The Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Brazilians, NLit-Br: An Exploratory Cross-Cultural Validity Study.

This study aimed to test the validity of the cross-cultural adapted Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Brazilians (NLit-Br). An observational cross-sectional study was performed in chronic disease clinics from the Brazilian Public Health System in two phases: (1) linguistic and cultural adaptation and (2) validity testing. Six registered dietitians and thirty adult patients diagnosed with at least one chronic disease participated in the study using the nutrition literacy assessment instrument (NLit-Br) and the short assessment of health literacy for Portuguese-speaking adults (SAHLPA-18). Sample descriptive variables: age, sex, race, income, education, and occupation. To adapt the instrument to the Brazilian Portuguese and Brazilian culture, we tested cognitive interviewing and the Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) with a group of dietitians and patients. To test the tool's validity, health literacy (SAHLPA-18) was used as a construct that presents similarities and differences with nutrition literacy (NLit-Br). The correlation of NLit-Br and the SAHLPA-18 was tested (Spearman's Rho). Internal consistency was measured by Kuder−Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20). The NLit-Br content validity (S-CVI = 0.85) and internal consistency (KR-20 = 0.868) were confirmed. Additionally, NLit-Br presented a significant and robust correlation with SAHLPA-18 (r = 0.665, p < 0.001). Therefore, the NLit-Br was considered a linguistic, cultural, and valid instrument to measure Brazilian's nutrition literacy.

Thumb adductor muscle thickness used in the nutritional assessment of chronic kidney disease patients under conservative treatment / Espessura do músculo adutor do polegar para avaliação nutricional de portadores de doença renal crônica em tratamento conservador

Abstract Introduction: Evaluate the association between the thumb adductor muscle thickness and the patient's nutritional status, and propose cutoff points for muscle mass depletion in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) under conservative treatment. Epidemiological and cross-sectional study, including patients with CKD stages 3 to 5, older than 60 years. Socioeconomic, clinical, physical activity and anthropometric data was obtained. TAMT was described and compared according to CKD stage, socioeconomic data, physical activity, nutritional status and correlated with age, glomerular filtration rate and anthropometric variables. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were produced, considering the lean tissue index classification as reference. The cut-off point was defined by the Youden index. Results: We evaluated 137 individuals. The TAMT was lower in malnourished and/or depleted muscle mass individuals; among males it was higher among those who practiced physical activities (p <0.05). This measure was moderately correlated with BMI, calf and brachial circumferences, lean body tissue, lean tissue index and body cell mass (r <0.7); negatively with age (r = -0.34). The ROC curve analysis determined cut points of 15.33 mm for females and 20.33 mm for males, with 72.22% and 62.50% accuracy, respectively. Conclusion: TAMT is used to estimate muscle mass and we suggest the cutoff point is useful to rule out the likelihood of muscle mass depletion. It is recommended that it be used in a complementary way in nutritional assessment.

Resumo Introdução: Avaliar a associação da espessura do músculo adutor do polegar (EMAP) com o estado nutricional e propor pontos de corte para depleção de massa muscular em idosos portadores da doença renal crônica (DRC) em tratamento conservador. Metodologia: Estudo epidemiológico, delineamento transversal, incluindo portadores de DRC estágios 3 a 5, acima de 60 anos. Obteve-se dados socioeconômicos, clínicos, prática de atividade física e antropométricos. A EMAP foi descrita e comparada de acordo com o estágio da DRC, dados socioeconômicos, atividade física e estado nutricional e correlacionada com idade, taxa de filtração glomerular e variáveis antropométricas. Foram produzidas curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), considerando como padrão de referência a classificação do índice de tecido magro. O ponto de corte foi definido pelo índice Youden. Resultados: Avaliou-se 137 indivíduos. A EMAP foi inferior nos desnutridos e/ou com depleção de massa muscular; no sexo masculino foi superior nos praticantes de atividade física (p<0,05). A medida se correlacionou moderadamente com IMC, circunferência da panturrilha e braquial, tecido de massa magra, índice de tecido magro e massa celular corporal (r<0,7), e negativamente com a idade (r=-0,34). A análise da curva ROC determinou pontos de corte de 15,33 mm para o sexo feminino e 20,33 mm para o masculino, com acurácia de 72,22% e 62,50%, respectivamente. Conclusão: A EMAP serve para estimar a massa muscular, e o ponto de corte sugerido é útil para afastar a probabilidade de depleção de massa muscular. Recomenda-se que seja utilizada de forma complementar na avaliação nutricional.

