Impact of frailty and ultrasonography-based sarcopenia on the development of postoperative complications in gastrointestinal cancer patients

Background/aim: Gastrointestinal (GI) system cancers are frequent among older adults and it is still difficult to predict which are at increased risk for postoperative complications. Frailty and sarcopenia are increasing problems of older population and may be associated with adverse outcomes. In this study we aimed to examine the effect of sarcopenia and frailty on postoperative complications in older patients undergoing surgery for GI cancers. Materials and methods: Forty-nine patients admitted to general surgery clinic with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal system cancers were included in this cross-sectional study. Frailty status was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS). Sarcopenia was defined due to the EWGSOP2 criteria and ultrasonography was used to evaluate muscle mass. Results: The median age of the patients was 70 (min-max: 65­87). Fourteen (28.6%) patients were found to be sarcopenic and 16 (32.7%) patients were frail, and 6 (37.5%) of these patients were also severe sarcopenic (p = 0.04). When the postoperative complications were assessed, time to oral intake, time to enough oral intake, length of hospital stay in the postoperative period were found to be longer in frail patients (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, p = 0.04 respectively). Postoperative complications were not different due to the sarcopenia. Conclusion: Frailty, but not sarcopenia was associated with adverse outcomes in older adults undergoing GI cancer surgery. Comprehensive geriatric assessment before surgical intervention may help to identify patients who are at risk.

Endobiliary Radiofrequency Ablation in the Percutaneous Management of Refractory Benign Bilioenteric Anastomosis Strictures.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the percutaneous management of benign bilioenteric anastomosis strictures that are refractory to balloon dilatation and long-term drainage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (11 men) with a mean age of 47.9 years (range, 26-73 years) underwent percutaneous balloon dilatation and long-term drainage for benign bilioenteric anastomosis strictures. Endobiliary RFA was performed in six patients (four men; mean age, 53.1 years; range, 43-63 years) whose strictures did not respond to balloon dilatation and long-term drainage. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms were jaundice (n = 21), pain (n = 19), pruritus (n = 17), and cholangitis (n = 15). The symptoms appeared 1384 days (range, 4-7592 days) after surgery. The technical success rate was 100%. The overall clinical success rate was 95.2% (20/21) with a mean follow-up of 67.3 months (range, 9-148 months) after catheter removal. In 15 patients, associated biliary stones were removed. Two patients with recurrent strictures were successfully retreated. Endobiliary RFA was successful and catheter removal could be achieved in all six patients (100%) whose disease did not respond to multiple balloon dilatation sessions and long-term drainage. The mean symptom-free period after endobiliary RFA and catheter removal was 430 days (range, 270-575 days). One patient with refractory disease (4.7%), for whom endobiliary RFA was not performed, underwent surgery. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: Endobiliary ablation may be used safely and effectively in the percutaneous management of benign bilioenteric anastomosis strictures that are refractory to balloon dilatation and long-term drainage, with promising results.

The investigation of Strongyloides stercoralis seroprevalence in immunosupressed patients in Turkey

Background/aim: In immunosuppressed patients, strongyloidiasis can be lifethreatening because of hyperinfection or dissemination. Therefore, diagnosis of S. stercoralis is important in immunosuppressed patients with chronic strongyloidiasis. In this study, our objective was to investigate the presence of S. stercoralis antibodies by an ELISA method in immunosuppressed patients. Materials and methods: A total of 100 immunosuppressed patients' sera were included in the study. Forty-two of the patients were receiving immunosuppressive therapies for cancer or being treated for hematopoietic malignancies, 38 of the patients were receiving immunosuppressive drugs for rheumatic diseases, 14 were receiving immunosuppressive therapies for liver transplantation. Two of the patients were being treated for HIV infection and 4 were being treated for hypogammaglobulinemia. As control group, 50 individuals without a known disease were included in the study. The presence of IgG antibodies against S. stercoralis was investigated with a commercial ELISA kit. Results: S. stercoralis antibody test was positive in 4 of 100 (4%) sera from immunosuppressed patients. All control patients were negative for S. stercoralis. Conclusions: Strongyloidiasis can be a lifelong chronic infection if not treated. In patients who are going to receive immunosuppressive therapy, it should be tested before treatment, as it can become a disseminated and life-threatening infectious disease.

