International survey on complications of religious fasting after metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Religious fasting in Ramadan the 9th month of the lunar year is one of five pillars in Islam and is practiced for a full month every year. There may be risks with fasting in patients with a history of metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS). There is little published evidence on the possible complications during fasting and needs stronger recommendations and guidance to minimize them. An international survey was sent to surgeons to study the types of complications occurring during religious fasting in patients with history of MBS to evaluate the risk factors to manage and prepare more evidence-based recommendations. In total, 21 centers from 11 countries participated in this survey and reported a total of 132 patients with complications occurring during religious fasting after MBS. The mean age of patients with complications was 36.65 ± 3.48 years and mean BMI was 43.12 ± 6.86 kg/m2. Mean timing of complication occurring during fasting after MBS was 14.18 months. The most common complications were upper GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms including [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), abdominal pain, and dyspepsia], marginal ulcers and dumping syndrome in 24% (32/132), 8.3% (11/132) and 23% (31/132) patients respectively. Surgical management was necessary in 4.5% of patients presenting with complications (6/132) patients due to perforated marginal or peptic ulcer in Single Anastomosis Duodenoileostomy with Sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S), one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), obstruction at Jejunojenostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (1/6) and acute cholecystitis (1/6). Patients after MBS should be advised about the risks while fasting including abdominal pain, dehydration, and peptic ulcer disease exacerbation, and a thorough review of their medications is warranted to minimize complications.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) during Ramadan: Narrative Review of the Published Literature.

Ramadan fasting, a religious practice observed by Muslims worldwide, involves abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and using oral medications from dawn to dusk during the ninth lunar month. Studies have demonstrated that fasting during Ramadan has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol, leptin, adiponectin, and insulin sensitivity, as well as lower several hemostatic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it may result in a drop in blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics who are also on blood sugar-lowering medicine. Hypoglycemia, characterized by low blood sugar levels, could also result from fasting during Ramadan. The GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone plays a significant role in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, and Ramadan fasting can affect its production and release in the gut. Research contributes to our understanding of the utilization of GL-1 medications during Ramadan among patients, broadening therapy alternatives and offering insightful information for well-informed decision-making. Therefore, this narrative review aims to explore the current evidence that studies the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 agonists during Ramadan for nondiabetic and diabetic patients to ensure healthy fasting during Ramadan.

The effect of Ramadan on elderly patients presenting to the emergency department.

Background Patients visiting the emergency department (ED) may show variations by certain time periods such as Ramadan. We wished to ascertain whether Ramadan affects the ED presentations, clinical conditions and outcomes of patients aged 65 years or older. Methods . Patients aged 65 years or older who presented to ED in Ramadan and in the following month in 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Results . A total of 1947 patients were enrolled, of whom 958 presented in Ramadan and 989 in the following month. The patients who presented in Ramadan most commonly (23.8%) presented between 8 p.m. and 11.59 p.m.; patients who presented in the following month most commonly (24%) presented between 8 a.m. and 11.59 a.m. (p=0.26). Complaints concerning the central nervous system (CNS) were more common in the month after Ramadan (p<0.0001). Diagnoses related to the cardiovascular system were more commonly made in Ramadan (p=0.037), whereas those related to CNS, otorhinolaryngology and oncology were more commonly made in the following month (p=0.0005, p=0.024 and p=0.003, respectively). No significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to outcomes (p=0.36). Compared to patients who presented in Ramadan, those that presented in the following month had a significantly longer ED stay (p=0.036). Conclusion . Our study detected no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the time of presentation and ED outcomes. Patients who presented in Ramadan had a lower incidence of CNS complaints; a higher incidence of cardiovascular diagnoses; lower incidences of CNS, oncological and otorhinolaryngological diagnoses and a significantly shorter length of ED stay.

