, due to the small number of patients in the study, future studies are required with more patients.

Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Patients with Dysphagia: A Delphi-Based Consensus Study of Experts in Turkey-Part I: Management, Diagnosis, and Follow-up.

Dysphagia is one of the most common and important complications of stroke. It is an independent marker of poor outcome after acute stroke and may become chronic after the acute period and continues to affect all aspects of the patient's life. Patients with stroke may encounter any of the medical branches in the emergency room or outpatient clinic, and as in our country, there may not be specialists specific for dysphagia, such as speech-language pathologists (SLP), in every hospital. This study aimed to raise awareness and create a common opinion of medical specialists for stroke patients with dysphagia. This recommendation paper has been written by a multidisciplinary team and offers 45 recommendations for stroke patients with dysphagia. It was created using the eight-step Delphi round via e-mail. This study is mostly specific to Turkey. However, since it contains detailed recommendations from the perspective of various disciplines associated with stroke, this consensus-based recommendation paper is not only a useful guide to address clinical questions in practice for the clinical management of dysphagia in terms of management, diagnosis, and follow-up, but also includes detailed comments for these topics.

Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Patients with Dysphagia: A Delphi-Based Consensus Study of Experts in Turkey-Part II: Rehabilitation.

Dysphagia is one of the most common and important complications of stroke. It is an independent marker of poor outcome following acute stroke and it continues to be effective for many years. This consensus-based guideline is not only a good address to clinical questions in practice for the clinical management of dysphagia including management, diagnosis, follow-up, and rehabilitation methods, but also includes detailed algorithms for these topics. The recommendation paper has been written by a multidisciplinary team and offers 117 recommendations for stroke patients with dysphagia. While focusing on management principles, diagnosis, and follow-up in the 1st part (45 items), rehabilitation details were evaluated in the 2nd part (72 items).

Comparison of preseptal and pretarsal onabotulinum toxin an injection in patients with hemifacial spasm.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of onabotulinum toxin A on the amplitude and latency values of the blink reflex and facial nerve in the pretarsal and preseptal portions of the orbicularis oculi muscle in patients with hemifacial spasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with hemifacial spasm were assigned in two equal groups: Pretarsal Group: Five units of onabotulinum toxin A were injected into each of 2 points of the pretarsal portion; Preseptal Group: Five units of onabotulinum toxin A was injected into 4 points of the preseptal portion. We compared the electromyographic features of the patients before and 5 weeks after botulinum toxin (BTX) injection. RESULTS: In comparison of pre- and post-treatment measurements of blink reflex amplitude responses, the decreases in R1 (p = 0.003), R2 (p < 0.001), and R2C amplitudes (p = 0.031) were found to be significant in the BTX injected side in the pretarsal group. In the comparison of pre- and post-treatment measurements of facial nerve compound action potential amplitude changes, decreases in the amplitudes of the BTX injected (ipsilateral), and uninjected (contralateral) side in the pretarsal group were found to be significant (p < 0.001 for both groups). Decreases in the amplitudes of the BTX injected, and uninjected side in the preseptal group were found to be significant (p < 0.001, and p = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: According to our hypothesis, the smaller amount of BTX applied to the pretarsal portion was found to be more effective than higher amount of BTX injected into the preseptal portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle.

Bilateral Wallerian Degeneration of the Pontocerebellar Tracts.

Wallerian degeneration is the process of progressive demyelination and disintegration of the distal axonal segment following the transection of the axon or damage to the neuron. We report a case of a patient with Wallerian degeneration of the pontocerebellar tracts. She had a history of a pontine infarction 3 months ago. Wallerian degeneration of pontocerebellar tracts is seen bilaterally and symmetrically and is more visible in the middle cerebellar peduncles. Along the middle cerebellar peduncles hyperintense signal was detected on T2 weighted images. Wallerian degeneration of pontocerebellar tracts is a rare entity. It can occur bilaterally after a large pontine infarction. Magnetic resonance imaging seems to be the most effective technique for detection of Wallerian degeneration. In this report we want to mention this rare entity and to prevent wrong diagnosis.

Uterine rupture in pregnancy after robotic myomectomy.

Uterine rupture in pregnancy is a rare and often catastrophic complication with a high incidence of fetal and maternal morbidity. A gravida 2 para 1 woman aged 40 years who was 33-34 weeks pregnant presented to our clinic with serious abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting that had begun 6 hours previously. Her past surgical history included a robotic myomectomy 2 years ago in our unit. Obstetric ultrasonography revealed a 33-week fetus without a heartbeat whereupon she underwent emergency laparotomy and we found a 4 cm rupture on the anterior wall of the uterus. Uterine rupture should always be kept in mind, especially in patients with history of uterine surgery.