Liver transplantation from a deceased donor with ß-thalassemia intermedia is not contraindicated: A case report.

The use of extended criteria donors who might have previously been deemed unsuitable is an option to increase the organ supply for transplantation. This report presents a pediatric case of a successful liver transplantation from a donor with ß-thalassemia intermedia. A patient, 6-year-old female, with a diagnosis of cryptogenic liver cirrhosis underwent deceased donor liver transplantation from a thalassemic donor. Extreme hyperferritinemia was detected shortly after transplantation. The most probable cause of hyperferritinemia was iron overload secondary to transplantation of a hemosiderotic liver. Hepatocellular injury due to acute graft rejection might have contributed to elevated ferritin levels by causing release of stored iron from the hemosiderotic liver graft. Iron chelation and phlebotomy therapies were started simultaneously in the early postoperative period to avoid iron-related organ toxicity and transplant failure. Follow-up with monthly phlebotomies after discharge yielded a favorable outcome with normal transplant functions. Thalassemia intermedia patients can be candidates of liver donors to decrease pretransplant waitlist mortality. After transplantation of a hemosiderotic liver, it is important to monitor the recipient in terms of iron overload and toxicity. Early attempts to lower iron burden including chelation therapy and/or phlebotomy should be considered to avoid organ toxicity and transplant failure.

Prevention and acute management of biliary injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Expert consensus statement.

Gallstone disease is very common and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures all over the world. Parallel to the increase in the number of laparoscopic cholecystectomies, bile duct injuries also increased. The reported incidence of bile duct injuries ranges from 0.3% to 1.4%. Many of the bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are not due to inexperience, but are the result of basic technical failures and misinterpretations. A working group of expert hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons, an endoscopist, and a specialist of forensic medicine study searched and analyzed the publications on safe cholecystectomy and biliary injuries complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy under the organization of Turkish Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Association. After a series of e-mail communications and two conferences, the expert panel developed consensus statements for safe cholecystectomy, management of biliary injuries and medicolegal issues. The panel concluded that iatrogenic biliary injury is an overwhelming complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and an important issue in malpractice claims. Misidentification of the biliary system is the major cause of biliary injuries. To avoid this, the "critical view of safety" technique should be employed in all the cases. If biliary injury is identified intraoperatively, reconstruction should only be performed by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons. In the postoperative period, any deviation from the expected clinical course of recovery should alert the surgeon about the possibility of biliary injury.

Effect of irinotecan on liver regeneration: an experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the histopathological changes caused by irinotecan and show the effect of these changes on liver regeneration. METHODOLOGY: In this experimental study 96 Winstar-Albino breed female rats were used. The animals were divided into two groups. Study group received intraperitoneal irinotecan weekly for four weeks. Control group received normal saline. One week after the last injection all animals had undergone 70% hepatectomy. Following 70% hepatectomy rats were sacrificed and liver tissue samples were obtained at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. Specimens were evaluated for steatosis, lobular inflammation and cellular swelling with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Liver regeneration was evaluated im munohistochemically using proliferating cell nuclear antigen activity index. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis was significantly more in the irinotecan group. Although lobular inflammation and cellular swelling were more prominent in the irinotecan group these values were not statistically significant. In both groups, regeneration reached to peak at 48th hour and returned to baseline at 120th hour. Liver regeneration indices were not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: It was shown that irinotecan did not affect the liver regeneration adversely. In order to show the effects of irinotecan on liver regeneration in humans further clinical studies are needed.

Cost analysis of premixed multichamber bags versus compounded parenteral nutrition: breakeven point.

BACKGROUND: Industrially premixed multichamber bags or hospital-manufactured compounded products can be used for parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the cost of these 2 approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Costs of compounded parenteral nutrition bags in an university hospital were calculated. A total of 600 bags that were administered during 34 days between December 10, 2009 and February 17, 2010 were included in the analysis. For quality control, specific gravity evaluation of the filled bags was performed. RESULTS: It was calculated that the variable cost of a hospital compounded bag was $26.15. If we take the annual fixed costs into consideration, the production cost reaches $36.09 for each unit. It was estimated that the cost for the corresponding multichamber bag was $37.79. Taking the fixed and the variable costs into account, the breakeven point of the hospital compounded and the premixed multichamber bags was seen at 5,404 units per year. In specific gravity evaluation, it was observed that the mean and interval values were inside the upper and lower control margins. CONCLUSION: In this analysis, usage of hospital-compounded parenteral nutrition bags showed a cost advantage in hospitals that treat more than 15 patients per day. In small volume hospitals, premixed multichamber bags may be more beneficial.

