Patent and Bibliometric Analysis of the Scientific Landscape of the Use of Pulse Oximeters and Their Prospects in the Field of Digital Medicine.

This study conducted a comprehensive patent and bibliometric analysis to elucidate the evolving scientific landscape surrounding the development and application of pulse oximeters, including in the field of digital medicine. Utilizing data from the Lens database for the period of 2000-2023, we identified the United States, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom as the predominant countries in patent issuance for pulse oximeter technology. Our bibliometric analysis revealed a consistent temporal trend in both the volume of publications and citations, underscoring the growing importance of pulse oximeters in digitally-enabled medical practice. Using the VOSviewer software(version 1.6.18), we discerned six primary research clusters: (1) measurement accuracy; (2) integration with the Internet of Things; (3) applicability across diverse pathologies; (4) telemedicine and mobile applications; (5) artificial intelligence and deep learning; and (6) utilization in anesthesiology, resuscitation, and intensive care departments. The findings of this study indicate the prospects for leveraging digital technologies in the use of pulse oximetry in various fields of medicine, with implications for advancing the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardio-respiratory pathologies. The conducted patent and bibliometric analysis allowed the identification of technical solutions to reduce the risks associated with pulse oximetry: improving precision and validity, technically improved clinical diagnostic use, and the use of machine learning.

Investigation of Mutated in Colorectal Cancer (MCC) Gene Family Evolution History Indicates a Putative Role in Th17/Treg Differentiation.

The MCC family of genes plays a role in colorectal cancer development through various immunological pathways, including the Th17/Treg axis. We have previously shown that MCC1 but not MCC2 plays a role in Treg differentiation. Our understanding of the genetic divergence patterns and evolutionary history of the MCC family in relation to its function, in general, and the Th17/Treg axis, in particular, remains incomplete. In this investigation, we explored 12 species' genomes to study the phylogenetic origin, structure, and functional specificity of this family. In vertebrates, both MCC1 and MCC2 homologs have been discovered, while invertebrates have a single MCC homolog. We found MCC homologs as early as Cnidarians and Trichoplax, suggesting that the MCC family first appeared 741 million years ago (Ma), whereas MCC divergence into the MCC1 and MCC2 families occurred at 540 Ma. In general, we did not detect significant positive selection regulating MCC evolution. Our investigation, based on MCC1 structural similarity, suggests that they may play a role in the evolutionary changes in Tregs' emergence towards complexity, including the ability to utilize calcium for differentiation through the use of the EFH calcium-binding domain. We also found that the motif NPSTGE was highly conserved in MCC1, but not in MCC2. The NPSTGE motif binds KEAP1 with high affinity, suggesting an Nrf2-mediated function for MCC1. In the case of MCC2, we found that the "modifier of rudimentary" motif is highly conserved. This motif contributes to the regulation of alternative splicing. Overall, our study sheds light on how the evolution of the MCC family is connected to its function in regulating the Th17/Treg axis.

The Journey of Cancer Cells to the Brain: Challenges and Opportunities.

Cancer metastases into the brain constitute one of the most severe, but not uncommon, manifestations of cancer progression. Several factors control how cancer cells interact with the brain to establish metastasis. These factors include mediators of signaling pathways participating in migration, infiltration of the blood-brain barrier, interaction with host cells (e.g., neurons, astrocytes), and the immune system. Development of novel therapies offers a glimpse of hope for increasing the diminutive life expectancy currently forecasted for patients suffering from brain metastasis. However, applying these treatment strategies has not been sufficiently effective. Therefore, there is a need for a better understanding of the metastasis process to uncover novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we follow the journey of various cancer cells from their primary location through the diverse processes that they undergo to colonize the brain. These processes include EMT, intravasation, extravasation, and infiltration of the blood-brain barrier, ending up with colonization and angiogenesis. In each phase, we focus on the pathways engaging molecules that potentially could be drug target candidates.

