Nutritional factors and pressure injury risk in hospitalised patients post-stroke.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse the nutritional factors and pressure injury (PI) risk in hospitalised patients post-stroke. METHOD: The research employed a descriptive observational method in which patients ≥18 years of age were followed for six days. Nutritional evaluation was based on anthropometric and dietary factors. The nutritional risk was assessed via anthropometric measurements, Braden nutrition subscale and daily dietary intake. PI risk was evaluated through the Braden Scale. The Wilcoxon test, paired t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied and corrected with Bonferroni correction or analysis of variance, followed by the post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: During their hospital stays, the participating 59 patients had an increase in sensory perception (p=0.02) and nutrition (p=0.005) scores. It was observed that patients at high risk of PI did not meet daily nutritional recommendations for calories, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and micronutrients (zinc, selenium and copper) compared with patients at low-to-moderate risk. Weight (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), calf (p=0.01) and arm (p=0.04) circumferences, and subscapular (p=0.003) and triceps (p<0.001) skinfolds decreased during the six days of hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: From the findings of this study, it was concluded that nutritional factors, such as unmet recommended daily nutritional requirements of macronutrients and micronutrients, and nutritional status are associated with a higher risk of developing a PI.

Low Food Consumption Interferes with the Nutritional Status of Surgical Patients with Neoplasia of the Gastrointestinal Tract.

Nutritional support strongly influence the nutritional status of the surgical neoplastic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of food consumption on the perioperative nutritional status of hospitalized patients with neoplasia of the upper (UGIT) and lower (LGIT) gastrointestinal tract. METHOD: Observational, longitudinal, and prospective study. Data collected: food consumption, Subjective Global Assessment, anthropometry, laboratory tests. RESULTS: Eighty patients were followed up: 43 (54%) in the UGIT and 37 (46%) in the LGIT. The consumption in the perioperative period was lower than the usual consumption in the UGIT and LGIT groups, respectively, of energy (14.2 ± 6.5; 22.8 ± 11.2 Kcal/kg/d, p < 0.001; 13.6 ± 1.2; 19.0 ± 2.0 Kcal/kg/d; p = 0.014), protein (1.1 ± 0.7; 0.6 ± 0.3 g/kg/d, p < 0.001; 0.8 ± 0.1; 0.5 ± 0.1 g/kg/d; p = 0.058), selenium, zinc and copper. Most patients presented in the UGIT and LGIT groups, respectively, worsening malnutrition and muscle depletion according to the Subjective Global Assessment (61.9%; 51.4%) and hypoalbuminemia, mainly in the UGIT in the postoperative. CONCLUSION: Low food consumption during the perioperative period associated with prolongation of the postoperative fasting period worsens the nutritional status of patients undergoing surgery of the gastrointestinal tract for neoplasia, especially in the UGIT group.

Dysphagia, Immobility, and Diet Acceptance: Main Factors Associated with Increased Risk of Pressure Injury in Patients Hospitalized after Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predisposing factors for PI in patients hospitalized after stroke. METHODS: This 7-day longitudinal study followed up with patients hospitalized after stroke. Assessments included mobility, nutrition, and the presence of dysphagia and anemia. The nutrition evaluation was based on anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary determinants. Pressure injury (PI) risk was assessed via the Braden Scale. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied. RESULTS: Patients who were bedridden showed a greater risk of PI development upon admission (P = .004) and 7 days later (P < .001) compared with patients who could ambulate. Patients who were not dysphagic presented a lower risk of PI development in relation to patients who were dysphagic on admission (P = .047) and 7 days later (P < .001). On admission, patients with good and average diet acceptance had a lower PI risk (P = .002; P = .034) compared with those with a low acceptance. Body mass index was lower in patients at a high risk of developing PI compared with those at moderate risk (P = .02). Hemoglobin and hematocrit were statistically lower among patients who were at high risk of PI compared with patients who were low risk. CONCLUSIONS: Predisposing factors such as immobility, dysphagia, low diet acceptance, nutrition risk, and anemia are associated with a greater risk of PI development.

Relationship between selenium status, selenoproteins and COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases: A critical review.

