[Influence of individualized dietary adaptation in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ADITRAS study]. / Influencia de la adaptación dietética individualizada en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos. Estudio ADITRAS.

Introduction: Introduction: the objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of an individualized dietary adaptation to achieve nutritional requirements in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methodology: a pilot study of a nutritional intervention in patients undergoing HSCT. A nutritional assessment was performed the first 24 hours of admission and every 48-72 hours until discharge, or + 40 days after the transplant, making dietary adaptations. Results: 25 patients were recruited. According to MUST, 92.0 % (n = 23) were well nourished at the initial visit, with a loss of 2.1 (3.8) kg and a BMI of 26.4 kg/m2 (4.2). Before HSCT, there was already a decrease in intake of 15.4 (23.5) % and in body weight of 0.2 (3.2) kg; after the HSCT, the weight loss was 3.4 (5.0) kg and the decrease in intake was 6.5 (30.4) %. The predominant symptoms were mucositis (60 %), nausea (60 %), and diarrhea (44 %). The diet was adapted in 100 % of the patients, 52 % received oral nutritional support (ONS) (n = 13); enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) were used only once. Conclusion: the nutritional status of patients undergoing HSCT is normal on admission but deteriorates during transplantation and prior conditioning. Dietary intervention is key to maintaining oral intake and reducing the risk of malnutrition.

Introducción: Introducción: el objetivo del estudio fue valorar la eficacia de una adaptación dietética individualizada para conseguir los requerimientos nutricionales en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos (TPH). Metodología: estudio piloto de intervención nutricional con pacientes sometidos a TPH. Se realizó una valoración nutricional en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso y cada 48 a 72 horas hasta el alta, o + 40 días del trasplante, realizando adaptaciones dietéticas. Resultados: se reclutaron 25 pacientes. Según el MUST, el 92,0 % (n = 23) se encontraban bien nutridos en la visita inicial, con una pérdida de 2,1 (3,8) kg y un IMC de 26,4 kg/m2 (4,2). Antes del TPH ya hubo una disminución de la ingesta del 15,4 (23,5) % y del peso corporal de 0,2 (3,2) kg; tras el TPH, la pérdida de peso fue de 3,4 (5,0) kg y la disminución de la ingesta del 6,5 (30,4) %. Los síntomas predominantes fueron mucositis (60 %), náuseas (60 %) y diarrea (44 %). Se adaptó la dieta en el 100 % de los pacientes y el 52 % recibieron soporte nutricional oral (SNO) (n = 13), mientras que la nutrición enteral (NE) y la nutrición parenteral (NP) se utilizaron solo 1 vez. Conclusión: el estado nutricional de los pacientes sometidos a TPH es normal al ingreso pero se deteriora durante la realización del trasplante y su acondicionamiento previo. La intervención dietética es clave para mantener la ingesta oral y disminuir el riesgo de desnutrición.

GALIPDIA study: Reaching lipid targets in a population with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from the Northwest of Spain.

AIM: To assess the degree of compliance with the European ESC/EAS 2016 and 2019 dyslipidaemia guidelines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted in 380 adults with T2DM and dyslipidaemia in 7 Spanish health areas. INCLUSION CRITERIA: minimum follow-up of one year in Endocrinology Units, at least one visit in 2020 and a lipid profile measurement in the last 3 months. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: familial hypercholesterolaemia, recent hospitalisation, active oncological pathology and dialysis. RESULTS: According to the 2016 and 2019 guidelines the majority of patients were classified as being at very high cardiovascular risk (86.8% vs. 72.1%, respectively). LDL-c compliance was adequate in 62.1% of patients according to the 2016 guidelines and 39.7% according to the 2019 guidelines (p<0.001). Clinical conditions such as history of cardiovascular disease and therapy-related aspects (use of statins, especially high-potency statins, combination therapies and good adherence) were significantly associated with greater achievement of lipid targets. CONCLUSION: There is a discrepancy between dyslipidaemia guideline recommendations and the reality of lipid control in patients with T2DM, despite most of these patients being at very high cardiovascular risk. Strategies to optimise lipid-lowering treatments need to be implemented.

[Process of medical nutrition therapy]. / Proceso de tratamiento médico nutricional.

Introduction: Medical nutrition therapy is a very useful tool in maintaining and recovering the health of patients with disease-related malnutrition, although its implementation can be complex and is not without risks. Quality processes are understood as sets of activities that are related or interact to transform input elements into results. From the SENPE Management Work Group we present the process of medical nutrition therapy (PMNT), which aims to facilitate the management of clinical nutrition of a multidisciplinary nutrition support team in a hospital setting. This paper describes the seven sub-processes PMNT is comprised of, in addition to a previous nutritional screening sub-process. Each sub-process is divided into a first section with a technical sheet detailing its general aspects, while a second section proposes key objectives, quality indicators, and standards for their evaluation. .