The role of malnutrition on outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition increases the complications and mortality in critically-ill children. We performed a retrospective analysis to define the impact of malnutrition on the outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) due to COVID-19. METHODS: Patients with MIS-C were evaluated for demographic features, anthropometric parameters, clinical findings and outcomes. Patients with z scores of body mass index (> 5 years) and weight-for-age (< 5 years) < -2 were considered malnourished. Sarcopenia was defined by total psoas muscle area (tPMA), calculated on abdominal computed tomography (CT) at the level of L3 and L4 vertebrae. The z scores <- 2 for tPMA were considered sarcopenia. The results of patients with and without malnutrition were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included. Forty-four percent (n=12) of patients had malnutrition. Malnutrition was classified as mild to moderate (1/3), severe (1/3) and overweight (1/3). Eighty-two % of cases had acute malnutrition. Among MIS-C symptom criteria, rash was significantly higher in children with malnutrition (p<0.05). Laboratory investigations showed higher ferritin levels in patients with malnutrition (p<0.05). The median tPMA and sarcopenia were significantly higher in patients with malnutrition when compared to patients without malnutrition (42% vs 7%, p<0.05). The oral feeding time, complication rates, and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with MIS-C already had mild to severe malnutrition at admission. Rash and higher ferritin levels were more common in patients with malnutrition. In addition to anthropometric parameters, sarcopenia calculated using tPMA can be used to predict malnutrition in critically-ill children.

Parenteral nutrition consensus report from KEPAN.

OBJECTIVES: Medical nutrition therapy is one of the core components of patient management, although its implication is still limited in Daily practice globally. Clinicians are in need of guidance that will ease the application of medical nutrition therapy. The pre- and post-graduate curriculum for medical nutrition therapy is limited in most regions, worldwide. A report that is short, clear, and having clear-cut recommendations that will guide the primary healthcare professionals in indications, choice, practical application, follow-up, and stopping parenteral nutrition (PN) would facilitate the application and success of medical nutrition therapy. KEPAN is the Clinical Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Society of Turkey and is an active member of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). METHOD: In this study, we present the KEPAN PN consensus report on optimal PN use in medical nutrition therapy as outlined by the works of academicians experienced in the clinical application of PN (nine working group academicians and 10 expert group academicians). RESULTS: This report provides 22 clear-cut recommendations in a question-answer format. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this report could have a significant impact on the optimum use of PN in the context of medical nutrition therapy when clinicians manage everyday patients.

Enteral nutrition consensus report from KEPAN: Indications, choice, practical application, and follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: Clinicians are in need of guidance that will ease the application of medical nutrition therapy. In order to facilitate the application and success of medical nutrition therapy, the Turkish Clinical Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition Society (KEPAN) planned a report that is short, is clear, and has clear-cut recommendations that will guide health care professionals in the indications, choice, practical application, follow-up, and stopping of enteral nutrition. METHODS: The enteral nutrition consensus report on enteral nutrition use in medical nutrition therapy was developed by a study group (12 working group academicians and 17 expert group academicians) under the organization of KEPAN. The enteral nutrition consensus report was generated in 5 online and face-to-face phases from December 2019 through October 2022. At the end (Delphi rounds), a total of 24 questions and subjects, recommendations, and comments were sent to the enteral nutrition working group and the expert group via e-mail. They were asked to score the criteria by using the Likert scale. RESULTS: The first round of the study resulted in acceptance of all 24 recommendations. None of the criteria was rejected. Only some minor editing for wording was recommended by the panelists during the first and second rounds of the Delphi study. The final report was sent to all 29 panelists and was approved without any revision suggestions. CONCLUSION: This report provides 24 clear-cut recommendations in a question-answer format. We believe that this report could have a significant effect on the optimum use of enteral nutrition in the context of medical nutrition therapy when clinicians manage everyday patients.

Global availability of parenteral nutrition: Pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic surveys.