The antioxidant effects of selenium as a component of selenoproteins has been thought to modulate host immunity and viral pathogenesis. Accordingly, the association of low dietary selenium status with inflammatory and immunodeficiency has been reported in the literature; however, the causal role of selenium deficiency in chronic inflammatory diseases and viral infection is still undefined. The COVID-19, characterized by acute respiratory syndrome and caused by the novel coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, has infected millions of individuals worldwide since late 2019. The severity and mortality from COVID-19 have been associated with several factor, including age, sex and selenium deficiency. However, available data on selenium status and COVID-19 are limited, and a possible causative role for selenium deficiency in COVID-19 severity has yet to be fully addressed. In this context, we review the relationship between selenium, selenoproteins, COVID-19, immune and inflammatory responses, viral infection, and aging. Regardless of the role of selenium in immune and inflammatory responses, we emphasize that selenium supplementation should be indicated after a selenium deficiency be detected, particularly, in view of the critical role played by selenoproteins in human health. In addition, the levels of selenium should be monitored after the start of supplementation and discontinued as soon as normal levels are reached. Periodic assessment of selenium levels after supplementation is a critical issue to avoid over production of toxic metabolites of selenide because under normal conditions, selenoproteins attain saturated expression levels that limits their potential deleterious metabolic effects.

Night fasting as an alternative to improve nutritional support and glycaemic control in hospitalised patients with exclusive enteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Enteral nutrition (EN) assists in the nutritional status of hospitalised patients unable to feed orally. The aim of this study was to determine which method-continuous EN or discontinuous EN, a diet in which the infusion is discontinued for 4h during the night,-is more effective in meeting nutrient recommendations and improving glycaemic control and biochemical parameters related to protein anabolism. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: discontinuous (EN administered in mL/h, 18h/day, 4-h night fasting) and continuous (EN administered in mL/h, 22h/day). All patients with EN receive the diet over a 22-h daily period, in which the diet is suspended for two hours/day for daily hospital routines such as bathing, and physiotherapy, and followed for seven days. Evaluated data: prescribed and administered volume, calories, protein, and fibre; capillary blood glucose; erythrogram; serum albumin. RESULTS: 52 patients were followed-up, with 23 (44.2%) in the discontinuous group and 29 (55.8%) in the continuous group. Compared with the continuous group, the discontinuous group received volumes closer to those prescribed, equal or higher calories, and more protein. The capillary glucose values were within the reference range in the discontinuous group, while the continuous group presented elevated values. Both groups presented hypoalbuminaemia, haemoglobin, and haematocrit below the reference values; however, in the discontinuous group, the serum albumin values improved during hospitalisation relative to the continuous. CONCLUSIONS: The method involving discontinuation of EN for 4h was more effective in meeting nutrient recommendations compared with the continuous method. Additionally, in the discontinuous group, we observed a better control of glycaemia when compared to that of the continuous group.

Association of anemia and malnutrition in hospitalized patients with exclusive enteral nutrition.

INTRODUCTION: enteral nutrition therapy maintains and/or regains the nutritional status of the common patient in hospital settings, where anemia and malnutrition are food related and are very common diseases. OBJECTIVE: to determine and associate the presence of anemia and malnutrition in hospitalized patients with exclusive enteral nutrition. METHODS: a prospective, cross-sectional study with patients receiving exclusive enteral nutrition up to 72 hours after hospitalization. A nutritional evaluation was performed, consisting of anthropometric data, such as weight, circumferences, and skinfolds; dietary evaluation (data were collected through an electronic medical record) and biochemistry data (hemogram, albumin, C-reactive protein, capillary glucose monitoring). RESULTS: the population consists of 77 individuals. As the patients presented greater severity of anemia, corrected arm muscle area, calf circumference and serum albumin levels were reduced while C-reactive protein increased significantly (p < 0.05). In relation to the low weight classification according to the body mass index (BMI), it was observed that the anthropometric parameters such as corrected arm muscle area (R = 0.74, p < 0.001), adductor pollicis muscle thickness (R = 0.23, p = 0.046) and calf circumference (R = 0.81, p < 0.001) decreased as did biochemical parameters albumin (R = 0.26; p = 0.048) and capillary blood glucose (R = 0.34, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: anemia has an important relation with anthropometric markers that evaluate the depletion of lean mass; the BMI has a strong association with all the anthropometric parameters evaluated, as well as the albumin and capillary blood glucose, except with the values of hemoglobin.