Introducción: El tratamiento médico nutricional es de gran utilidad en el mantenimiento y recuperación de la salud de los pacientes con desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad, aunque su implementación puede ser compleja y no está exenta de riesgos. Se entiende por proceso aquel conjunto de actividades que están mutuamente relacionadas o que interactúan para transformar elementos de entrada en resultados. Desde el Grupo de Trabajo de Gestión de la SENPE presentamos el Proceso de Tratamiento Médico Nutricional (PTMN), que tiene por objetivo facilitar la gestión de la nutrición clínica, pensando en un equipo de soporte nutricional multidisciplinar de atención al paciente hospitalizado. En este documento se describen los siete subprocesos que constituyen el PTMN, además de un subproceso previo de cribado nutricional. Cada subproceso se divide en una primera sección con una ficha técnica en la que se detallan sus aspectos generales, mientras que en la segunda sección se proponen objetivos clave, indicadores de calidad y estándares para su evaluación.

Aetiological diagnosis of hyponatraemia in non-critical patients on total parenteral nutrition: A prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: In patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), the frequency of hyponatraemia is high. However, the causes of hyponatraemia in TPN have not been elucidated, although diagnosis is required for appropriate therapy. The aim of this study is to describe the aetiology of hyponatraemia in non-critical hospitalised patients receiving TPN. METHODS: Prospective multicentre study in 19 Spanish hospitals. Non-critically hyponatraemic patients receiving TPN and presenting hyponatraemia over a 9-month period were studied. Data collected included sex, age, previous comorbidities, and serum sodium levels (SNa) before and following TPN initiation. Parameters for study of hyponatraemia were also included: clinical volaemia, the presence of pain, nausea, gastrointestinal losses, diuretic use, oedema, renal function, plasma and urine osmolality, urinary electrolytes, cortisolaemia, and thyroid stimulating hormone. RESULTS: 162 patients were included, 53.7% males, age 66.4 (SD13.8) years. Volume status was evaluated in 142 (88%): 21 (14.8%) were hypovolaemic, 96 (67.6%) euvolaemic and 25 (17.6%) hypervolaemic. In 111/142 patients the analytical assessment of hyponatraemia was completed. Hypovolaemic hyponatraemia was secondary to GI losses in 10/111 (9%), and to diuretics in 3/111 (2.7%). Euvolaemic hyponatraemia was due to Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH) in 47/111 (42.4%), and to physiological stimuli of Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) secretion in 28/111 (25.2%). Hypervolaemic hyponatraemia was induced by heart failure in 19/111 (17.1%), cirrhosis of the liver in 4/111 (3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: SIADH was the most frequent cause of hyponatraemia in patients receiving TPN. The second most frequent cause was physiological stimuli of AVP secretion induced by pain/nausea.

Aetiological diagnosis of hyponatraemia in non-critical patients on total parenteral nutrition: A prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: In patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), the frequency of hyponatraemia is high. However, the causes of hyponatraemia in TPN have not been elucidated, although diagnosis is required for appropriate therapy. The aim of this study is to describe the aetiology of hyponatraemia in non-critical hospitalised patients receiving TPN. METHODS: Prospective multicentre study in 19 Spanish hospitals. Non-critically hyponatraemic patients receiving TPN and presenting hyponatraemia over a 9-month period were studied. Data collected included sex, age, previous comorbidities, and serum sodium levels (SNa) before and following TPN initiation. Parameters for study of hyponatraemia were also included: clinical volaemia, the presence of pain, nausea, gastrointestinal losses, diuretic use, oedema, renal function, plasma and urine osmolality, urinary electrolytes, cortisolaemia, and thyroid stimulating hormone. RESULTS: 162 patients were included, 53.7% males, age 66.4 (SD13.8) years. Volume status was evaluated in 142 (88%): 21 (14.8%) were hypovolaemic, 96 (67.6%) euvolaemic and 25 (17.6%) hypervolaemic. In 111/142 patients the analytical assessment of hyponatraemia was completed. Hypovolaemic hyponatraemia was secondary to GI losses in 10/111 (9%), and to diuretics in 3/111 (2.7%). Euvolaemic hyponatraemia was due to Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion (SIADH) in 47/111 (42.4%), and to physiological stimuli of Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) secretion in 28/111 (25.2%). Hypervolaemic hyponatraemia was induced by heart failure in 19/111 (17.1%), cirrhosis of the liver in 4/111 (3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: SIADH was the most frequent cause of hyponatraemia in patients receiving TPN. The second most frequent cause was physiological stimuli of AVP secretion induced by pain/nausea.