Islamic fasting: cardiovascular disease perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Ramadan is a month of obligatory fasting observed by the majority of 2 billion Muslims living around the globe. The guidelines for 'risk-free' fasting exist for chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, but recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients are deficient due to the paucity of literature. AREAS COVERED: Databases were screened to find relevant studies for an evidence-based consensus regarding the risk stratification and management of CVD. Using practical guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), we categorized patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories and proposed a pre-Ramadan checklist for the assessment of cardiac patients before fasting. Regular moderate-intensity exercise is recommended for most cardiac patients, which has been demonstrated to provide an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect that improves immune function. EXPERT OPINION: In Ramadan, many physiological changes occur during fasting, which brings about a balanced metabolic homeostasis of the body. In addition, Ramadan fasting is a nonpharmacologic means of decreasing CV risk factors. As Islam exempts Muslims from fasting if they are unwell; therefore, patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS), advanced heart failure (HF), recent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or cardiac surgery should avoid fasting.

Management of patients with cardiovascular diseases during Ramadan.

During the month of Ramadan, over one billion Muslims observe a water and food fast from sunrise to sunset. The practice of this religious duty causes marked changes in eating and sleeping habits. With the increasing incidence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, the number of patients with CV pathologies who wish to fast is increasing worldwide, and in Tunisia, which is ranked as a high CV risk country. If fasting has been shown to be beneficial for the improvement of some metabolic parameters, its practice in patients with CV pathology remains debated. The Tunisian Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (STCCCV) in consultation with the National Instance of Evaluation and Accreditation in Health (INEAS) has established this document in the form of a consensus after having analysed the literature with the aim of addressing these questions: -What is the impact of fasting in patients with CV pathologies? -How to stratify the risk of fasting according to CV pathology and comorbidities? -How to plan fasting in patients with CV diseases? -What are the hygienic and dietary measures to be recommended during fasting in patients with CV pathologies? -How to manage medication during the month of Ramadan in patients with CV diseases?

Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on inflammatory markers, disease severity, depression, and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent fasting (IF) during the month of Ramadan is part of the religious rituals of Muslims. The effect of intermittent fasting on disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is still unknown. This is the first study to assess the effect of IF during Ramadan on inflammatory markers in patients diagnosed with IBD. The effects on clinical disease activity, quality of life, and levels of depression were also assessed. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) who intended to observe Ramadan fasting were recruited. The following were assessed immediately before and at the end of Ramadan: Serum CRP and stool calprotectin, partial Mayo score, Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI), Simple IBD questionnaire (SIBDQ), and Hamilton depression scale questionnaire. RESULTS: 80 patients diagnosed with IBD were recruited (60 UC, 20 CD). Serum CRP and stool calprotectin did not show a significant change before vs after fasting (median CRP 0.53 vs 0.50, P value = 0.27, Calprotectin 163 vs 218 respectively, P value = 0.62). The partial Mayo score showed a significant rise after fasting (median 1 before vs 1 after fasting, mean: 1.79 vs 2.33 respectively, P value = 0.02). Harvey-Bradshaw index did not show a significant change after fasting (median 4 vs 5, P value = 0.4). Multiple linear regression revealed that older age and a higher baseline calprotectin were associated with a higher change in Mayo score after fasting (P value = 0.02 and P value = 0.01, respectively). No significant change was detected in SIBDQ or Hamilton depression scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: In patients diagnosed with UC, IF during Ramadan was associated with worsening of clinical parameters, the effect was more pronounced in older patients and those with higher baseline calprotectin levels. However, IF during Ramadan was not associated with an adverse effect on objective inflammatory markers (CRP and calprotectin).

Estudo da permeabilidade de fármacos por meio do modelo de saco intestinal de ratos / Study of drug permeability through the rat gut sac model