Kidney stones are common in patients with short-bowel syndrome receiving long-term parenteral nutrition: A predictive model for urolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: In short-bowel syndrome (SBS) treated with parenteral nutrition (PN), multiple complications can occur. The etiology of kidney stones may be linked to the underlying disease thrombosis, surgical complications, complications of therapy for cancer, Crohn's disease, metabolic abnormalities resulting from morphological and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract, and to treatment used. We analyzed all these parameters in a large cohort of patients receiving home PN (HPN), to define the incidence of stones and groups of patients particularly at risk of stone formation. One of the objectiveswas to develop a predictive model of urolithiasis. METHODS: This observational retrospective study included 459 patients with SBS recieving HPN in a single center. Patient records were evaluated for demographics, SBS etiology, and underlying disease, anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal failure classification, nutrition regimen, and presence of urolithiasis. RESULTS: Kidney stones were diagnosed in 24% of patients. Nodifferences in incidence were noted between the various etiologic groups. The incidence in patients with a colon in continuity and those with an end stoma was similar. The length of residual small bowel did not play a role in stone formation. There were no differences between patients according to the severity of intestinal failure. In patients treated with PN and limited oral feeding, the risk of urolithiasis was twice as high as in patients receiving PN only. CONCLUSIONS: Patients developed urolithiasis with no relation to the SBS etiology. The risk of kidney stone formation was higher in patients recieving PN with oral feeding.

Effects of Sexual Function, Social Media Use, and Self-Efficacy on Quality of Life Among Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients is a critical issue for functioning and survival. This study evaluates the roles of sexual function (SF), self-efficacy (SE), and the use of social media (USM) in the QOL of HPN patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study model investigates the independent variables USM and SF and the dependent variable QOL, and SE is a mediator variable between SF and USM. RESULTS: We included 203 participants with HPN who completed self-administered, validated questionnaires for QOL, SF, SE, and USM. Statistical analysis included a t-test, Sobel test, bootstrapping method, and Pearson correlations between variances. The mean HPN duration was 10.5 ± 8 years. Results show a significant correlation between QOL scores and SF (P = .001). USM was positively correlated with SE (P = .001). SE as a mediator between USM and SF was supported by significant results in the Sobel test. Patients with a stoma were significantly less sexually active and had lower SE ratings than those without a stoma. CONCLUSION: Physical changes that affect SE and boost social relationships by allowing emotional support through social networks are important factors for QOL improvement. These findings may guide health professionals in the management of HPN patients.

Home medical nutrition during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - A position paper.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a worldwide rapidly spreading illness, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients fed enterally and parenterally at home are exposed to the same risk of infection as the general population, but more prone to complications than others. Therefore the guidance for care-givers and care-takers of these patients is needed. METHODS: The literature search identified no relevant systematic reviews or studies on the subject. Therefore a panel of 21 experts from 13 home medical nutrition (HMN) centres in Poland was formed. Twenty-three key issues relevant to the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 in the HMN settings were identified and discussed. Some statements diverge from the available nutrition, surgical or ICU guidelines, some are based on the best available experience. Each topic was discussed and assessed during two Delphi rounds subsequently. Statements were graded strong or weak based on the balance between benefit and harm, resource and cost implications, equity, and feasibility. RESULTS: the panel issued 23 statements, all of them were graded strong. Two scored 85.71% agreement, eleven 95.23%, and ten 100%. The topics were: infection control, enrolment to HMN, logistics and patient information. CONCLUSIONS: the position paper present pragmatic statements for HMN to be implemented in places without existing protocols for SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. They represent the state of knowledge available at the moment and may change should new evidence occurs.

Assessment of resting energy demand and body composition in oncological patients undergoing partial resections of the liver.

INTRODUCTION: The metabolism of the body is a complicated process. The most important organ of the organism that affects the intensity of changes is the liver. An effective treatment method of primary and metastatic tumours is a partial resection of the organ. The analysis of changes in the body composition of patients undergoing this type of treatment allows identification of problems coexisting with the underlying disease. AIM: To evaluate changes in the parameters of body composition and the amount of resting metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 87 patients who underwent resection of changes in the liver or thermoablation of focal lesions during hospitalisation. RESULTS: Analysis of the data showed that the surgical intervention contributes to a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the value of the phase angle. A significant increase was noted within the extra cellular water content. The amount of resting metabolism in the postoperative period did not differ significantly; however, there was an upward trend in women and a downward trend in men. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection of lesions aimed at extending the survival of patients are performed more and more often, while the consequences of these operations are not sufficiently known. The adverse effect of resection treatments on body composition parameters, mainly imaged by decreasing the phase angle value, should be minimised. Effects on metabolism remain ambiguous because no significant changes have been demonstrated in the postoperative period.