Acceptance of different types of thickeners, with and without flavoring, in hospitalized patients with dysphagia - A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the goal of this work was to evaluate the acceptance of various types of thickeners, specifically modified starch thickener and gum thickener, both with and without flavoring. Patients and methods: a randomized sample of 40 hospitalized patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia was recruited. The taste, smell, and appearance of each type of thickener were evaluated, as well as the volume of liquid ingested by the patients taking each type of thickener (modified starch thickener vs. gum thickener, both with and without flavoring). Results: the overall acceptance of gum thickener was significantly higher than that of modified starch thickener (7.45 (1.57) vs. 5.10 (2.43), respectively; p = 0.001). When a food flavor was added to the thickened water, the overall rating of the product was higher than when no flavor was added (7.70 (1.53) vs. 4.85 (2.16); p < 0.001). The difference between the daily volume of water consumed by the patients who received gum thickeners (928.33 (331.27) mL) and those who received starch thickeners (670.00 (288.35) mL) was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Patient consumption was also higher when flavoring was added as compared to when it was not (943.33 (302.45) mL) vs. (655.00 (304.60) mL; p = 0.005). Conclusion: the acceptances of the thickener and of water intake by patients with dysphagia were both significantly higher when using gum thickeners compared to starch thickeners, and when adding flavoring.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la aceptación de varios tipos de espesantes (almidón modificado frente a gomas) con y sin saborizante. Pacientes y métodos: se reclutaron 40 pacientes hospitalizados con disfagia orofaríngea. Se evaluaron el sabor, el olor y la apariencia de cada tipo de espesante, así como el volumen de líquido ingerido por los pacientes que tomaban cada tipo de espesante (espesante de almidón modificado vs. espesante de goma, ambos con o sin saborizante). Resultados: la aceptación general del espesante de goma fue significativamente mayor que la del almidón modificado (7,45 (1,57) vs. 5,10 (2,43); p = 0,001). Cuando se añadió un saborizante al agua espesada, la calificación general fue mejor (7,70 (1,53) frente a 4,85 (2,16); p < 0,001). La diferencia entre el volumen diario de agua consumida por los pacientes que recibieron espesantes de goma (928,33 (331,27) ml) y los que recibieron espesantes de almidón (670,00 (288,35) ml) fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,012). El consumo de líquido también fue mayor cuando se agregó el saborizante (943,33 (302,45) ml frente a 655,00 (304,60) ml; p = 0,005). Conclusión: la aceptación del espesante y la ingesta de agua por parte de los pacientes con disfagia fueron significativamente mayores cuando se utilizaron espesantes de goma, en comparación con los espesantes de almidón, y al agregar saborizantes.

Standards of the nutritional support process in Spain - Towards benchmarking.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: quality indicators have been proposed in Spain for assessing the various stages of clinical nutrition. However, reference standards for these indicators (feasible and relevant) based on daily practice of artificial nutrition are not available. Goals: the goal of this study was to propose quality indicators standards for their routine application to artificial nutrition in clinical practice. Material and methods: a multicenter, cross-sectional study-based on a survey applied to health professionals in the field of clinical nutrition-on the fulfilment of eight quality criteria was carried out during 2018 and 2019. The total number of processes and those that were correctly accomplished were assessed and compared with the corresponding proposed theoretical standard. Results: fifteen centers were assessed. Of eight indicators assessed, five were within the theoretical standard (correct identification of parenteral nutrition bags, semi-upright position of patients on enteral nutrition, administration of micronutrients in ready-to-use parenteral nutrition bags, checking placement of feeding tubes, and days with glycemia below 60 mg/dL). Two indicators were very close to the theoretical standard. One indicator, hyperglycemia in patients with parenteral nutrition, was far removed from its theoretical standard (15.7 % vs. 5 %). Conclusion: the administration of artificial nutrition in Spanish hospitals was performed with a high quality level. Therefore, standards based on daily clinical practice regarding artificial nutrition in Spain are proposed.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: en España se han propuesto indicadores de calidad para evaluar las diversas etapas de la asistencia en nutrición clínica. Sin embargo, no se encuentran disponibles estándares de referencia de estos indicadores (factibles y relevantes) basados en la práctica diaria de la nutrición artificial. Objetivos: ofrecer estándares de indicadores de calidad para su aplicación rutinaria en la práctica clínica de la nutrición artificial. Material y métodos: estudio transversal multicéntrico, basado en una encuesta remitida a profesionales sanitarios del ámbito de la nutrición clínica, sobre el cumplimiento de 8 criterios de calidad durante el año 2018 y 2019. Se analizó el número total de procesos evaluados y los que se cumplieron correctamente, y se compararon con el estándar teórico propuesto. Resultados: se estudiaron 15 centros. De los 8 indicadores estudiados, 5 estuvieron dentro del estándar teórico (identificación correcta de las bolsas de nutrición parenteral, posición semi-incorporada de los pacientes con nutrición enteral, administración de micronutrientes en las bolsas de nutrición parenteral "listas para su uso", comprobación de la colocación de las sondas, y días de glucemia por debajo de 60 mg/dl); dos indicadores estuvieron muy próximos al estándar teórico y, uno, la hiperglucemia en los pacientes con nutrición parenteral, lejos del estándar teórico (15,7 % vs. 5 %). Conclusión: la aplicación de la nutrición artificial se realiza en los hospitales españoles con un elevado nivel de calidad. De esta manera, se ofrecen unos estándares basados en la práctica clínica diaria de la nutrición artificial en España.