Os parâmetros de permeabilidade e solubilidade são fundamentais à absorção oral de fármacos e a partir dessas características, foi criado o Sistema de Classificação Biofarmacêutica, através do qual os fármacos são divididos em quatro classes. Atualmente, para a determinação da solubilidade de um fármaco, existem diversos métodos padronizados por agências regulatórias, no entanto, para a determinação da permeabilidade, os ensaios são passíveis de diversas variações em sua execução, diminuindo a confiabilidade dos resultados obtidos e impossibilitando a comparação dos mesmos quando realizados com técnicas diferentes umas das outras. O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar as variáveis experimentais do modelo do saco intestinal que podem influenciar nos resultados de permeabilidade aparente de fármacos e na viabilidade do tecido. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética no Uso de Animais da FCF-USP (109.2018-P574). Foram utilizados 33 Rattus norvegicus da linhagem Wistar, machos, jovens adultos, com peso entre 200 g e 300 g. Para realização do procedimento, cada animal permaneceu em jejum por cerca de quatro horas e após adequada anestesia a porção do jejuno do intestino delgado foi retirada e dividida em seis segmentos de aproximadamente 8,5cm cada. Foram realizados experimentos com e sem inversão do saco intestinal, submetidos a diferentes tempos de banho de gelo após sua ressecção, na presença ou ausência de inibidor da glicoproteína-P (verapamil). Os fármacos naproxeno e famotidina foram empregados como marcadores de alta e baixa permeabilidade, respectivamente. A losartana foi utilizada como substrato da glicoproteína P. Cada um dos sacos intestinais foi colocado em um tubo de ensaio contendo tampão Krebs, a 37°C, saturado com gás carbogênio. Para avaliação da integridade e viabilidade dos segmentos intestinais, observou-se a presença de movimentos peristálticos e coletaram-se amostras do meio de incubação nos tempos 0, 30, 45, 60, 90 e 120 minutos para quantificação dos fármacos e de glicose, uma vez que esta é ativamente transportada para a serosa do intestino delgado. Determinou-se a permeabilidade aparente de cada fármaco e as concentrações de glicose nas diferentes condições experimentais, realizou-se planejamento fatorial multinível e os resultados foram analisados por análise variância (ANOVA), seguida de pós-teste de Tukey. Observou-se que as variáveis experimentais interferiram de forma significativa na viabilidade tecidual e na permeabilidade aparente dos fármacos. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas da permeabilidade de fármacos nos diferentes segmentos do jejuno. A glicose mostrou-se um bom marcador de viabilidade tecidual e foi constatado que a presença ou ausência de movimentos peristálticos não está relacionada diretamente com a viabilidade do tecido. Uma vez que foram constatadas tantas interferências nos resultados, é imprescindível que os procedimentos experimentais sejam padronizados, para que os resultados apresentem menor variabilidade e possam ser comparados entre si

The permeability and solubility parameters are fundamental to the oral absorption of drugs and from these characteristics, the Biopharmaceutical Classification System was created, through which drugs are divided into four classes. Currently, for the determination of the solubility of a drug, there are several methods standardized by regulatory agencies, however, for the determination of permeability, the tests are subject to several variations in their execution, reducing the reliability of the results obtained and making it impossible to compare the results obtained. same when performed with different techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate if different experimental conditions can influence the results of apparent drug permeability and tissue viability on gut sac model. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee for the Use of Animals of FCF-USP (109.2018-P574). Thirty-three male, young adult Rattus norvegicus were used, weighing between 200 g and 300 g. To perform the procedure, each animal fasted for about four hours and after adequate anesthesia, the portion of the jejunum of the small intestine was removed and divided into six segments of approximately 8.5 cm each. Experiments were performed with and without inversion of the gut sac, submitted to different times of ice bath after its resection, in the presence or absence of a P-glycoprotein inhibitor (verapamil). The drugs naproxen and famotidine were used as markers of high and low permeability, respectively. Losartan was used as a substrate for P-glycoprotein. Each of the gut sacs was placed in a test tube containing Krebs buffer, at 37°C, saturated with carbogen gas. To evaluate the integrity and viability of the intestinal segments, the presence of peristaltic movements was observed and samples of the incubation medium were collected at 0, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes for quantification of drugs and glucose, as it is actively transported to the serosa of the small intestine. The apparent permeability of each drug and the glucose concentrations were determined under different experimental conditions, multilevel factorial design was performed and the results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post-test. It was observed that the experimental variables significantly interfered in the tissue viability and in the apparent permeability of the drugs. No significant differences in drug permeability were observed in the different segments of the jejunum. Glucose proved to be a good marker of tissue viability and it was found that the presence or absence of peristaltic movements is not directly related to tissue viability. Since so many interferences were found in the results, it is essential that the experimental procedures be standardized, so that the results show less variability and can be compared between different authors

Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate on Cirrhotic Patients under Endoscopic Therapy with Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Preoperative fasting causes significant perioperative discomfort in patients. Preoperative oral carbohydrate (POC) is an important element of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, but its effect on cirrhotic patients who tend to have abnormal gastric emptying remains unclarified. We investigated the influence of POC on gastric emptying and preprocedural well-being in cirrhotic patients. A prospective, randomized, controlled study of cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices scheduled for elective therapeutic endoscopy under intravenous anesthesia was conducted. We enrolled 180 patients and divided them into three groups: those not supplemented with carbohydrates for 8 h before therapeutic endoscopy (control group) and those administered a carbohydrate beverage 2 h (2 h group) and 4 h (4 h group) before endoscopy. The residual gastric volume was quantified before anesthesia, gastric emptying was evaluated using gastric ultrasonography, and preprocedural well-being was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Preanesthesia gastric sonography scores were similar among the three groups. No patient had residual gastric volume > 1.5 ml/kg in the control and 4 h groups, but six patients (11%) had a residual gastric volume of >1.5 ml/kg in the 2 h group, hence were at a risk of regurgitation and aspiration. Moreover, VAS scores for six parameters (thirst, hunger, mouth dryness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue) in the 2 h group and three parameters (thirst, hunger, and mouth dryness) in the 4 h group were significantly lower than those in the control group, suggesting a beneficial effect on cirrhotic patients' well-being. Preoperative gastric peristaltic and operation scores, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital expenses were not significantly different among the three groups. Our study indicated that avoiding preoperative fasting with oral carbohydrates administered 4 h before anesthesia can be achieved in cirrhotic patients. Further studies to assess whether POC can help improve postoperative outcomes in cirrhotic patients are needed.

Prolonged preoperative fasting induces postoperative insulin resistance by ER-stress mediated Glut4 down-regulation in skeletal muscles.

Preoperative fasting aims to prevent pulmonary aspiration and improve bowel preparation, but it may induce profound systemic catabolic responses that lead to protein breakdown and insulin-resistant hyperglycemia after operation. However, the molecular mechanisms of catabolic reaction induced by prolonged preoperative fasting and surgical stress are undetermined. In this study, anesthetized rats were randomly assigned to receive a sham operation or laparotomy cecectomy. Fasting groups were restricted from food and water for 12 h before operation, while the feeding group had free access to food throughout the study period. Twenty-four hours after operation, the animals were sacrificed to collect blood samples and soleus muscles for analysis. Postoperative blood glucose level was significantly increased in the fasting group with elevated serum insulin and C-peptide. Continuous feeding reduced serum myoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase concentrations. Preoperative fasting activated inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease (IRE)-1α and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress, and reduced glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) expression in the soleus muscle. Phospholamban phosphorylation was reduced and intracellular calcium levels were increased in the isolated skeletal muscle cells. Similar results were found in ER stress-induced C1C12 myoblasts. The expression of Glut4 was suppressed in the stressed C1C12, but was potentiated following inhibition of ER stress and chelation of intracellular free calcium. This study provides evidence demonstrating that prolonged preoperative fasting induces ER stress and generates insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle through suppression of Glut4 and inactivation of Ca2+-ATPase, leading to intracellular calcium homeostasis disruption and peripheral insulin resistance.

Fasting and surgery timing (FaST) audit.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: International guidance advocates the avoidance of prolonged preoperative fasting due to its negative impact on perioperative hydration. This study aimed to assess the adherence to these guidelines for fasting in patients undergoing elective and emergency surgery in the East Midlands region of the UK. METHODS: This prospective audit was performed over a two-month period at five National Health Service (NHS) Trusts across the East Midlands region of the UK. Demographic data, admission and operative details, and length of preoperative fasting were collected on adult patients listed for emergency and elective surgery. RESULTS: Of the 343 surgical patients included within the study, 50% (n = 172) were male, 78% (n = 266) had elective surgery and 22% (n = 77) underwent emergency surgery. Overall median fasting times (Q1, Q3) were 16.1 (13.0, 19.4) hours for food and 5.8 (3.5, 10.7) hours for clear fluids. Prolonged fasting >12 h was documented in 73% (n = 250) for food, and 21% (n = 71) for clear fluids. Median fasting times from clear fluids and food were longer in the those undergoing emergency surgery when compared with those undergoing elective surgery: 13.0 (6.4, 22.6) vs. 4.9 (3.3, 7.8) hours, and 22.0 (14.0, 37.4) vs. 15.6 (12.9, 17.8) hours respectively, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Despite international consensus on the duration of preoperative fasting, patients continue to fast from clear fluids and food for prolonged lengths of time. Patients admitted for emergency surgery were more likely to fast for longer than those having elective surgery.