Thumb adductor muscle thickness used in the nutritional assessment of chronic kidney disease patients under conservative treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluate the association between the thumb adductor muscle thickness and the patient's nutritional status, and propose cutoff points for muscle mass depletion in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) under conservative treatment. Epidemiological and cross-sectional study, including patients with CKD stages 3 to 5, older than 60 years. Socioeconomic, clinical, physical activity and anthropometric data was obtained. TAMT was described and compared according to CKD stage, socioeconomic data, physical activity, nutritional status and correlated with age, glomerular filtration rate and anthropometric variables. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were produced, considering the lean tissue index classification as reference. The cut-off point was defined by the Youden index. RESULTS: We evaluated 137 individuals. The TAMT was lower in malnourished and/or depleted muscle mass individuals; among males it was higher among those who practiced physical activities (p <0.05). This measure was moderately correlated with BMI, calf and brachial circumferences, lean body tissue, lean tissue index and body cell mass (r <0.7); negatively with age (r = -0.34). The ROC curve analysis determined cut points of 15.33 mm for females and 20.33 mm for males, with 72.22% and 62.50% accuracy, respectively. CONCLUSION: TAMT is used to estimate muscle mass and we suggest the cutoff point is useful to rule out the likelihood of muscle mass depletion. It is recommended that it be used in a complementary way in nutritional assessment.

Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness for nutritional assessment: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to systematically review the scientific findings about the efficacy of the measure of the Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness for nutritional assessment of individuals in various clinical conditions. METHOD: Systematic review study performed according to the methodology Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). RESULTS: 13 original articles published between 2004 and 2016 were included. The measure was associated/correlated to parameters of nutritional status (such as weight, body mass index and Global Subjective Assessment) and muscle mass markers (such as circumference brachial muscle circumference, brachial muscle area, calf circumference, and muscle mass). All these correlations were weak or moderate. CONCLUSION: The measurement can be used in different populations, being able to estimate nutritional status and muscle mass. However, it is suggested that it be used in a complementary way to the nutritional evaluation, not constituting a single diagnostic/monitoring parameter.

Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness for nutritional assessment: a systematic review / Espesura del Músculo Aductor del Pulgar para evaluación nutricional: una revisión sistemática / Espessura do Músculo Adutor do Polegar para avaliação nutricional: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to systematically review the scientific findings about the efficacy of the measure of the Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness for nutritional assessment of individuals in various clinical conditions. Method: Systematic review study performed according to the methodology Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: 13 original articles published between 2004 and 2016 were included. The measure was associated/correlated to parameters of nutritional status (such as weight, body mass index and Global Subjective Assessment) and muscle mass markers (such as circumference brachial muscle circumference, brachial muscle area, calf circumference, and muscle mass). All these correlations were weak or moderate. Conclusion: The measurement can be used in different populations, being able to estimate nutritional status and muscle mass. However, it is suggested that it be used in a complementary way to the nutritional evaluation, not constituting a single diagnostic/monitoring parameter.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Revisar de forma sistemática las constataciones científicas acerca de la eficacia de la medida de la Espesura del Músculo Aductor del Pulgar para evaluación nutricional de los individuos bajo diversas condiciones clínicas. Método: Estudio de revisión sistemática, realizado conforme la metodología Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 artículos originales publicados entre 2004 y 2016. La medida se presentó asociada/correlacionada a los parámetros de evaluación del estado nutricional (peso, índice de masa corporal y Evaluación Subjetiva Global) y a los marcadores de masa muscular (como circunferencia braquial, circunferencia muscular braquial, área muscular braquial, circunferencia de la pantorrilla y masa muscular). Todas estas correlaciones fueron débiles o moderadas. Conclusión: La medida puede ser utilizada en diferentes poblaciones, siendo capaz de estimar el estado nutricional y la masa muscular. Sin embargo, se sugiere que se emplee de forma complementaria la evaluación nutricional, no constituyendo un parámetro único de diagnóstico/monitoreo.