Comparison of MUST and Nutriscore for the Screening of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Oncology Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Nutriscore is a malnutrition screening tool designed specifically for cancer patients. Our objective was to assess its performance in hospitalized cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with any solid neoplasm hospitalized in Medical Oncology were included. In the first 24-48 h, of admission they were screened with Nutriscore and Malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST). Both tests were compared using chi-square, kappa index and ROC curve. Nutriscore sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp) and predictive values (PV) were calculated using MUST as a reference. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were included. The most frequent tumors were lung (36.6%), colorectal (24.8%) and breast (8.6%). MUST identified 69.9% of the patients at nutritional risk, and Nutriscore 44.1% (p < 0.001), with a low kappa index [k = 0.38 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.54)]. The AUC of the ROC curve for Nutriscore with respect to the MUST was 0.739. Nutriscore showed S = 58.6 (95% CI 45.7 to 71.2), Sp = 89.3% (95% CI 76.0 to 100.0%), VP + = 92.7% (95% CI 83.5 at 100.0%) and VP- = 48.1% (95% CI 33.5 to 62.6). CONCLUSIONS: Nutriscore did not provided better screening results in hospitalized cancer patients than a validated tool such as MUST.

[COVID pandemic and clinical nutrition response in Spain: results of a national survey]. / Pandemia de COVID y respuesta de la nutrición clínica en España: resultados de una encuesta nacional.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced major organizational and care changes in the health system. However, in Spain, the circumstances suffered by the health professionals who have cared for pandemic patients from a clinical nutrition standpoint has remained unknown up to this moment. Objectives: the management and care changes made in clinical nutrition units in Spain, and their impact on clinical practice are described. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out using a survey directed at SENPE members (June 2020). Responses sent by health professionals in the field of clinical nutrition who had treated patients with COVID-19 in Spanish hospitals were included in the study. Resultados: a total of 116 survey forms were analyzed, mostly filled out by doctors (57.8 %) working at hospitals with more than 500 beds (56 %); 46 % of survey respondents were on telework. There was a nutritional care plan in 68 % of cases, such plan being present mainly in hospitals with more than 500 beds (p < 0.001). In these hospitals more specific diets for COVID-19 were implemented than in those under 500 beds: 18 (35.3 %) vs 44 (67.7 %), (p < 0.001). The use of recommendations issued by scientific societies was reported in 86 % of cases. Never or almost never could a satisfactory nutritional assessment be performed for 38.8 %. The prescription of nutritional supplements was not less than 50 %. Health workers rated their performance as satisfactory or very satisfactory (51.7 %), and this was not related to hospital size but to having implemented a COVID-19 diet (p < 0.05). Conclusions: clinical nutrition in Spain has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with organizational and managerial changes and, although care has been clearly affected, some quality standards were ultimately maintained. Larger hospitals have had some advantages in making these adjustments.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la pandemia ocasionada por el SARS-CoV-2 ha obligado a realizar importantes cambios organizativos y asistenciales en el sistema sanitario. Sin embargo, hasta ahora se desconoce cuáles han sido las circunstancias que han sufrido los profesionales sanitarios que han atendido esta pandemia desde los servicios de nutrición clínica en España. Objetivos: describir los cambios de gestión y asistenciales realizados en las unidades de nutrición clínica en España y su repercusión en la práctica clínica. Material y métodos: estudio transversal mediante técnica de encuesta dirigida a socios de la SENPE (junio 2020). Se incluyen en el estudio respuestas remitidas por profesionales sanitarios del ámbito de la nutrición clínica que atendieron a pacientes con COVID-19 en hospitales españoles. Resultados: se analizan 116 encuestas provenientes en su mayoría de médicos (57,8 %) y de hospitales de más de 500 camas (56 %); el 46 % de los encuestados teletrabajó. Se contó con la presencia de un plan de atención nutricional en el 68 % de los casos, plan que fue mayoritario en los hospitales con más de 500 camas (p < 0,001). En estos hospitales se implantaron más dietas específicas para COVID-19 que en los menores de 500 camas: 18 (35,3 %) vs. 44 (67,7 %), (p < 0,001). El uso de las recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas se notificó en el 86 % de los casos. El 38,8 % nunca o casi nunca pudieron hacer una valoración nutricional satisfactoria. La prescripción de suplementos nutricionales fue no inferior al 50 %. El 51,7 % de los encuestados calificaron su actuación como satisfactoria o muy satisfactoria, y esta no se relacionó con el tamaño de hospital pero sí con haber implantado una dieta para la COVID-19 (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: la nutrición clínica en España ha respondido a la pandemia de COVID-19 con cambios organizativos y de gestión y, aunque la asistencia se ha visto claramente afectada, se han podido mantener algunos estándares de calidad. Los hospitales de mayor tamaño han tenido cierta ventaja para realizar estos ajustes.