Pós-operatório de paciente oncológico em jejum prolongado: diagnósticos e intervenções de enfermagem / Post-operative oncological patients in prolonged fast: nursing diagnosis and interventions / Postoperatorio del paciente oncológico bajo ayuno prolongado: diagnósticos e intervenciones de enfermería

Objetivo: identificar os principais diagnósticos de enfermagem e suas respectivas intervenções em uma população de pacientes oncológicos submetidos a jejum prolongado no pós-operatório. Método: estudo descritivo, documental e transversal. O cenário do estudo foi um hospital federal de ensino no Rio de Janeiro, caracterizado como UNACON. Os dados foram coletados durante 60 dias em prontuários referentes aos anos de 2016 a 2018. Foram analisados 61 prontuários que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão e 208 complicações foram apresentadas pelos pacientes oncológicos. Resultados: Foram definidos oito diagnósticos de enfermagem, entre os quais os mais evidentes foram: Nutrição desequilibrada: menor que as necessidades corporais e Risco de glicemia instável. Onze intervenções de enfermagem foram definidas em consonância com a Taxonomia de NANDA-I e buscaram ser de fácil aplicação na prática assistencial de enfermagem. Conclusão: foi evidenciada uma ampla gama de diagnósticos e intervenções de enfermagem a qual se recomenda sua adoção no processo de enfermagem.

Objective: to identify the main nursing diagnoses and respective interventions in a population of cancer patients undergoing prolonged postoperative fasting. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional, documentary study. The study scenario was a federal teaching hospital in Rio de Janeiro, characterized as a high-complexity oncological facility. Data were collected for 60 days from medical records for the years 2016 to 2018. In the 61 medical records that met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed, cancer patients presented 208 complications. Results: eight diagnoses were established, the most in evidence being: nutrition imbalance: less than body requirements; and risk of unstable blood glucose level. Eleven nursing interventions, designed to be easily applied in nursing care practice, were specified in line with the NANDA-I Taxonomy. Conclusion: the wide range of nursing diagnoses and interventions evidenced are recommended for adoption in the nursing process.

Objetivo: identificar los principales diagnósticos de enfermería y sus respectivas intervenciones en una población de pacientes oncológicos sometidos a ayuno postoperatorio prolongado. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, documental. El escenario de estudio fue un hospital universitario federal en Río de Janeiro, caracterizado como una instalación oncológica de alta complejidad. Se recolectaron datos durante 60 días de las historias clínicas de los años 2016 a 2018. En las 61 historias clínicas que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y fueron analizadas, los pacientes con cáncer presentaron 208 complicaciones. Resultados: se establecieron ocho diagnósticos, siendo los más evidentes: desequilibrio nutricional: menor que los requerimientos corporales; y riesgo de niveles inestables de glucosa en sangre. Once intervenciones de enfermería, diseñadas para ser fácilmente aplicadas en la práctica del cuidado de enfermería, fueron especificadas de acuerdo con la Taxonomía NANDA-I. Conclusión: la amplia gama de diagnósticos e intervenciones de enfermería evidenciados se recomiendan para su adopción en el proceso de enfermería.

Is perioperative fasting associated with complications, length of hospital stay and mortality among gastric and colorectal cancer patients? A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: During a surgical procedure, patients are often subjected to fasting for times that are more prolonged than the ideal, which may lead to complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the duration of perioperative fasting and its association with postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality among gastric and colorectal cancer patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study developed in a surgical oncology hospital in the city of Natal (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). METHODS: Patients aged over 18 years were included. The Clavien-Dindo surgical complication scale was used to evaluate occurrences of postoperative complications. LOS was defined as the number of days for which patients stayed in the hospital after surgery, or until the day of death. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients participated (59.8 ± 11.8 years; 54.5% females; 70.1% with bowel tumor). The incidences of postoperative complications and death were 59.7% and 3.9%, respectively. The duration of perioperative fasting was 59.0 ± 21.4 hours, and it was higher among non-survivors and among patients with prolonged hospital stay (≥ 6 days). For each one-hour increase in the durations of perioperative and postoperative fasting, the odds of prolonged hospitalization increased by 12% (odds ratio, OR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.04-1.20) and 5% (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.02-1.08), respectively. CONCLUSION: Prolonged perioperative fasting, especially in the postoperative period, was observed in a sample of patients with gastric and colorectal cancer, and this was an independent predictor of LOS.