RESUMO Objetivo: Revisar de forma sistemática as constatações científicas acerca da eficácia da medida da Espessura do Músculo Adutor do Polegar para avaliação nutricional de indivíduos em diversas condições clínicas. Método: Estudo de revisão sistemática, realizado conforme a metodologia PreferredReportingItems for SystematicReviewsand Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Resultados: Foram incluídos 13 artigos originais publicados entre 2004 e 2016. A medida apresentou-se associada/correlacionada aos parâmetros de avaliação do estado nutricional (como peso, índice de massa corporal e Avaliação Subjetiva Global) e aos marcadores da massa muscular (como circunferência braquial, circunferência muscular braquial, área muscular braquial, circunferência da panturrilha e massa muscular). Todas essas correlações foram fracas ou moderadas. Conclusão: A medida pode ser utilizada em diferentes populações, sendo capaz de estimar o estado nutricional e a massa muscular. No entanto, sugere-se que seja empregada de modo complementar à avaliação nutricional, não constituindo um parâmetro único de diagnóstico/monitoramento.

Controle glicêmico e aspectos nutricionais de adultos e idosos diabéticos em um centro de atenção a doenças crônicas de Juiz de Fora (MG) / Glycemic control and nutritional aspects of adults and elderly diabetics ina care center of attention to chronic from diseases Juiz de Fora(MG)

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o perfil socioeconômico, dados antropométricos, controle glicêmico e o consumo alimentar de diabéticos atendidos em um centro de atenção secundária à saúde. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, do tipo transversal, retrospectivo, realizado por meio da análise de prontuários eletrônicos de usuários portadores de Diabetes Mellitus. Foram incluídos usuários diabéticos, com idade acima de 18 anos, atendidos de julho a dezembro de 2014, que apresentavam resultado de hemoglobina glicada nos prontuários. A avaliação do consumo de alimentos foi realizada pelo recordatório alimentar de 24 horas. Foram avaliados 266 prontuários, que demonstraram maior frequência de idosos e indivíduos do sexo feminino. A única variável que apresentou associação negativa com controle glicêmico foi a idade, uma vez que os idosos apresentaram melhor controle (41,5%) do que os adultos (19,1%), o que pode ser justificado pelo maior tempo livre para frequentar os serviços de saúde. Foi avaliado qualitativamente o recordatório alimentar de 99 indivíduos, dos quais 68 usuários consumiam entre 20 a 50% de alimentos processados e ultra processados e 35 usuários consumiam doces e açúcares, o que pode prejudicar o controle glicêmico e o estado nutricional. Tal consumo de doces e açúcares levanta a necessidade de verificar a não aderência desses pacientes. Um estudo longitudinal, poderia elucidar mais informações sobre o acompanhamento dos diabéticos, bem como o desenvolvimento de intervenções nutricionais que melhorem a aderência e o tratamento desses usuários.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic profile, anthropometric data, glycemic control and food consumption of diabetic treated at a center of secondary health care. This is an observational study, cross-sectional, retrospective conducted by means of analysis of the electronic medical records of patients with Diabetes Mellitus. It was included in diabetic patients, over 18 years old, which were attended from July to December 2014 that presented glycated hemoglobin results in their medical records. The evaluation of food consumption was conducted by the 24-hour food recall. We evaluated 266 medical records that demonstrated higher frequency of elderly and women users. The only variable that presented the negative association with glycemic control was the age, once the elderly showed better control (41.5%) than adults (19.1%), which can be justified by the bigger free time to search health services. We evaluate qualitatively the 24-hour recall of 99 individuals, of which 68 users consumed between 20 and 50% of processed foods and ultra-processed, and 35 users consumed candies and sugars, which could affect glycemic control and nutritional status. Such consumption of candies and sugars, suggesting the need to verify the nonadherence of these patients. A longitudinal study could elucidate more information on the monitoring of diabetics, as well as the development of nutritional interventions to improve adherence and treatment of these users.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening mild cognitive impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) pre-dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairment (CI), initially mild (MCI), potentially identifiable, but still poorly diagnosed and treated. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been indicated for MCI screening in CKD. OBJECTIVE: To assess MCI in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. METHODS: Study conducted in 72 non-elderly subjects with pre-dialysis CKD. The neuropsychological assessment included: The global cognitive assessment test MoCA; the clock drawing (CD); the digit span forward (DSF) and reverse (DSR); phonemic verbal (VF) fluency (FAS) and semantics (animals); the fist-edge-palm (FEP); and the memory 10 pictures. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 56.74 ± 7.63 years, with predominance of male sex (55.6%), mainly with ≥ 4 years of education (84.3%), with CKD cathegories 1, 2 and 3a and 3b (67.6%), hypertension (93.1%) and diabetes mellitus (52.1%). MCI (MoCA ≤ 24) was observed in 73.6% of the patients. We did not find association among MCI with demographic and clinical variables, but a tendency to association with age (p = 0.07), educational level (p= 0.06) and diabetes (0.06). The executive function tests CD, DS-reverse and FEP, individually were able to identify CI with good sensibility and negative predictive value compared to MoCA and together, showed the same capability to identify MCI when compared to MoCA. CONCLUSION: The MCI is common in non-elderly patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. Together, the CD, DSR and FEP showed similar performance in identify MCI in this population when compared to MoCA, suggesting impairment of executive functions.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) no rastreio de comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) pré-dialítica / Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) screening mild cognitive impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) pre-dialysis