Utility of the EAT-10 in the detection of dysphagia in high-risk hospitalisation units at a university hospital: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the objective was to assess the utility of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) in hospitalisation units with patients at high risk of dysphagia. Patients and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Neurology and Internal Medicine wards; patients with admission < 24 hours and in a terminal stage of disease were excluded. In the first 24-48 hours of admission the presence of dysphagia as assessed with the EAT-10, the risk of malnutrition as assessed with the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tools (MUST), and comorbidities using the Charlson index were screened. Results: a total of 169 patients were recruited (76.0 years, 52 % women); 19.5 % were at risk of malnutrition. The EAT-10 instrument could be administered in 80.6 % of the patients, and was positive in 26.6 % (women 34.1 % vs. men 18.4 %; p = 0.025). When comparing patients with higher comorbidity with those with a lower Charlson index, a lower response rate to EAT-10 was observed (78.4 % vs. 93.9 %; p = 0.038), without differences in screening positivity (28.3 % vs. 19.4 %; p = 0.310). The prevalence of dysphagia risk was higher in the Internal Medicine unit than in the Neurology unit (30.4 % vs. 19.6 %; p = 0.133), as was the percentage of cases in which screening could not be performed (21.1 % vs. 11.1 %; p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in risk of malnutrition, mortality, hospital stay, or readmission according to the EAT-10. Conclusions: The EAT-10 has limited utility in the studied hospitalisation units due to a high rate of unfeasible tests, especially among patients at higher risk of dysphagia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la utilidad del Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) en unidades de hospitalización con pacientes de alto riesgo de disfagia. Pacientes y métodos: estudio transversal de pacientes hospitalizados en Medicina Interna y Neurología; los pacientes con ingreso < 24 horas y en fase terminal de la enfermedad fueron excluidos. En las primeras 24-48 horas de ingreso se cribó la disfagia con el EAT-10, el riesgo de desnutrición con el Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) y la comorbilidad con el índice de Charlson. Resultados: se reclutaron 196 pacientes (76,0 años, 52 % mujeres). El 19,5 % estaban en riesgo de desnutrición. El EAT-10 se pudo realizar en el 80,6 % de la muestra y fue positivo en el 26,6 % (mujeres 34,1 % vs. hombres 18,4 %; p = 0,025). Al comparar a los pacientes con mayor comorbilidad con aquellos que tenían un índice de Charlson más bajo, se observó una tasa de respuesta más baja al EAT-10 (78,4 % vs. 93,9 %; p = 0,038), sin diferencias en la positividad del cribado (28,3 % vs. 19,4 %; p = 0,310). La prevalencia del riesgo de disfagia fue mayor en la unidad de Medicina Interna que en la de Neurología (30,4 % vs. 19,6 %; p = 0,133), así como el número de casos en que no se pudo realizar el cribado (21,1 % vs. 11,1 %; p = 0,011). No hubo diferencias significativas en el riesgo de desnutrición, mortalidad, estancia hospitalaria o reingreso según el EAT-10. Conclusiones: el EAT-10 tiene una utilidad limitada en las unidades de hospitalización estudiadas debido a una alta tasa de pruebas no realizables, especialmente entre los pacientes con mayor riesgo de disfagia.