Assessment of changes in the body composition in patients qualified for the operational treatment of the primary and metastatic liver tumors with the use of bioelectric impedance.

INTRODUCTION: Resection is an optimal way of treatment of hepatic tumors and metastasis from another organ. The operational injury may influence on patients body composition examined by bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Analysis of parameters may be helpful in identifying early changes indicating of deterioration in nutritional status. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: was to assess changes in body composition of patients before and after resection of liver tumors and potential radiofrequency ablation of lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a group of 50 patients of the Department of General, Gastroenterological and Oncological Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, who were qualified for radical surgical treatment of tumors within the liver. Data on water content, fat, muscle and cell mass were analyzed. RESULTS: Comparing data obtained from patients before and after intervention in the liver, statistically significant (p <0.05) loss of intracellular water, muscle mass, cell mass, as well as adipose tissue, was demonstrated. The phase angle value in these patients also significantly changed, decreasing by an average of 0.61°. On the other hand, the increase in content was noted in the case of extracellular water. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention within the liver causes noticeable, unfavorable changes in the body composition, as evidenced by the reduction in the value of muscle mass, as well as cellular mass, resulting in a decrease in the phase angle. Bioelectric impedance is a suitable method for assessing changes in body composition of patients undergoing liver resection and is useful in clinical practice. It is advisable to conduct further research in the group of patients undergoing invasive treatment of the liver due to: an increasing number of such operations and centers where this type of surgical intervention is performed.

Strategies for early metabolic disturbances in patients with an end jejunostomy or end ileostomy. Experience from a specialized Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) center.

INTRODUCTION: An end stoma syndrome is usually the result of an intentional surgical intervention in the course of staged treatment or a complication of surgery. These patients most frequently suffer from water and electrolyte disturbances, malnutrition syndromes caused by malabsorption of trace elements and/or vitamins, and undernutrition. AIM: To present early metabolic disturbances observed in patients with an end jejunostomy or end ileostomy syndrome on the first day of their hospitalization in a specialist Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 142 patients with an end stoma syndrome (76 women and 66 men), hospitalized between 2004 and 2014. Patients were divided into two main groups. Group A consisted of 90 patients with an end jejunostomy and group B consisted of 52 patients with an end ileostomy. RESULTS: After comparing the patients with an end jejunostomy vs. those with an end ileostomy, significant differences were found as regards pH (7.34 vs. 7.39, p = 0.043) and BE (3.24 vs. -0.86, p = 0.005). Depending on the lack or possibility of oral food intake, patients in the end jejunostomy group had different levels of the markers phosphate, Mg, Ca, urea, and creatinine, with all of these parameters within normal laboratory limits. When the end ileostomy group was divided into subgroups depending on the lack or possibility of oral food intake, differences in C-reactive protein activity were found (55.6 vs. 25.7, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an end jejunostomy syndrome are more prone to metabolic acidosis with significant alkali deficiencies.

Safety of home parenteral nutrition during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Few studies have examined the effect of total parenteral nutrition which is lipid-based given throughout pregnancy to patients unable to obtain adequate nutrition by the oral route. In this study we examined the use of lipid-based home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in 7 pregnant women, commenced either before or during pregnancy, and their intra-pregnant course as well as a 2-year follow-up of their offspring is described. METHODS: HPN was formulated on an individual basis and protein administered in a dose of 0.8-1.1 g/kg during the three trimesters. Lipid emulsions included long chain triglycerides or olive-oil based formulae and all patients received trace elements. Data were collected during the course of pregnancy and at birth while infants were followed for a period of between 6 months and 2 years using medical records and questionnaires. RESULTS: In total, we studied 9 pregnancies (in 7 women). HPN was administered for a median of 9 months (range 3-9 months). The mean energy provided during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester was 9297 ± 2797 kcal/week, 9148 ± 2629 kcal/week and 8564 ± 4059 kcal/week resp. The mean increase in weight during the pregnancy was 9 ± 5 Kg. The only complications noted during the pregnancy consisted of 3 episodes of catheter-related infections which were successfully treated by antibiotics. The infants were born after a mean of 38.00 ± 1.55 weeks of gestation, with a mean first minute Apgar score of 8.7 ± 1.8 which increased to 9.8 ± 0.4 after 10 min. The mean infant birth weight was 2.45 ± 0.37 kg. No complications were noted at birth apart from one infant who suffered from torticollis which resolved spontaneously. During follow up, a decrease in hemoglobin related to low iron levels was noted in 1 infant, 2 infants were noted to be allergic to pollen and one underwent a scrotal hernia reduction. No developmental problems have been observed, neither physiological nor psychomotor, over the 2-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest, based on, the current study, that lipid-based HPN for pregnant women is a safe method for meeting the nutritional demands of both mother and fetus, and may be administered throughout the pregnancy.