OBJECTIVE: Parenteral nutrition represents a therapeutic option for patients with type 3 intestinal failure. If used exclusively, parenteral nutrition has to be complete to provide all essential nutrients. The aim was to assess the availability of parenteral nutrition in all parts of the world, to better comprehend the global situation, and to prepare an action plan to increase access to parenteral nutrition. METHODS: An international survey using an electronic questionnaire was conducted in August 2019 and repeated in May 2022. An electronic questionnaire was sent to 52 members or affiliates of the International Clinical Nutrition Section of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Questions addressed the availability of parenteral nutrition admixtures and their components, reimbursement, and prescribing pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. All participating countries were categorized by their economic status. RESULTS: Thirty-six country representatives responded, answering all questions. Parenteral nutrition was available in all countries (100%), but in four countries (11.1%) three-chamber bags were the only option, and in six countries a multibottle system was still used. Liver-sparing amino acids were available in 18 (50%), kidney-sparing in eight (22.2%), and electrolyte-free in 11 (30.5%) countries (30.5%). In most countries (n = 28; 79.4%), fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins were available. Trace elements solutions were unavailable in four (11.1%) countries. Parenteral nutrition was reimbursed in most countries (n = 33; 91.6%). No significant problems due to the coronavirus pandemic were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the apparent high availability of parenteral nutrition worldwide, there are some factors that may have a substantial effect on the quality of parenteral nutrition admixtures. These shortages create an environment of inequality.

Comparison of normal saline and antiseptic solution effect on the early peristomal infection rates of patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes: A randomized double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: This study's aim was to compare the efficacy of normal saline (NS) with that of antiseptic solution in early peristomal skin care after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in terms of peristomal infection incidence. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled double-blind study conducted at a university hospital between December 2019 and April 2021. All patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The study population consisted of 64 patients randomized to group 1: NS (n = 31) and group 2: 0.1% polyhexamethylene biguanide and 0.1% betaine (PHMB-B; n = 33). Daily peristomal skin care was performed for 7 days, starting 24 h after insertion. Peristomal skin was evaluated by two blinded investigators before each dressing, and findings were recorded. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics; chi-square analysis; and exact, Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, and Cochran Q tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of peristomal infection rates (group 1: 12.9%, group 2: 9.07%; P > 0.05). Redness increased from day 4 in group 1 and day 5 in group 2, and exudate increased from day 5 in both groups. There is a statistical difference in the number of patients between the days when redness and exudate appear and increase. CONCLUSION: Both NS and PHMB-B solutions can be preferred in peristomal care. However, NS may be the first choice for early peristomal care that does not show signs of infection, because it is not irritating and allergic and is cost-effective.

Factors Affecting Immunosuppressive Medication Adherence in Liver Transplant Recipients with Poor Adherence: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Preserving graft functions and preventing rejection is closely related to immunosuppressive medication adherence in liver transplant recipients. Therefore, it is essential to determine factors affecting immunosuppressive medication use positively or negatively in liver transplant recipients. This study aimed to explore the use of immunosuppressive medication experience in liver transplant recipients with poor adherence and reveal the factors affecting the medication adherence. Material and Methods: The study was conducted as a qualitative study with phenomenological approach. Seven adult liver transplant recipients were included in this study, who had poor adherence to immunosuppressive medication. Data was collected via in-depth personal interviews. Data analysis was conducted through inductive content analysis with three steps of preparation, organization, and reporting phases. Results: Content analysis revealed four main categories, nine categories and 31 sub-categories. Four main categories emerged from the interview data: medication adherence perception, types of medication non-adherence, factors affecting medication adherence negatively and factors affecting medication adherence positively. Conclusion: This study explored that there are several factors affecting immunosuppressive medication adherence among liver transplant recipients, both positively and negatively. In order to achieve liver transplant recipients' total adherence to immunosuppressive medication, the factors affecting medication adherence positively and negatively should be understood. The study results are expected to contribute developing strategies to improve immunosuppressive medication adherence in liver transplant recipients.