Is perioperative fasting associated with complications, length of hospital stay and mortality among gastric and colorectal cancer patients? A cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: During a surgical procedure, patients are often subjected to fasting for times that are more prolonged than the ideal, which may lead to complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the duration of perioperative fasting and its association with postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality among gastric and colorectal cancer patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study developed in a surgical oncology hospital in the city of Natal (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). METHODS: Patients aged over 18 years were included. The Clavien-Dindo surgical complication scale was used to evaluate occurrences of postoperative complications. LOS was defined as the number of days for which patients stayed in the hospital after surgery, or until the day of death. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients participated (59.8 ± 11.8 years; 54.5% females; 70.1% with bowel tumor). The incidences of postoperative complications and death were 59.7% and 3.9%, respectively. The duration of perioperative fasting was 59.0 ± 21.4 hours, and it was higher among non-survivors and among patients with prolonged hospital stay (≥ 6 days). For each one-hour increase in the durations of perioperative and postoperative fasting, the odds of prolonged hospitalization increased by 12% (odds ratio, OR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.04-1.20) and 5% (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.02-1.08), respectively. CONCLUSION: Prolonged perioperative fasting, especially in the postoperative period, was observed in a sample of patients with gastric and colorectal cancer, and this was an independent predictor of LOS.

Water only fasting and its effect on chemotherapy administration in gynecologic malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: As a protective response, during starvation organisms withdraw energy from growth and reproduction to focus on cellular maintenance. Cancer cells cannot undergo this differential response which has been theorized as an adjunct to improve both the effect of chemotherapy treatment and reduce treatment side effects. We sought to investigate the feasibility and effect of short-term fasting in patients receiving chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancy. METHODS: A randomized control trial was conducted of women with gynecologic malignancies receiving at least 6 planned chemotherapy cycles. Fasting patients maintaining a water-only fast for 24 h before and 24 h following each chemotherapy cycle were compared to nonfasting patients. Treatment related side effects and quality of life (QOL) was assessed using NCCN-FACT FOSI-18 questionnaire. RESULTS: Analysis included data from 120 cycles of chemotherapy. The majority of patients had stage 3 and 4 malignancy requiring multi-agent chemotherapy. Eleven patients had ovarian, 8 had uterine, and 1 had cervical cancer. Ninety percent received taxane and platinum-based doublet therapy. Weight loss and unanticipated hospitalizations were similar between treatment groups. Fewer dose reductions or delays were seen in the fasting group. There was no significant difference in mean QOL scores, but fasting group QOL scores improved over the course of treatment to a level that reached the minimal clinically important difference. CONCLUSION: A 48-h fast is well tolerated without increasing weight loss, hospital admissions, or chemotherapy dose reduction/delays. Fasting resulted in fewer treatment modifications and improved quality of life scores over the course of treatment.

[Intermittent disturbances of perception during fasting in a 46-year-old female patient]. / Intermittierende Wahrnehmungsstörungen unter Nahrungskarenz bei einer 46-jährigen Patientin.

BACKGROUND: We report the case of a 46-year-old female patient who presented in the emergency department with intermittent disturbances of perception when fasting. DIAGNOSTICS: In the diagnostic fasting test, a hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia already occurred after 7h. A sonographic examination was inconspicuous, therefore, a Ga 68-HA-DOTATATE positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) was carried out. The results were indicative of a neuroendocrine neoplasm, which gave rise to the suspicion of an insulinoma. CLINICAL COURSE: For surgical treatment the patient was transferred to an external hospital. Following surgery, the patient was free of symptoms. CONCLUSION: If multiple symptoms of hypoglycemia are present, an insulinoma as the cause must be considered in the differential diagnostics.