Can arteriovenous malformation prevent the diagnosis of brain death?

We present a case of a 14-year-old boy with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage that was referred to us to confirm the diagnosis of brain death with cerebral angiography. In the left carotid angiogram, there was no arterial flow above the craniovertebral junction. But in the right carotid angiogram, there was arterial flow up to the level of posterior communicating artery. Right posterior cerebral artery was filled with contrast medium via patent posterior communicating artery and later, an opacifying arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was detected which was also seen in the vertebral angiogram. Although the angiographic findings of the patient did not confirm the angiographic criteria for the diagnosis of brain death, it could not be also excluded because the only cerebral flow was the filling of the AVM and no other cerebral perfusion was detected.

Learning curve analysis of intracorporeal cuff suturing during robotic single-site total hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To analyze the learning curve of intracorporeal cuff suturing during robotic single-site total hysterectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with benign indications for hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-four patients who underwent robotic single-site total hysterectomy to treat benign indications were included in the study. Surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon with extensive experience in laparoscopy, using the single-site platform of the da Vinci Surgical System. All vaginal cuffs were closed intracorporeally using semi-rigid single-site instruments. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: An exponential learning curve technique was used to analyze the learning curve. The overall mean (SD) vaginal cuff closure time was 23.2 (7) minutes. Learning curve analysis revealed a decrease in vaginal closure time after 14 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: An experienced robotic surgeon requires approximately 14 procedures to achieve proficiency in intracorporeal cuff suturing during robotic single-site total hysterectomy. Novel instruments that create perfect triangulation are needed to overcome the current challenges of suturing and to shorten operative time.

Comparison of double dose plateletpheresis on the Fenwal Amicus, Fresenius COM.TEC and Trima Accel cell separators.

BACKGROUND: A variety of apheresis instruments are now available on the market for double dose plateletpheresis. We compared three apheresis devices (Fenwal Amicus, Fresenius COM.TEC and Trima Accel) with regard to processing time, platelet (PLT) yield, collection efficiency (CE) and collection rate (CR). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The single-needle or double-needle double plateletpheresis procedures of the three instruments were compared in a retrospective, randomized study in 135 donors. RESULTS: In the pre-apheresis setting, 45 double plateletpheresis procedures performed with each instrument revealed no significant differences in donor's age, sex, weight, hemoglobin, white blood cell and PLT count between three groups. The blood volume processed to reach a target PLT yield of ≥ 6 × 10(11) was higher in the COM.TEC compared with the Amicus and Trima (4394 vs. 3780 and 3340 ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Also there was a significantly higher median volume of ACD used in collections on the COM.TEC compared with the Amicus and Trima (426 vs. 387 and 329 ml, respectively; p < 0.001). There was a significantly higher median time needed for the procedures on the COM.TEC compared with the Amicus and Trima (66 vs. 62 and 63 min, respectively; p = 0.024). The CE was significantly higher with the Trima compared with the Amicus and COM.TEC (83.57 ± 17.19 vs. 66.71 ± 3.47 and 58.79 ± 5.14%, respectively; p < 0.001). Also, there was a significantly higher product volume on the Trima compared with the Amicus and COM.TEC (395.56 vs. 363.11 and 386.4 ml, respectively; p = 0.008). Additionally, the CR was significantly lower with the COM.TEC compared with the Amicus and Trima (0.092 ± 0.011 vs. 0.099 ± 0.013 and 0.097 ± 0.013 plt × 10(11)/min, respectively; p = 0.039). There was no significant differences in PLT yield between the three groups (p = 0.636). CONCLUSIONS: Trima single-needle device collected double dose platelets more efficiently than Amicus and COM.TEC double-needle devices. Blood volume processed, ACD-A volume, and median separation time was significantly higher with the COM.TEC. Also, the CR was significantly lower with the COM.TEC.