Accreditation of nutrition support teams: A new initiative by the Turkish Society of Clinical Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: Accreditation is a process to evaluate compliance of an institution or organization with predetermined performance standards, focusing on achieving continuous improvement strategies and optimal quality standards and motivating the accredited organization to do so. There is no established accreditation program for nutrition support teams (NSTs) at national and international levels. In order to increase the standards of NSTs, developing an accreditation program is being planned by the Turkish Society of Clinical Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition (KEPAN). METHODS: Accreditation standards were developed by a study group under the organization of KEPAN. Minimum standards for composition, qualifications, physical requirements, workflow charts, medical records, and both patient and health care providers' safety measures in NSTs were specified. These standards were uploaded to a computer program, and the necessary infrastructure for a web-based management of accreditation processes was developed. RESULTS: An organization applying for accreditation should fill in the application form on KEPAN website electronically. Eligibility criteria for accreditation include number of NST members, physical environment, patient monitoring requirements, research, and training. A total of 22 standards are surveyed under 13 sections. These standards contain 61 criteria. To be accredited, each of 22 standards must score >70 and each of 13 sections must score >80. CONCLUSIONS: In order to increase the quality of nutritional care and improve patient outcomes, an accreditation program has been developed. This program principally sets the basic standards, organizational scheme, and responsibilities of NSTs.

Long-Term Declines in Physical Fitness and Physical Activity for Individuals With Post-Liver Transplantation Compared to Healthy Controls.

Functional changes are essential determinants of mortality and morbidity in individuals with chronic liver disease. However, there is limited information about whether these changes persist long-term after liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to compare physical fitness, physical activity, balance, kinesiophobia, and fatigue between patients with LT and healthy controls. All participants underwent evaluation with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) for exercise capacity and physical fitness, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity, the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) for kinesiophobia, and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) for fatigue. We studied 16 persons with LT (M age = 40.56, SD = 15.73 years; M time since LT = 66.81, SD = 72.05 months) and 16 control participants (M age = 39.87, SD = 13.98 years). Compared to controls, participants with LT showed significantly poorer performance on the SFT components assessing upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, agility, and dynamic balance (p < .001 for all), significantly lower IPAQ physical activity scores (p = .002) and BBS score (p = .017), and significantly higher TUG time (p < .001) and TSK, FSS, and FIS scores (p = .001, p = .001, and p = .004, respectively). Individuals with post-LT had lower exercise capacity, physical fitness, balance, and physical activity, and higher kinesiophobia and fatigue levels in the long-term compared to their peers. Future studies should focus on frailty in individuals in the long term after LT.

Optimal use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in medical nutrition therapy: ONS consensus report from KEPAN.

Medical nutrition therapy is one of the core components of the patient management, although its implication is still limited in daily practice globally. Clinicians are in need of guidance that will ease the application of medical nutrition therapy. The first treatment choice in medical nutrition therapy is the use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) after or concomitant with dietary interventions. The pre and post-graduate curriculum for medical nutrition therapy is limited in most regions, worldwide. A report that is short, clear, and having clear-cut recommendations that will guide the primary healthcare professionals in indications, choice, practical application, follow-up, and stopping ONS would facilitate the application and success of medical nutrition therapy. KEPAN is the Clinical Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Society of Turkey and is an active member of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). In this study, we present the KEPAN ONS consensus report on optimal ONS use in medical nutrition therapy as outlined by works of academicians experienced in clinical application of ONS (eight working group academicians and 19 expert group academicians). This report provides 22 clear-cut recommendations in a question-answer format. We believe that this report could have a significant impact in the ideal use of ONS in the context of medical nutrition therapy when clinicians manage everyday patients.

Redetermining the cutoff point of peristomal infection scoring: Methodological research.

BACKGROUND: Peristomal infections are a frequently encountered problem in enteral nutrition that warrants prompt diagnosis and early antimicrobial treatment. Current practice lacks a consensus on an accepted measurement tool with acknowledged validity and reliability. The Peristomal Infection Scoring System is one such tool that shows promise, yet the optimal cutoff value remains to be determined. METHODS: This methodological research was conducted with 54 adult participants to evaluate their peristomal areas in terms of infection by two nurse nutritionists and an expert physician in a simultaneous and independent manner, using peristomal infection scoring or the local signs and symptoms of infection. Performance was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic curve, interobserver reliability, and validity metrics. RESULTS: According to the expert physician's opinion, the peristomal infection rate was 9.2%. The agreement between the observers using the Peristomal Infection Scoring System was κ = 1,000, P < .001. The peristomal infection scoring area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98 (P < .001), and the best cutoff value was found to be 6 points, which correlated positively with a 0.88 coefficient (P < .001) and an accuracy of 98.1% (CI, 90.11%-99.95%). CONCLUSION: The Peristomal Infection Scoring System with a cutoff value of 6 points is a valid and reliable instrument to diagnose peristomal infections. It can be easily used by healthcare professionals in all settings as needed.