Resumo Introdução: Indivíduos com doença renal crônica (DRC) têm grande risco de desenvolver comprometimento cognitivo (CC), inicialmente leve (CCL), passível de identificação, mas ainda subdiagnosticado e subtratado. O Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) vem sendo indicado para rastreio de CCL na DRC. Objetivo: Avaliar o CCL em indivíduos com DRC pré-dialítica. Métodos: O estudo foi realizado em 72 indivíduos, não idosos, com DRC nos estágios pré-dialíticos. A avaliação neuropsicológica incluiu: o teste de cognição global MoCA; o teste do relógio (TDR); o Digit Span ordem direta (DOD) e inversa (DOI); o teste de fluência verbal (FV), fonêmica (FAS) e semântica (animais); o punho-borda-mão (PBM); e de memória 10 figuras. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 56,74 ± 7,63 anos, com predominância de homens (55,6%), com escolaridade ≥ 4 anos (84,3%), a maioria com DRC 1, 2 e 3a e 3b (67,6%), hipertensa (93,1%) e diabética (52,1%). O CC (MoCA ≤ 24) foi observado em 73,6% dos usuários. Não encontramos associação das variáveis demográficas e clínicas com CC, mas tendência de associação com a idade (p = 0,07), com a escolaridade (p = 0,06) e com o DM (0,06). Os testes de função executiva, TDR, DOI e PBM, isoladamente, apresentaram boa sensibilidade e valor preditivo negativo comparados ao MoCA para a identificação de CC e, em conjunto, foram capazes de predizer o resultado do MoCA. Conclusão: O CCL é frequente em usuários não idosos com DRC pré-dialítica. O TDR, DOI e PBM associados são equivalentes ao MoCA na identificação do CC nessa população, sugerindo comprometimento de funções executivas.

Abstract Introduction: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairment (CI), initially mild (MCI), potentially identifiable, but still poorly diagnosed and treated. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been indicated for MCI screening in CKD. Objective: To assess MCI in patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. Methods: Study conducted in 72 non-elderly subjects with pre-dialysis CKD. The neuropsychological assessment included: The global cognitive assessment test MoCA; the clock drawing (CD); the digit span forward (DSF) and reverse (DSR); phonemic verbal (VF) fluency (FAS) and semantics (animals); the fist-edge-palm (FEP); and the memory 10 pictures. Results: The average age of the participants was 56.74 ± 7.63 years, with predominance of male sex (55.6%), mainly with ≥ 4 years of education (84.3%), with CKD cathegories 1, 2 and 3a and 3b (67.6%), hypertension (93.1%) and diabetes mellitus (52.1%). MCI (MoCA ≤ 24) was observed in 73.6% of the patients. We did not find association among MCI with demographic and clinical variables, but a tendency to association with age (p = 0.07), educational level (p= 0.06) and diabetes (0.06). The executive function tests CD, DS-reverse and FEP, individually were able to identify CI with good sensibility and negative predictive value compared to MoCA and together, showed the same capability to identify MCI when compared to MoCA. Conclusion: The MCI is common in non-elderly patients with CKD not yet on dialysis. Together, the CD, DSR and FEP showed similar performance in identify MCI in this population when compared to MoCA, suggesting impairment of executive functions.