Laparoscopic virtual reality simulator and box trainer in gynecology.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a virtual reality simulator (LapSim) and traditional box trainer are effective tools for the acquisition of basic laparoscopic skills, and whether the LapSim is superior to the box trainer in surgical education. METHODS: In a study at Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey, between September 2008 and March 2013, 40 first- and second-year residents were randomized to train via the LapSim or box trainer for 4 weeks, and 20 senior residents were allocated to a control group. All 3 groups performed laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation. Video records of each operation were assessed via the general rating scale of the Objective Structured Assessment of Laparoscopic Salpingectomy and by operation time in seconds. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the LapSim and box trainer groups performed significantly better in total score (P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively) and time (P=0.03 and P=0.01, respectively). There were no differences between the LapSim and box trainer groups. CONCLUSION: Novice residents who trained on a LapSim or box trainer performed better live laparoscopies than residents who trained via standard clinical surgical education. Training with a virtual reality simulator or box trainer should be considered before actual laparoscopic procedures are carried out.

Single-site robotic total hysterectomy: standardization of technique and surgical outcomes.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic single-site total hysterectomy and to compare the outcomes of newly implemented robotic single-site bipolar and external vessel-sealing device. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with benign indications for hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent robotic-assisted single-incision transumbilical total hysterectomy using the novel da Vinci Single-Site Platform. Vaginal cuff closures were performed intracorporeally using the same technique in all cases. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 49.5 years (range, 40-61), and body mass index was 28.5 (range, 21-34). Blood loss was 22.5 mL (range, 7-120 mL). Docking time was 5.5 minutes (range, 3-10 minutes), console time was 74.5 minutes (range, 60-160 minutes), vaginal cuff closure time was 25 minutes (range, 16-41 minutes), and total operative time was 98.5 minutes (range, 71-183 minutes). When 2 groups were created according to the energy devices used during the procedures, console time in the newly implemented bipolar group was shorter than in the external sealing device group (69.5 minutes vs. 77 minutes; p = .03); however, no differences were found for uterus removal time (50.5 minutes vs. 53.5 minutes; p = .13). Differences were observed in vaginal cuff closure time (18.5 minutes vs 23 minutes; p = .01). CONCLUSION: Robotic single-site total hysterectomy using a newly implemented bipolar grasping instrument and even with intracorporeal cuff closure is a safe and feasible procedure in appropriately selected patients.

Robotic single-incision transumbilical total hysterectomy using a single-site robotic platform: initial report and technique.

The benefits of laparoscopic surgery over open abdominal surgery have been well documented. Efforts continue for development of strategies that further reduce the size of abdominal incisions and the number of trocars used. Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is a promising approach that can further enhance cosmetic satisfaction and reduce the risks of laparoscopic surgery. Loss of triangulation, instrument crowding and clashing, poor visualization, and ergonomic problems are the most challenging issues associated with the use of LESS. The combination of LESS and the robotic system seems to be a promising choice to overcome the technical difficulties of LESS. The da Vinci Single-Site Surgical Platform is a novel semi-rigid robotic operating system. We present our initial clinical experience with robotic-assisted single-incision transumbilical total hysterectomy using the novel da Vinci Single-Site Surgical Platform.

Vaginal cuff dehiscence with bowel evisceration after robotic hysterectomy.

Vaginal cuff dehisence with bowel evisceration after hysterectomy is a very rare complication. However, the incidance of this complication appears to be increased with the widely used techniques of laparoscopic surgery especially with robotic hysterectomy. In this case report we aimed to evaluate the risk factors and treatment methods for this complication.