A comparison of two methods of treatment for central catheter tunnel phlegmon in home parenteral nutrition patients.

INTRODUCTION: The ESPEN guidelines on long-term (> 3 months) parenteral nutrition recommend the use of tunnelled central venous catheters (CVCs) to minimise the risk of insertion site infection. A developed symptomatic infection of the soft tissue tunnel surrounding a CVC may rapidly become directly life threatening if the infection progresses along the catheter tunnel towards its end inserted into the venous system. This requires immediate management to eliminate infection and limit its effects. AIM: To compare two surgical techniques for the treatment of suppurative inflammation of a CVC tunnel: conventional drainage of the infected tissues (surgical technique A) vs. radical en bloc excision of the infected tissues together with the infected central catheter (surgical technique B). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients hospitalised due to CVC tunnel phlegmon between April 2004 and May 2014 were included in the retrospective study. Thirty-four (46.5%) patients underwent surgical procedure A and another 39 (53.5%) underwent procedure B. RESULTS: The mean duration of antibiotic therapy following procedure A was 8 ±3 days, whereas procedure B required 7 ±2 days of antibiotic therapy (NS). The mean hospitalisation period following procedure B was over 8 days shorter in comparison to that following procedure A (16.54 ±7.59 vs. 24.87 ±10.19, p = 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of CVC tunnel phlegmon involving radical en bloc excision of suppurated tissues along with the infected CVC shortens hospitalisation, expedites the insertion of a new CVC, and potentially reduces treatment costs.

Predicted versus measured resting energy expenditure in patients requiring home parenteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: Guidelines from the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recommend between 20 and 35 kcal/kg daily for patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (PN). Other guidelines use predictive equations. However, these equations have not been validated. Indirect calorimetry is recommended as the gold standard for determining resting energy expenditure (REE). The aim of this study was to compare the frequently used equations with measured REE. METHODS: Seventy-six hospitalized patients suffering from intestinal failure (ages 21-85 y) were enrolled between January 2012 and May 2014. They were eligible for implementation of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) due to short bowel syndrome (54%), intestinal fistulae (24%), cancer obstruction (16%), and radiation-induced intestinal injury (6%). REE measurements were compared with predictive equations by Harris and Benedict (HB), Owen, Ireton-Jones, and Mifflin, as well as recommendations from ESPEN. RESULTS: In all, 152 calorimetry measurements (two per patient) were performed in 76 patients, after total PN administrations. An average result of REE measurement by indirect calorimetry was 1181 ± 322 kcal/d. Variability in momentary energy expenditure (MEE) from one measurement to the other was 8% ± 7%. Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias of -192 ± 300 kcal/d between MEE and estimated energy expenditure using the HB equation, which means that the equation increased the score on average by 192 ± 300 kcal/d. Limits of agreement (LoA) between the two methods was -780 to +396 kcal/d. Estimation energy expenditure using the Ireton-Jones equation gave a mean bias of -359 ± 335 kcal/d. LoA between the two methods was -1015 to +297 kcal/d. For Owen equation, Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias of -208 ± 313 kcal/d and the LoA between the two methods was -822 to +406 kcal/d. Using the Mifflin equation, estimation energy expenditure gave a mean bias of -172 ± 312 kcal/d and the LoA between the two methods was -784 to +439 kcal/d. Using the ESPEN range (20-35 kcal/kg daily) analysis showed mean bias of -13 ± 326 kcal/d and the LoA was -652 to +626 kcal/d for 20 kcal/kg daily and mean bias of -909 ± 436 kcal/d with the LoA between the two methods -1764 to -54 kcal/d for 35 kcal/kg daily. CONCLUSION: If REE cannot be measured by indirect calorimetry in patients qualified for HPN, the Ireton-Jones equation and the 20 kcal/kg/d ESPEN recommendation seem to be the most appropriate ones as it provides results that constitute the best approximation of calorimetric examination results.