Impact of baseline health-related quality of life scores on survival of incident patients on peritoneal dialysis: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: In an attempt to decrease mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease, an increase in the lifetime of these patients without much focus on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was pursued for a long period of time. However, lately, an improvement in the quality of this extended lifetime has focused on both the physical as well as the social and emotional aspects, as these parameters may be associated with clinical outcomes in end-stage renal disease patients. AIM: To evaluate the impact of self-determined HRQOL at admission on survival of incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,624 incident Brazilian PD patients participating in a multicenter prospective cohort study (BRAZPD) were evaluated. HRQOL was assessed using the SF-36, divided into mental and physical components. Cox proportional regression analysis was used to determine the influence of HRQOL (mental and physical components) on mortality. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to adjust gradually for more potential explanatory variables: first for demographic variables, followed by additional adjustment for socioeconomic, clinical and laboratory variables. The significance level in all analyses was set at p < 0.05. All analyses were carried out with SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: Incident PD patients presented with low HRQOL scores on admission to therapy. Even after correction for sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, PD modality and laboratory parameters, HRQOL (both the mental and the physical components) remained a predictor [HR: 0.97 (CI: 0.95-0.98); HR: 0.97 (CI: 0.96-0.99), respectively] of survival. CONCLUSION: On admission to therapy, patients presenting with low HRQOL scores for both the mental and the physical components were associated with a higher mortality. These results suggest that early and timely intervention measures to improve the QOL of these patients are important.

The cost of alkaline solutions in ambulatory hemodialysis: an analysis about wasteful from the processes control.

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies about costs of inputs used in hemodialysis and among these expenditures, the compounds that make up the dialysate are one of the values considered as representative of this therapy. However, there aren't costs studies that guiding solutions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is discuss whether there is wasteful of alkaline solutions in ambulatory hemodialysis and hence the possibility of reduction in cost from the standardization process simulation of establishment of dialysate flow in periods between shifts in hemodialysis outpatients. METHODS: Starting from an observational analytic, a simulation was performed twenty case scenarios, which ten cases established by standardizing processes control on the dialysate flow in recession. The combination of data was performed using as a basis the prices of three suppliers of alkali liquid or powder. RESULTS: It was observed among the scenarios with standardized processes, ranging between 7.7% and 33.3% savings in the alkaline solution cost (powder or liquid), by reducing waste. CONCLUSION: It is possible to restrain the wasteful use of alkaline solutions, both powder and liquid. Consequently, its cost from the patterning on reducing the flow of dialysate during the intervals between shifts observed in the outpatient hemodialysis. However, these results are conditional upon the commitment of health professionals, mainly to supervision exercise and control of activities in quality function deployment.

O custo de soluções alcalinas em sessões de hemodiálise ambulatorial: uma análise sobre o desperdício a partir do controle dos processos / The cost of alkaline solutions in ambulatory hemodialysis: an analysis about wasteful from the processes control

Introdução: São escassos estudos dos custos dos insumos consumidos em hemodiálise e, dentre estes gastos, os compostos que compõem o dialisato estão entre os valores considerados como representativos nessa terapia. Contudo, não foram encontrados estudos que orientem sobre o comportamento de custos dessas soluções. Objetivo: O objetivo do artigo é avaliar se há desperdício no consumo de soluções alcalinas em hemodiálise ambulatorial e, consequentemente, a possibilidade de redução no custo a partir da simulação de padronização no processo de estabelecimento do fluxo do dialisato nos períodos entre turnos em sessões de hemodiálise ambulatorial. Métodos: Partindo de um estudo observacional analítico, foi realizada uma simulação de 20 cenários, sendo 10 estabelecidos pela padronização dos processos de controle no fluxo do dialisato nos intervalos das sessões. A combinação dos dados foi realizada tomando por base os preços de três fornecedores de soluções alcalinas líquidas ou em pó. Resultados: Observou-se, dentre os cenários com processos padronizados, uma variação entre 7,7% e 33,3% de economia no custo da solução alcalina (em pó ou líquida), pela redução do desperdício. Conclusão: É possível refrear o desperdício no uso de soluções alcalinas, tanto em pó quanto líquidas e, consequentemente, seus custos, a partir da padronização na redução do fluxo de dialisato durante os intervalos verificados entre os turnos na hemodiálise ambulatorial. Todavia, estes resultados estão condicionados ao comprometimento de profissionais de saúde, principalmente no que tange ao exercício da supervisão e controle das atividades ...