A novel technique for laparoscopic removal of the fallopian tube after ectopic pregnancy via transabdominal or transumbilical port using homemade bag: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and surgical outcome of a novel technique for laparoscopic removal of the fallopian tube using a homemade retrieval bag through a 10-mm transumbilical or 5-mm transabdominal port. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 women with ruptured ectopic tubal pregnancy were randomized into a 10-mm transumbilical group (n = 20) or a 5-mm transabdominal group (n = 20) according to the port used for specimen removal. Fallopian tube removal was performed using a new method based on the use of a homemade surgical glove as a retrieval bag. RESULTS: There were no differences in the demographic characteristics between the two groups. The specimen retrieval time was significantly shorter in the transumbilical group than in the transabdominal group. Post-operative pain scores, assessed using a visual analog scale, were similar between the groups. No cases of rupture of the homemade retrieval bag were observed. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic removal of the fallopian tube through the 10-mm umbilical port using a homemade retrieval bag is associated with shorter operative time than retrieval through a 5-mm abdominal port. The present results showed the feasibility and safety of our homemade retrieval bag and novel technique.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with neurologic diseases: retrospective multicenter study.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is commonly used in many neurological disorders where an immune etiology was known or suspected. We report our experience with TPE performed for neuroimmunologic disorders at four university hospitals. The study was a retrospective review of the medical records of neurological patients (n=57) consecutively treated with TPE between April 2006 and May 2007. TPE indications in neurological diseases included Guillain-Barrè Syndrome (GBS) (n=41), myasthenia gravis (MG) (n=11), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (n=3), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (n=1) and multiple sclerosis (MS) (n=1). Patient median age was 49; there was a predominance of males. Twenty-two patients had a history of other therapy including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroid, azothioprin, and pridostigmine prior to TPE. Another 35 patients had not received any treatment prior to TPE. All patients were classified according to the Hughes functional grading scores pre- and first day post-TPE for early clinical evaluation of patients. The TPE was carried out 1-1.5 times at the predicted plasma volume every other day. Two hundred and ninety-four procedures were performed on 57 patients. The median number of TPE sessions per patient was five, and the median processed plasma volume was 3075mL for each cycle. Although the pre-TPE median Hughes score of all patients was 4, it had decreased to grade 1 after TPE. While the pre-TPE median Hughes score for GBS and MG patients was 4, post-TPE scores were decreased to grade 1. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between post-TPE Hughes score for GBS patients with TPE as front line therapy and patients receiving IVIG as front line therapy (1 vs. 3.5; p=0.034). Although there was no post-TPE improvement in Hughes scores in patients with ADEM and CIDP, patients with MS had an improved Hughes score from 4 to 1. Mild and manageable complications such as hypotension and hypocalcemia were also observed. TPE may be preferable for controlling symptoms of neuroimmunological disorders in early stage of the disease, especially with GBS.

Comparison of Plateletpheresis on the Fenwal Amicus and Fresenius Com.Tec Cell Separators.

SUMMARY: BACKGROUND: A variety of apheresis devices are now available on the market for plateletapheresis. We compared two apheresis instruments (Fenwal Amicus and Fresenius COM.TEC) with regard to processing time, platelet (PLT) yield and efficiency, and white blood cell (WBC) content. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Donors undergoing plateletpheresis were randomly separated into two groups (either the Amicus or the COM.TEC cell separator). RESULTS: In the pre-apheresis setting, 32 plateletpheresis procedures performed with each instrument revealed no significant differences in donors' sex, age, weight, height and total blood volume between the two groups. However, the pre-apheresis PLT count was higher with the COM.TEC than with the Amicus (198 × 10(3)/µl vs. 223 × 10(3)/µl; p = 0.035). The blood volume processed to reach a target PLT yield of ≥3.3 × 10(11) was higher in the COM.TEC compared to the Amicus (3,481 vs. 2,850 ml; p < 0.001). The median separation time was also significantly longer in the COM.TEC than in the Amicus (61 vs. 44 min; p < 0.001). 91 and 88% of the PLT products collected with the Amicus and the COM.TEC, respectively, had a PLT count of >3.3 × 10(11) (p = 0.325). All products obtained with both instruments had WBC counts lower than 5 ↔ 10(6), as required. There was no statistical difference with regard to collection efficiency between the devices (55 ± 15 vs. 57 ± 15%; p = 0.477). However, the collection rate was significantly higher with the Amicus compared to the COM.TEC instrument (0.077 ± 0.012 × 10(11) vs. 0.057 ± 0.008 × 10(11) PLT/min; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both instruments collected platelets efficiently. Additionally, consistent leukoreduction was obtained with both instruments; however, compared with the COM.TEC instrument, the Amicus reached the PLT target yield more quickly.

Use of serum leptin levels for determination of nutritional status and the effects of different enteral nutrients on intestinal mucosa after minor surgery: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: We planned to evaluate the effects of different enteral nutrients on the levels of serum leptin, protein and albumin changes and also to compare their effects on mucosal morphology of small intestine. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups each including 10 animals. Group I rats were given rat chow and water. Group II rats were fed with standard enteral nutrient. Group III rats were fed with calorie enriched enteral nutrient. Group IV rats were given enteral nutrition supplemented with fiber. Group V rats were fed with immunonutrient. Serum albumin, protein, leptin levels were measured. Terminal ileum of each rat was scored. RESULTS: We found no difference in serum leptin, protein and albumin levels. The average mucosal atrophy of rats fed with standard chow was significantly different than that of rats fed with standard and calorie enriched nutrients. Feeding with nutrients supplemented with fiber and immunonutrient did not cause significant distortion in mucosal integrity when compared with feeding with standard chow. CONCLUSION: Low levels of leptin may show malnutrition but for determination of nutritional status of a patient receiving enteral nutrition, studies with long duration are required.