Quality of life of patients on chronic parenteral nutrition before and after gastrointestinal tract continuity restoration.

UNLABELLED: The issue of the quality of life considering patients with a temporary or permanent intestinal stoma, as well as the necessity for chronic parenteral nutrition at home remain a poorly understood problem. Daily care of the intestinal stoma and the need to comply with sterile procedures required for parenteral nutrition require such patients to commit their time, which secondarily is associated with the broad aspects of social and personal life. The aim of the study was to analyse the quality of life considering patients with intestinal stomas subjected to chronic parenteral nutrition, before and after gastrointestinal tract continuity restoration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was conducted between May and July, 2014 on a group of 71 patients (33 female and 38 male) who were under the care of the Department of General Surgery and Clinical Nutrition, Warsaw Medical University, operated during the period between 2007 and July, 2014 with a present stoma (32 patients - 45%), as well as after stoma closure (39 patients - 55%). The analysed questionnaire contained 31 questions, and the SF-36 questionnaire was additionally used, determining the quality of life. RESULTS: Analysis of the study material showed differences in the quality of life, considering three most important determinants. Significantly worse assessment of the quality of life was reported by patients with a stoma and subject to intravenous nutrition (83.2±30.5), as compared to those after stoma closure subject to normal nutrition (52.3±33.8). Based on the SF-36 questionnaire differences between patients with a stoma and those without amounted to t(69)=2.84 (p=0.006) demonstrating that those with a stoma reported a lower quality of life. Analysis between younger and older patients, based on the SF-36 questionnaire (t(62.87)=2.49; p=0.016) showed that younger patients achieved lower results, considering dissatisfaction with life (61.55±27.5), as compared to the elderly (80.8±36.9). CONCLUSIONS: The group of patients without a stoma seem to be more independent- the vast majority do not use the help of family members (43.6%), or friends (64.1%). Patients with a stoma more often withdraw from social life. The factor that mostly reduces the quality of life is the presence of a stoma, which impairs daily functioning a lot more than the sterile procedures associated with parenteral nutrition. All patients after stoma closure consider that their overall functioning has significantly improved.

Evaluation Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms Amongst Warsaw University Students.

UNLABELLED: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) belongs to functional gastrointestinal disorders and is characterized by abdominal pain and change in stool consistency and/or bowel habits. Etiological factors include gastrointestinal peristalsis disturbances, visceral hypersensitivity, chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane, dysbacteremia, intestinal infections, psychosomatic and nutritional factors. Gastrointestinal motility disturbances in case of IBS are manifested by the inhibition of the intestinal passage, which favors the development of constipation or occurrence of diarrhea. The aim of the study was to evaluate IBS symptoms and demonstrate the relationship between physical activity and place of residence amongst Warsaw University students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in march, 2014 using a specific questionnaire, amongst Warsaw University students. The study group comprised 120 female patients, aged between 19 and 27 years (M=23.43; SD=1.29). The chi-square test was used for analysis, p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The BMI of investigated patients ranged between 16.30-31.22 kg/m2 (M=21.27; SD=2.71). The majority of respondents (76.6%) weighed within the normal limits. Abdominal pain or discomfort occurred more frequently in the group of students who considered their physical activity as low. In case of respondents with a low physical activity bowel movement disorders and stool continence changes occurred more often, as compared to those with moderate physical activity. The most common symptom was rectal tenesmus, the least common-presence of mucous in the stool. Analysis showed that students with low physical activity were more frequently absent from school/work, due to abdominal symptoms. The respondents with moderate activity more often considered their abdominal symptoms, being associated with stress. CONCLUSIONS: IBS symptoms are common amongst Warsaw University students. In case of respondents with low physical activity, abdominal pain or discomfort occurred more often. It has been demonstrated that diet and stress might contribute to the occurrence of abdominal symptoms, being evidence of IBS.

The efficacy of alcohol-antibiotic lock therapy for treatment of catheter related bloodstream infections in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition.