Comportamento da variabilidade glicêmica em pacientes hospitalizados com Diabetes Mellitus 2 / Behavior of glycemic variability in hospitalized type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients / Comportamiento de la variable glucémica en pacientes Hospitalizados con Diabetes Mellitus 2

Introdução: A hiperglicemia pode estar presente em até 38% dos pacientes hospitalizados.O controle glicêmico está associado a melhores desfechos clínicos. Objetivo: avaliar o comportamento da variabilidade glicêmica em pacientes hospitalizados com Diabetes Mellitus 2. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, composto por pacientes hospi-talizados com e sem diabetes, adultos e idosos, de ambos os gêneros, em terapia nutricional enteral. As glicemias foram medidas por testes de glicemia capilar e classificadas como normoglicemia, hiperglicemia e variabilidade glicêmica, avaliados a partir do desvio-padrão glicêmico e coeficiente de variação glicêmico. Foram avaliados dados bioquímicos como Proteína C-reativa. A análise de variância de duas vias (ANOVA) foi utilizada para comparar os grupos, além da correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Participaram 85 indivíduos, com diabetes mellitus 2 (20%; n= 17), e sem diabetes mellitus (80%; n = 68), sendo 34% (n = 29) adultos e 66% (n=56) idosos. Adultos e idosos com diabetes mellitus apresentaram hiperglicemia em relação aos pacientes não diabéticos (p<0,01), valores supe-riores de desvio-padrão glicêmico (p<0,01) e coeficiente de variação glicêmica em relação aos pacientes sem dia-betes (p= 0,03), no entanto, não foram classificados com variabilidade glicêmica. Os valores da Proteína C-reativa foram correlacionados com o desvio-padrão glicêmico (R= 0,29; p= 0,0065), no entanto, a quantidade de carboi-dratos infundida na dieta enteral não se correlacionou estatisticamente com as glicemias nem com a variabilidade glicêmica dos pacientes (p>0,05). Conclusão: pacientes hospitalizados com ou sem diabetes mellitus 2 não apre-sentaram variabilidade glicêmica, demonstrando um controle glicêmico na hospitalização. (AU)

Introduction: Hyperglycemia may be present in up to 38% of hospitalized patients. Glycemic control is associated with better clinical outcomes. Objective: assess the behavior of glycemic variability in hospitalized patients with Diabetes Mellitus 2. Methodology: Cross-sectional study composed of hospitalized patients with and without diabetes, adults and elderly, of both genders, undergoing enteral nutritional therapy. Blood glucose was measured by capillary blood glucose tests and classified as normoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glycemic variability, assessed from the glycemic standard deviation and glycemic variation coefficient. Biochemical data such as C-reactive protein were assessed. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the groups, in addition to Spearman's correlation. Results: Eighty-five individuals with diabetes mellitus 2 (20%; n=17) and without diabetes mellitus (80%; n=68) participated in the study; 34% (n=29) were adults, and 66% (n=56) were elderly. Adults and elderly people with diabetes mellitus presented hyperglycemia concerning non-diabetic patients (p<0.01), higher values of glycemic standard deviation (p<0.01), and glycemic variation coefficient concerning patients without diabetes (p= 0.03); however, they were not classified with glycemic variability. The C-reactive protein values were correlated with the glycemic standard deviation (R= 0.29; p= 0.0065); however, the amount of carbohydrates infused in the enteral diet was not statistically correlated with glycemia or with the glycemic variability of patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: hospitalized patients with or without diabetes mellitus 2 did not show glycemic variability, demonstrating glycemic control during hospitalization. (AU)