Clinical experience with Tolvaptan outpatient use. Cost and effectiveness in 9 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Tolvaptan introduction has constituted the main therapeutic novelty in the management of hyponatremia in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience with this drug at Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Spain. METHOD: Retrospective, observational study of tolvaptan outpatient use in a tertiary care hospital from March 2014 to August 2017. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients were treated with tolvaptan in the outpatient setting. Eunatremia was reached in 24 h by 23.1%. After tolvaptan administration, a reduction in days of hospitalization was recorded (361 vs. 70; p = 0.007), especially in those days of hospitalization that were attributable to hyponatremia (306 vs. 49; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of tolvaptan appears to be safe and is associated with a decrease in days of hospitalization.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La introducción de tolvaptan ha supuesto la principal novedad en el tratamiento de la hiponatremia en los últimos años. OBJETIVO: Describir la experiencia con tolvaptan en el Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, España. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de utilización ambulatoria de tolvaptan en un hospital de tercer nivel, de marzo de 2014 a agosto de 2017. RESULTADOS: Fueron tratados con tolvaptan de forma ambulatoria nueve pacientes, 23.1 % alcanzó eunatremia en 24 horas. Posterior a la administración de tolvaptan se registró reducción en días de hospitalización (361 versus 70, p = 0.007), especialmente por hiponatremia (306 versus 49, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONES: El uso a largo plazo de tolvaptan parece ser seguro y se relaciona con descenso en los días de hospitalización.

Experiencia clínica con el uso ambulatorio de tolvaptan. Costes y efectividad en nueve casos / Clinical experience with Tolvaptan outpatient use. Cost and effectiveness in 9 cases

Resumen Introducción: La introducción de tolvaptan ha supuesto la principal novedad en el tratamiento de la hiponatremia en los últimos años. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia con tolvaptan en el Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, España. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de utilización ambulatoria de tolvaptan en un hospital de tercer nivel, de marzo de 2014 a agosto de 2017. Resultados: Fueron tratados con tolvaptan de forma ambulatoria nueve pacientes, 23.1 % alcanzó eunatremia en 24 horas. Posterior a la administración de tolvaptan se registró reducción en días de hospitalización (361 versus 70, p = 0.007), especialmente por hiponatremia (306 versus 49, p = 0.009). Conclusiones: El uso a largo plazo de tolvaptan parece ser seguro y se relaciona con descenso en los días de hospitalización.

Abstract Introduction: Tolvaptan introduction has constituted the main therapeutic novelty in the management of hyponatremia in recent years. Objective: To describe the experience with this drug at Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Spain. Method: Retrospective, observational study of tolvaptan outpatient use in a tertiary care hospital from March 2014 to August 2017. Results: A total of 9 patients were treated with tolvaptan in the outpatient setting. Eunatremia was reached in 24 h by 23.1%. After tolvaptan administration, a reduction in days of hospitalization was recorded (361 vs. 70; p = 0.007), especially in those days of hospitalization that were attributable to hyponatremia (306 vs. 49; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Long-term use of tolvaptan appears to be safe and is associated with a decrease in days of hospitalization.

Postoperative enteral immunonutrition in head and neck cancer patients: Impact on clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer patients have a high rate of complications during the postoperative period that could increase their morbidity rate. Arginine has been shown to improve healing and to modulate inflammation and immune response. The aim of our study was to assess whether use of arginine-enriched enteral formulas could decrease fistulas and length of stay (LoS). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in patients who had undergone head and neck cancer surgery and were receiving enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube in the postoperative period between January 2012 and May 2018. The differences associated to use of immunoformula vs. standard formulas were analysed. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and nutritional intervention variables, as well as nutritional parameters, were recorded during the early postoperative period. Occurrence of complications (fistulas), length of hospital stay, readmissions, and 90-day mortality were recorded. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis, patients who received nutritional support with immunonutrition had a lower fistula occurrence rate (17.91% vs. 32.84%; p=0.047) and a shorter mean LoS [28.25 (SD 16.11) vs. 35.50 (SD 25.73) days; p=0.030]. After adjusting for age, energy intake, aggressiveness of surgery and tumour stage, fistula occurrence rate and LoS were similar in both groups irrespective of the type of formula. CONCLUSIONS: Use of arginine-enriched enteral nutrition appears to decrease the occurrence of fistulas in the postoperative period in patients with head and neck cancer, with a resultant reduction in length of hospital stay. However, the differences disappeared after adjusting for age, tumour stage, or aggressiveness of the surgery.

[Hospital feeding process]. / Proceso de alimentación hospitalaria.