UNLABELLED: In patients with chronic gastrointestinal tract failure, requiring access to the venous system, the subsequent catheter re-insertion are leading to large veins thrombosis impeding or preventing the insertion of another catheter and exposing patients to the risk of complications. Understanding the pathophysiology of catheter-related infections, enabled to use methods allowing to eradicate the source of infection without removal and replacement of central catheter with a new one. In our center, for many years we have been using an alternative method involving implementation of the alcohol-antibiotic lock in the treatment of infections. This method is based on the assumption that the destruction of biofilm with concentrated alcohol will enable antibiotic penetration and killing other microorganisms. Treatment with alcohol-antibiotic lock lasts from 8 to 10 days and involves filling the catheter with 96% alcohol followed by a solution of the antibiotic of high concentration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections with two methods (catheter replacement with a new one and the alcohol-antibiotic lock therapy) in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 428 HPN in the period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010. Among which 240 (56%) of women with an average age of 56.5 ± 16 years and 188 (44%) of men with an average age of 54 ± 17 years. The indications to HPN were as follows: short bowel syndrome in 298 (70%) patients, multilevel obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract in 52 (12%), postoperative gastrointestinal fistulas in 48 (11.2%), malabsorption syndrome in 17 (4%), motility disorders in 6, cachexia in 4 and radiation enteritis in 3 patients. RESULTS: In 247 (57.5%) from 428 patients, no episode of catheter-related bloodstream infection was found, while 181 were diagnosed with 352 episodes of catheter-related bloodstream infections. In 40 (9.4%) from 428 patients, 168 (47.8%) episodes have been found - almost a half. The mean duration of treatment of patients receiving home parenteral nutrition, starting from the first episode of catheter-related bloodstream infection, in 48 patients treated with the lock was equal to 1053+748 days, and in 133 patients treated with catheter replacement was equal to 952+709 days (t-test p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: The survival time of patients treated with alcohol-antibiotic lock is the same as in patients treated with the catheter removal and insertion of the new one. The use of alcohol-antibiotic lock to treat catheter-related bloodstream infections in order to eradicate selected microorganisms that colonize the lumen and cause an infection, is as effective as catheter replacement with a new one.

Food, mechanic and septic complications in patients enterally nutritioned in home conditions.

UNLABELLED: Home enteral nutrition (HEN for short) allows practically normal living for patients who cannot be fed orally but at the same time do not have to stay in hospitals, which is often found to decrease their mental condition, increase of probability of complications and costs of medical treatment. The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of nutritional, mechanical and septic complications in patients fed enterally in home conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study performed using retrospective analysis of study results and reports from control visits for patients in the period between 2012-2013. 147 patients fed enterally using HEN method participated in the study, including 70 men and 77 women aged 19 to 99 years (average 65 years). The following type of gastrointestinal tract access was used for patients: PEG in 113 (76.5%), feeding jejunostomy - 21 (1.4%), PEG-PEJ - 5 (3.5%), in case of the remaining 8 patients the nasogastric gavage (5.5%) was used. RESULTS: The most common complication were infections (of gastric tract, skin soft tissue in the region of nutritional fistula entry, in three cases the aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed) found in 55 (49.1%) of cases. Mechanical complications were found out in 29 (25.9% of all complications), nutritional complications were present 28 times, which constituted 25% of all complications. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied group of patients with an implemented HEN procedure, septic complications were the most common problem. The longest average nutrition time with PEG-PEJ probably results from the effective protection of the patient against aspiration pneumonia.

A comparison of two methods of treatment for catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients on home parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) enables patients who cannot eat normally to survive and function. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are the most dangerous complication, which may be fatal if left untreated or if treatment is delayed. For over 20 years CRBSIs were managed by catheter removal and implantation of a new one after completion of antibiotic treatment. However, frequent catheter replacements put the patient at risk of large vein thrombosis, which may render parenteral nutrition impossible. The management of CRBSIs evolved into antibiotic treatment without catheter removal. The effectiveness of this approach was, however, limited by the low penetration of the antibiotics into the biofilm. Filling catheters with concentrated ethanol destroys the biofilm and does not result in the emergence of drug resistance. The aim of our study was to assess the remote outcomes of CRBSI treatment using two approaches: antibiotic-ethanol lock therapy and catheter replacement. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the treatment outcomes of CRBSI diagnosed and managed in HPN patients. During the analysed period, a total of 428 patients between 13 and 96 years of age were on HPN and a total of 181 of them suffered a total of 352 CRBSI episodes managed with one of the two approaches. RESULTS: We showed no significant differences between the two approaches in terms of survival likelihood or duration of catheter use after an episode of CRBSI caused by various bacterial species. CONCLUSION: The use of antibiotic-ethanol lock therapy in the management of CRBSI is equally effective as catheter replacement.