Introducción: La hiperglucemia puede estar presente hasta en un 38% de los pacientes hospitalizados. El con-trol glucémico se asocia con mejores resultados clínicos. Objetivo: evaluar el comportamiento de la variación glucémica en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus 2. Metodología: Estudio transversal, compuesto por pacientes hos-pitalizados con y sin diabetes, adultos y ancianos, con terapia nutricional enteral. Las glucemias fueron medidas por exámenes de glucemia capilar y clasificadas como normo glucemia, hiperglucemia y variación glucémica, evaluados a partir de la desviación estándar y coeficiente de variación glucémico. Fueron evaluados datos bioquí-micos como Proteína C-reactiva. El análisis de la variación de las dos vías (ANOVA) fue utilizada para comparar los grupos, junto a la correlación de Spearman. Resultados: Participaron 85 individuos, con diabetes mellitus 2 (20%; n+17), y sin diabetes mellitus (80%; n = 68). Adultos 34% (n=29) y ancianos 66% (n=56). Pacientes con diabetes mellitus presentaron hiperglucemia en relación a los pacientes nodiabéticos (p< 0,01), valores superiores de desviación estándar glucémico (p< 0,01) y coeficiente de variación glucémica en relación a los pacientes sin dia-betes (p= 0,03), sin embargo, no fueron clasificados con variación glucémica. Los valores de la Proteína C-reactiva fueron correlacionados con la desviación estándar glucémica (R = 0,29; P= 0,0065), la cantidad de carbohidratos administrada, no se correlacionó estadísticamente con las glucemias ni con la variación glucémica de los pacientes (p>0,05). Conclusión: pacientes hospitalizados con o sin diabetes mellitus 2 no presentaron variación glucémica, demostrando control glucémico en la hospitalización. (AU)

Relation of micronutrients with antioxidant properties in patients with chronic diseases and exclusive enteral nutrition

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intake of micronutrients with antioxidant properties through exclusive enteral nutrition therapy (ENT) in hospitalized patients with chronic diseases compared to the estimated average requirement (EAR). Methods: This prospective, longitudinal, descriptive, observational study was performed in a public hospital, with adult and elderly patients. The adequacy of the volume of ENT prescribed and offered was considered satisfactory when >80%. The adequacy of micronutrients with antioxidant properties was performed according to the estimated average need (EAR). Data were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: Of the 53 included patients, 58.5% were male. Most of patients (45.3%) were in the neurology clinic, and the main cause was cerebral vascular accident (18.9%). The volume administered was less than the prescribed volume of ENT in both male and female patients. However, recommendations for micronutrients with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper and iron, are according to EAR and did not exceed the tolerable intake limit (upper limit, UL), (p<0.05). The present study shows a very large variability in the concentration of micronutrients in each enteral diet. It is necessary to consider the pathologies that affect the patient, as some health conditions may be able to require specific amounts of micronutrients. Conclusions: Patients received a lower volume of enteral nutrition therapy compared to the prescribed volume. The micronutrient concentrations were consistent with daily EAR recommendations and did not exceed the tolerable intake limit (UL) for healthy individuals.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la ingesta de micronutrientes con propiedades antioxidantes a través de la terapia de nutrición enteral exclusiva (ENT) en pacientes hospitalizados con enfermedades crónicas en comparación con el requerimiento promedio estimado (RPE). Métodos: Prospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y de observación, se realizó en un hospital público con pacientes adultos y ancianos. La adecuación del volumen de ENT prescrito y ofrecido se consideró satisfactoria cuando fue >80%. La adecuación de micronutrientes con propiedades antioxidantes se realizó de acuerdo con la RPE. Se consideraron estadísticamente significativos p<0,05. Resultados: De los 53 pacientes incluidos, 58,5% eran hombres. La mayoría de los pacientes (45,3%) se encontraban en la consulta de neurología y la principal causa fue el accidente vascular cerebral (18,9%). El volumen administrado fue menor que el volumen prescrito de ENT tanto en pacientes masculinos como femeninos. Sin embargo, las recomendaciones de micronutrientes con propiedades antioxidantes, como vitamina A, vitamina C, vitamina E, zinc, selenio, cobre y hierro, están de acuerdo con la RPE y no superan el límite de ingesta tolerable (UL), (p<0,05). El presente estudio muestra una variabilidad muy grande en la concentración de micronutrientes en cada dieta enteral. Es necesario considerar las patologías que afectan al paciente, ya que algunas condiciones de salud pueden requerir cantidades específicas de micronutrientes. Conclusiones: Los pacientes recibieron un volumen menor de ENT en comparación con el volumen prescrito. Las concentraciones de micronutrientes fueron consistentes con las recomendaciones diarias de la RPE y no excedieron el límite de ingesta tolerable (UL) para individuos sanos.