INTRODUCTION: The Management Working Group of SENPE has among its objectives the development of evaluation processes in Clinical Nutrition. Previously, the document entitled "Process of nutritional care: self-evaluation guide" was prepared as a tool designed to help assess the quality of nutritional therapy in hospitalized patients, mainly from the perspective of artificial nutrition. Now a complementary text of the previous one is presented, that describes the process by which hospitalized patients are fed. We have divided the hospital feeding process into six sections, for which a general description is made and quality indicators are proposed. We hope that this work will serve to improve the quality of hospital food and to help hospital food professionals to make their work more satisfactory and effective.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Grupo de Trabajo de Gestión de SENPE tiene entre sus objetivos el desarrollo de procesos de evaluación en Nutrición Clínica. Con anterioridad se elaboró el documento denominado "Proceso de atención nutricional: guía de autoevaluación", como una herramienta concebida para ayudar a evaluar la calidad de la terapia nutricional en pacientes hospitalizados, fundamentalmente desde la perspectiva de la nutrición artificial. Ahora se presenta un texto complementario del anterior, en el que se describe el proceso por el que alimenta a los pacientes hospitalizados. Hemos dividido el proceso de alimentación hospitalaria en seis secciones, para las que se hace una descripción general y se proponen indicadores de calidad para su evaluación. Confiamos en que este trabajo sirva para mejorar la calidad de las dietas de los hospitales y para ayudar a los profesionales de la alimentación de los hospitales a hacer su labor más satisfactoria y efectiva.

The appearance of malnutrition in hematological inpatients prolongs hospital stay: the need for nutritional surveillance during hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: oncohematological diseases are associated with a high prevalence of malnutrition during hospitalization. Our aim was to analyze the appearance and repercussions of malnutrition in well-nourished hematological inpatients at admission. Method: a prospective one-year study conducted in hematology inpatients. The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) was used at admission and repeated weekly. Patients with a negative screening at admission who developed malnutrition during hospitalization constituted our study sample. A nutritional evaluation and intervention was performed. We also analyzed the effect of newly diagnosed malnutrition on patients' outcomes in comparison with the outcomes of patients that remained well-nourished during hospitalization. Results: twenty-one percent of hematological inpatients who were well nourished at admission developed malnutrition during hospitalization. Of the patients, 62.4% needed a nutritional intervention (100% oral supplements, 21.4% diet changes, 5.2% parenteral nutrition). After intervention, an increase in real intake was achieved (623 kcal and 27.3 g of protein/day). Weight loss was slowed and visceral protein was stabilized. Length of stay was 8.5 days longer for our sample than for well-nourished patients. Conclusions: newly diagnosed malnutrition appeared in one in five hematological well-nourished inpatients, leading to a longer length of stay. Nutritional intervention improved intake and nutritional status. Nutritional surveillance should be mandatory.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: las enfermedades oncohematológicas asocian una elevada prevalencia de malnutrición, especialmente durante la hospitalización. Objetivo: analizar la aparición de malnutrición y su repercusión en pacientes normonutridos al ingreso. Métodos: estudio prospectivo de un año en una cohorte de ingresados hematológicos. El Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) se realizó al ingreso, repitiéndose semanalmente. Los pacientes con cribado negativo al ingreso que desarrollaron malnutrición durante la hospitalización constituyeron nuestra muestra. Se realizó evaluación e intervención nutricional, analizando el efecto de la aparición de malnutrición en el pronóstico, comparado con los pacientes que permanecieron normonutridos. Resultados: el 21% de los pacientes normonutridos al ingreso desarrolló malnutrición en la hospitalización. El 62.4% precisó intervención nutricional (100% suplementos orales, 21,4% cambios dietéticos, 5.2% nutrición parenteral). La intervención logró un aumento de ingesta real de 623 kcal y 27,3 g proteína/día, frenando la pérdida de peso y estabilizando las proteínas viscerales. La estancia fue 8,5 días mayor en nuestra muestra que en los pacientes que permanecieron normonutridos. Conclusiones: uno de cada cinco ingresados normonutridos al ingreso desarrolló malnutrición en la hospitalización, asociando mayor estancia. La intervención nutricional puede mejorar la ingesta y el estado nutricional, por tanto, la vigilancia nutricional debería ser obligatoria.

[Assessment of the risk of undernutrition in institutionalized patients under the degree of dependence]. / Valoración del riesgo de malnutrición en pacientes institucionalizados en función del grado de dependencia.