Damage of Central Catheters in Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients.

UNLABELLED: According to the ESPEN and ASPEN guidelines, in the case of a long-term (>3-month) parenteral nutrition should be administered via a subcutaneous central venous catheter (CVC). There are three types of mechanical complications of tunnelled central catheter: catheter rupture, occlusion by TPN depositing and thrombofibrotic occlusion. The aim of the study was to analyse the incidence of complications central catheter in a group of patients receiving HPN. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and June 2014, HPN was conducted in 584 patients (306 women and 278 men), ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the study: 67 women and 32 men in whom mechanical complications of central catheters were found. RESULTS: Among 99 patients, 71 used the tunnelled Broviac catheter. Groshong catheters were placed only in patients receiving parenteral nutrition due to cancer. Analyses have shown differences between the older and younger in the number of mechanical complications. Younger patients were found to have a larger number of catheter complications (1.6 ± 1.1) in comparison with older patients (1.3 ± 0.7). The catheter that was most commonly damaged was the Broviac catheter 76.8%. The most frequent type of mechanical complications was catheter rupture 64.81%. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical complications of tunnelled central catheters in HPN patients can be repaired in an outpatient setting in half of the cases, which enables continuation of parenteral nutrition without the need to hospitalise the patient. The centres that conduct HPN should offer 24-hour care and help in case of problems with the central venous line to the patients.

Quality of life considering patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases - natural and parenteral nutrition.

UNLABELLED: One of the elements of treatment considering inflammatory bowel diseases is nutritional therapy. The duration of the above-mentioned depends on the prevalence of such symptoms as fever, bowel movements, length of the functioning gastrointestinal tract, stoma and intestinal fistula presence. Nutritional therapy is an essential element of successful treatment alongside pharmacological, surgical, and biological therapy, as well as other methods. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis considered as chronic diseases, lead towards physical and biopsychosocial disability, being responsible for the reduction in the quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine the quality of life after surgical procedures in case of patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, subjected to natural and parenteral nutrition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 52 patients from the Department of Gastroenterology, Military Medical Institute, and Department of Surgery and Clinical Nutrition, Clinical Hospital in Warsaw. The study was performed between October, 2011 and April, 2012. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument - Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to deter-mine the patients' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: A lower quality of life was observed in case of patients subjected to parenteral nutrition, poor education, disease symptoms exacerbation, in the majority-rural inhabitants. The quality of life does not depend on gender, type of disease, family status, and additional medical care.

Method of nutrition of patients after major oral and craniofacial surgery and its effects on BMI changes during a half-year period of observation.

UNLABELLED: Injuries, deformations and tumours of the facial part of skull, oral cavity or neck often hamper or prevent normal food consumption. After surgery of these structures food intake may be decreased due to postoperative wounds, pain, swelling and trismus. The aim of the study was to evaluate nutritional state of patients treated surgically in the craniomaxillo- facial surgery department and determination of factors affecting body weight changes after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 83 patients operated between 2008 and 2010 in the department of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery, due to: maxillo-facial defects (30 individuals), malignant tumours (23 individuals), injuries (19 individuals), benign tumours (11 individuals). The study was prospective. A method of nutrition during the observation period and BMI (Body Mass Index) value on the first day of hospitalization and after 10, 60, 180 days after hospital admission were considered. For statistical analysis of results a general regression analysis was used. RESULTS: Significant reduction of BMI was observed in all patients after 10 and 60 days from the start of hospitalization. A significant increase of this parameter was observed between Day 60 and Day 180 of observation, however the BMI values after 180 days were still significantly lower than the baseline. A dependency between these changes and a cause of hospitalization as well as nutrition during and after the stay at hospital has been shown. CONCLUSIONS: There is a distinct relationship between the worsening of nutritional state after craniofacial surgery and nutrition during and after hospitalization, and therefore special attention should be paid to the issue of nutrition during this period.