Factors affecting interval cholecystectomy and mortality in percutaneous cholecystostomy patients.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cholecystostomy is an alternative or bridge to cholecystectomy (CCY) in high-risk patients with acute calculous cholecystitis. Our primary aim was to determine the parameters that could be used in interval CCY decision-making and to predict mortality in high-risk patients. METHODS: The medical records of 127 patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute calculous cholecystitis between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes were the CCY rate and the factors affecting mortality in high-risk patients. Descriptive statistics and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed using albumin and elective surgery. RESULTS: Of the 127 patients undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy, elective CCY was performed only in 43.1% of the high-risk patients. The 30-day and 1 year mortality rates were 11% and 17.3%, respectively. The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), the negative predictive factors described in the Tokyo Guidelines 2018, the American College of Surgeons' (ACS) expected mortality rate, and albumin level were found to be significant factors affecting mortality and elective CCY probability. No mortality was observed, and an 82% elective CCY rate was achieved in patients whose albumin levels were higher than 3.16 mg/dL at initial presentation. CONCLUSION: The plasma albumin level, ASA score, CCI, and ACS expected mortality rate can be used to predict mortality and decide on elective CCY. Percutaneous cholecystostomy is sufficient for resolving inflammation, but medical comorbidities determine the final condition of patients.

How we Provide Nutritional Treatment in Hospitalized Patients?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate enteral nutrition (EN), parenteral nutrition (PN) and supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) in terms of achieving nutritional goals. METHODS: Patients receiving either EN, PN, or SPN treatment followed up by the clinical nutrition team between January and December 2017 at the university research and training hospital were included in the study. Daily nutritional requirements were calculated according to the recommendations. Total energy intake during nutritional treatment (NT) and all metabolic, mechanical, technical complications of NT were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 603 inpatients were included in the study. The nutritional goal was achieved in the majority of the SPN group patients (87.5%) statistically significant relation was found between the achievement of the target (or not) and PN access route (peripheral or central) (P < .001). However, none of the complications found statistically related to achieving the target, including gastrointestinal complications of EN (P = .46), metabolic complications of EN (P = .07), mechanical complications of EN (P = .79), metabolic complications of PN (P = .89), gastrointestinal complications in SPN group (P = .45), and metabolic complications in SPN group (P = .68). CONCLUSION: Nutritional goals could be achieved with SPN without increasing complications in the majority of patients. Commencement of SPN should be considered for positive outcomes in patients who failed to achieve desired nutritional outcomes.

Investigation of Intestinal Protozoon Prevalence in Immunocompromised Patients at a University Hospital

Objective: Immunocompromised patients are at a greater risk of developing intestinal parasite infections. In this study, we examined the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encaphalitozoon intestinalis and other intestinal protozoa in stool samples of immunosuppressed patients. Methods: A total of 100 stool samples were obtained from patients receiving chemotherapy because of solid organ tumour with haematological malignancies and those receiving immunosuppressive treatment because of rheumatic diseases, organ transplant patients and patients receiving treatment for HIV-related infections. Stool samples were examined by using the native-lugol method in which the stool concentration, modified Kinyoun acid-fast and trichrome staining methods and parasite presence were analysed. The stool samples were also examined for the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis using an indirect fluorescent antibody method. Results: Intestinal parasites were detected in 12% of all patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites in patients were 7% Blastocystis spp., 2% Blastocystis spp. + Dientamoeba fragilis, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Entamoeba coli, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Giardia intestinalis and 1% G. intestinalis. Microsporidia spp. were detected in 4% of all patients by the IFAT method and in 8% of all patients by calcoflour staining method. Conclusion: In our study, the most prevalent parasite detected in the immunosuppressed patients was Blastocystis spp. The pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp. remains to be controversial, and their role in immunocompromised patients continues to remain unknown. Although these rates detected in our study are similar to the prevalence in the normal population, it is important to study these microorganisms in immunocompromised patients in terms of the associated decreasing morbidity and mortality rates.