INTRODUCTION: Background: there is a high number of dependent older adults with risk of malnutrition in the institutionalized geriatric population. Among others, the related factors are weight loss inherent to age, which favors frailty and sarcopenia, low body mass index (BMI) and the worsening of chronic diseases, which entails a deterioration in the quality of life. Objective: to analyze the relationship between dependence and nutritional status in elderly institutionalized people. Method: prospective observational and descriptive study in a sample of elderly institutionalized people. Dependence was studied by the Barthel index, sex, BMI, presence of chronic diseases and nutritional status with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The association between the different variables was made with the Spearman correlation. Results: one hundred and sixty-four patients were included in the study; 45.10% (n = 74) of the patients had a total dependence and 18.30% (n = 30) had a moderate dependence. Women had a higher risk of total dependence than men (p < 0.0001). There was a significant relationship between the level of dependence and nutritional status, so that greater dependence increased the risk of malnutrition (p < 0.0001). Patients who were underweight had a greater risk of total dependence (RR 11.05 [95% CI 4.41, 27.7]). Patients with dementia were more dependent (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: most of the institutionalized elderly people presented some degree of dependence, which supposed a risk for the nutritional status that was aggravated if they suffered dementia and low weight.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: en la población geriátrica institucionalizada existe un elevado número de adultos mayores dependientes y en riesgo de malnutrición. Entre otros, los factores relacionados son la pérdida de peso inherente a la edad, que favorece la fragilidad y la sarcopenia, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) bajo y el empeoramiento de enfermedades crónicas, lo cual conlleva un deterioro en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: analizar la relación entre dependencia y estado nutricional en personas mayores que viven institucionalizadas. Método: estudio prospectivo observacional y descriptivo en una muestra de ancianos institucionalizados. Se valoraron la dependencia mediante el índice de Barthel, el género, el IMC, la presencia de enfermedades crónicas y el estado nutricional mediante el Mini Nutricional Assessment (MNA). La asociación entre las distintas variables se llevó a cabo mediante la correlación de Spearman. Resultados: ciento sesenta y cuatro pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. Según el índice de Barthel, el 45,10% (n = 74) de los pacientes tenían una dependencia total y un 18,30% (n = 30), una dependencia moderada. Las mujeres tenían mayor riesgo de dependencia total que los hombres (p < 0,0001). Existió una relación significativa entre el nivel de dependencia y el estado nutricional: a mayor dependencia, mayor riesgo de desnutrición (p < 0,0001). Los residentes que tenían bajo peso tenían un riesgo mayor de sufrir dependencia total en un RR de 11,05 (IC 95% 4,41; 27,7). Los residentes que presentaban demencia tenían mayor dependencia (p < 0,0001). Conclusión: la mayoría de los ancianos institucionalizados presentaron algún grado de dependencia, lo que implicó un riesgo para el estado nutricional que se vio agravado si padecían demencia y bajo peso.

Epidemiology of home enteral nutrition: an approximation to reality.

INTRODUCTION: home enteral nutrition (HEN) has undergone an important development; however, there is a notable lack of information with regard to its incidence and characteristics. OBJECTIVES: our aim was to assess the state of HEN in our area. METHODS: an observational, prospective study, involving all patients who had initiated HEN in the Nutrition Unit during a year. Epidemiological, functional, and nutritional evolution of the patients was described and incidence of HEN was calculated. RESULTS: HEN incidences totalled 229/100,000 inhabitants/year. The HEN population in our area was characterized by the aged and a high frequency of comorbidity and functional limitations. Neurological and oncological diseases accounted for 50% of indications. The remaining cases were malnourished patients who had received short periods of HEN after hospitalization or a hip fracture. Oral supplements (60%) with standard and hypercaloric formulas were used the most. At baseline, 75% of the patients suffered from malnutrition. During the follow-up, patients showed weight gain (1.6%), an increase in the percentage of normal weight and overweight (from 74% to 82.7%, p = 0.001) and a reduction in pressure ulcers (15.7% vs10.3%, p < 0.001). The median duration of HEN was 8.5 months. Only a quarter of the patients experienced complications (mostly mild gastrointestinal complications); 43.1% had died at the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: in our area, the HEN incidence was much higher than those described in the literature. HEN appears to be a safe therapy with few complications that improves the nutritional status of the patients, even with short periods of administration.

Organization and management of clinical nutrition in Spain. How do we assess the quality of our activities?

INTRODUCTION: Among the objectives of the SENPE Management Working Group is the development of knowledge and tools related to the evaluation of health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To obtain an approximate profile of clinical nutrition in hospitals in Spain, specifically concerning its organization, endowment, activities and quality indicators. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in 2013 through a structured survey sent to a random sample of 20% of hospitals from the network of the National Health System of Spain, stratified by the number of hospital beds. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 67% (83% in hospitals with over 200 beds). In 65% of hospitals, clinical nutrition is run by a coordinated team or unit, with a doctor working full time in only 50% of centers. Other professionals are often not recognized as part of the team or unit. There is a specialized monographic nutrition clinic in 62% of centers and 72% have more than 40 new inpatient consultations per month (27% with more than 80 per month). Among the centers with a clinical nutrition team or unit, there is a greater tendency to monitor quality indicators related to clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: There is widespread addition of clinical nutrition teams and units in hospitals in Spain. However, truly multidisciplinary organization is not often found. High workloads are assumed in relation to staffing levels. The existence of well-organized structures may be associated with benefits that directly affect attendance.