Preoperative Fluid Fasting Times and Postinduction Low Blood Pressure in Children: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Children are required to fast before elective general anesthesia. This study hypothesized that prolonged fasting causes volume depletion that manifests as low blood pressure. This study aimed to assess the association between fluid fasting duration and postinduction low blood pressure. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of 15,543 anesthetized children without preinduction venous access who underwent elective surgery from 2016 to 2017 at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Low blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure lower than 2 standard deviations below the mean (approximately the 2.5th percentile) for sex- and age-specific reference values. Two epochs were assessed: epoch 1 was from induction to completion of anesthesia preparation, and epoch 2 was during surgical preparation. RESULTS: In epoch 1, the incidence of low systolic blood pressure was 5.2% (697 of 13,497), and no association was observed with the fluid fasting time groups: less than 4 h (4.6%, 141 of 3,081), 4 to 8 h (6.0%, 219 of 3,652), 8 to 12 h (4.9%, 124 of 2,526), and more than 12 h (5.0%, 213 of 4,238). In epoch 2, the incidence of low systolic blood pressure was 6.9% (889 of 12,917) and varied across the fasting groups: less than 4 h (5.6%, 162 of 2,918), 4 to 8 h (8.1%, 285 of 3,531), 8 to 12 h (5.9%, 143 of 2,423), and more than 12 h (7.4%, 299 of 4,045); after adjusting for confounders, fasting 4 to 8 h (adjusted odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.64; P = 0.009) and greater than 12 h (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.57; P = 0.018) were associated with significantly higher odds of low systolic blood pressure compared with the group who fasted less than 4 h, whereas the increased odds of low systolic blood pressure associated with fasting 8 to 12 h (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.42; P = 0.391) was nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Longer durations of clear fluid fasting in anesthetized children were associated with increased risk of postinduction low blood pressure during surgical preparation, although this association appeared nonlinear.

Effects of fasting on isolated murine skeletal muscle contractile function during acute hypoxia.

Stored muscle carbohydrate supply and energetic efficiency constrain muscle functional capacity during exercise and are influenced by common physiological variables (e.g. age, diet, and physical activity level). Whether these constraints affect overall functional capacity or the timing of muscle energetic failure during acute hypoxia is not known. We interrogated skeletal muscle contractile properties in two anatomically distinct rodent hindlimb muscles that have well characterized differences in energetic efficiency (locomotory- extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and postural- soleus muscles) following a 24 hour fasting period that resulted in substantially reduced muscle carbohydrate supply. 180 mins of acute hypoxia resulted in complete energetic failure in all muscles tested, indicated by: loss of force production, substantial reductions in total adenosine nucleotide pool intermediates, and increased adenosine nucleotide degradation product-inosine monophosphate (IMP). These changes occurred in the absence of apparent myofiber structural damage assessed histologically by both transverse section and whole mount. Fasting and the associated reduction of the available intracellular carbohydrate pool (~50% decrease in skeletal muscle) did not significantly alter the timing to muscle functional impairment or affect the overall force/work capacities of either muscle type. Fasting resulted in greater passive tension development in both muscle types, which may have implications for the design of pre-clinical studies involving optimal timing of reperfusion or administration of precision therapeutics.

Prolonged preoperative fasting and prognosis in critically ill gastrointestinal surgery patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the influence of prolonged preoperative fasting on prognosis in elective surgery. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, controlled study involving patients admitted to our surgical intensive care unit who underwent a gastrointestinal operation under general anesthesia. Patients were divided into regular preoperative fasting time (n=57) and prolonged preoperative fasting time (n=73) groups. Clinical data were collected including patients' demographics, intraoperative and postoperative operation time, volume of blood loss, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, postoperative complications and other factors. RESULTS: Patients in the regular preoperative fasting time group had less duration of mechanical ventilation support after surgery [245 (177, 450) min vs 315 (210, 812) min (p=0.021)] and the postoperative myocardial injuries (myocardial injury 2 cases vs 11 cases, p=0.038) and reoperation percentages (reoperation 0 cases vs 7 cases, p=0.044) were lower compared to the prolonged preoperative fasting time group. In addition, patients in the regular preoperative fasting time group presented with a significantly shorter period of postoperative fasting time [6.0 (5.0, 8.0) vs 8.0 (6.0, 13.0), p=0.005]. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged preoperative fasting time led to unfavorable outcomes after gastrointestinal operations. Thus, reducing preoperative fasting time is likely to accelerate postoperative recovery in gastrointestinal surgery patients.