Increased postoperative fasting time aggravates the nutritional status in patients with gastrointestinal tract neoplasia

ABSTRACT Surgical patients with gastrointestinal cancer often suffer from malnutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of fasting time on the nutritional status of patients hospitalized with preoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. Observational, longitudinal, and prospective study conducted in the surgical unit at a public-school hospital. The patients were divided into groups: upper (UGIT) and lower (LGIT) gastrointestinal tract. Follow-up started within 72 h of hospitalization with reassessment 72 h after surgery. Data collected: sex, age, type and duration of surgery, preoperative (compared with 8 h) and postoperative (compared with 24 h) fasting time, food acceptance, Subjective Global Assessment, anthropometry, and laboratory tests. Analyses: Student t, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests. Fifty-one patients were followed up, 29 (57%) UGIT and 22 (43%) LGIT. The preoperative fasting time was 8.2±2.8 h in UGIT and 8.1±2.2 h in LGIT groups, respectively; however, postoperative fasting times in UGIT (60.4±40.7 h) and LGIT groups (57.6±38.2 h) were longer than 24 h (P<0.001). Although eutrophic in the preoperative period, in the postoperative most patients in the UGIT and LGIT groups presented, respectively, malnutrition (71%; 59%; P<0.001), severe weight loss (79%; 80%), a significant correlation between triceps skinfold and postoperative fasting time (r= -0.306; P= 0.03), and hemoglobin and albumin values (r= 0.633; P<0.001), additionally low dietary acceptance, especially in the UGIT group. Prolonging postoperative fasting time worsened the nutritional status of surgical patients, especially in the UGIT group.

RESUMEN Los pacientes quirúrgicos con cáncer gastrointestinal a menudo sufren desnutrición. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia del tiempo de ayuno en estado nutricional de pacientes hospitalizados con neoplasias del tracto gastrointestinal preoperatorio y posoperatorio. Estudio observacional, longitudinal y prospectivo realizado en unidad quirúrgica de un hospital escolar público. Los pacientes fueron divididos en grupos: tracto gastrointestinal superior (UGIT) y inferior (LGIT). El seguimiento se inició dentro del 72 h de la hospitalización con reevaluación 72 h después de la cirugía. Datos recolectados: sexo, edad, tipo y duración de la cirugía, tiempo de ayuno preoperatorio (comparado con 8 h) y postoperatorio (comparado con 24 h), aceptación de dieta, Evaluación Subjetiva Global, antropometría y pruebas de laboratorio. Análisis: pruebas de T, Wilcoxon y chi-cuadrado. Se siguió 51 pacientes, 29 (57%) en UGIT y 22 (43%) en LGIT. El tiempo de ayuno preoperatorio fue 8,2±2,8 h (UGIT) y 8,1±2,2 h (LGIT); sin embargo, los tiempos de ayuno posoperatorio en UGIT (60,4±40,7 h) y LGIT (57,6±38,2 h) fueron superiores a 24 h (P<0,001). Aunque eutróficos en preoperatorio, en postoperatorio la mayoría de los pacientes (UGIT y LGIT, respectivamente) presentaron desnutrición (71%; 59%; P<0,001), pérdida de peso severa (79%; 80%), correlación significativa entre pliegue cutáneo del tríceps y tiempo de ayuno posoperatorio (r= -0.306; P= 0.03), valores de hemoglobina y albúmina (r= 0,633; P<0,001), y baja aceptación de dieta, especialmente del UGIT. La prolongación del ayuno postoperatorio empeoró el estado nutricional de los pacientes quirúrgicos, especialmente del UGIT.