Introduction: There are few studies about costs of inputs used in hemodialysis and among these expenditures, the compounds that make up the dialysate are one of the values considered as representative of this therapy. However, there aren’t costs studies that guiding solutions. Objective: The objective of this article is discuss whether there is wasteful of alkaline solutions in ambulatory hemodialysis and hence the possibility of reduction in cost from the standardization process simulation of establishment of dialysate flow in periods between shifts in hemodialysis outpatients. Methods: Starting from an observational analytic, a simulation was performed twenty case scenarios, which ten cases established by standardizing processes control on the dialysate flow in recession. The combination of data was performed using as a basis the prices of three suppliers of alkali liquid or powder. Results: It was observed among the scenarios with standardized processes, ranging between 7.7% and 33.3% savings in the alkaline solution cost (powder or liquid), by reducing waste. Conclusion: It is possible to restrain the wasteful use of alkaline solutions, both powder and liquid. Consequently, its cost from the patterning on reducing the flow of dialysate during the intervals between shifts observed in the outpatient hemodialysis. However, these results are conditional upon the commitment of health professionals, mainly to supervision exercise and control of activities in quality function deployment. .

Frailty and quality of life: a cross-sectional study of Brazilian patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) induces frailty and worsens quality of life (QOL), even in the early stages of the disease and in young patients. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the relationship between frailty and QOL in CKD patients. Thus, we investigated this relationship in a sample of CKD patients. METHODS: A cross-observational study was conducted, in which 61 CKD patients receiving pre-dialysis treatment were assessed. All participants completed the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). We used valid and reliable methods to classify subjects as frail or non-frail according to Johansen's et al. (2007) criteria. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were used to compare the groups. In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to measure associations between identified variables and frailty. We also performed simple linear regression using the SF-36 physical and mental composite scores. RESULTS: Almost half of the sample (42.6%) exhibited evidence of frailty. The groups differed significantly in terms of age, gender, and all SF-36 domains, excluding Social Functioning and Role Emotional. Frailty was significantly associated with all SF-36 domains, again excluding Social Functioning and Role Emotional. Regression analysis revealed no significant between-group differences in composite physical and mental health scores generated by the SF-36 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Frail and non-frail CKD patients differed significantly in seven of the eight SF-36 domains. The frail group displayed diminished physical and mental functioning when their SF-36 scores were divided by their physical and mental composite scores. Frailty was correlated with QOL domains, with the exception of the social domain. There is a need for interventions targeting the characteristics of frailty, to provide better treatment and optimize overall QOL.

Longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life scores in Brazilian incident peritoneal dialysis patients (BRAZPD): socio-economic status not a barrier.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A large proportion of the patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Brazil have low levels of education and family income. The present study assessed whether education level and family income are associated with baseline and longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores during the first year of PD therapy. METHODS: We evaluated 1624 incident patients from the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study (BRAZPD) at baseline, and 486 of them after 12 months. The SF-36 was used to determine HRQOL and the Karnofsky index (KI), physical performance. RESULTS: At baseline, patients received high KI scores compared with scores on the SF-36. The means of the mental and physical components at baseline and after 12 months were 39.9 ± 10.5 compared with 38.7 ± 11.7 and 41.8 ± 9.6 compared with 40.7 ± 9.8 respectively, which were not statistically different. A multivariate regression analysis showed that age, sex, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were predictors of the mental component (respectively, ß = 0.12, p < 0.001; ß = 0.11, p < 0.001; ß = -0.08, ß = 0.007; and ß = -0.07, p = 0.007) and that age, sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hemoglobin, glucose, and creatinine were predictors of the physical component (respectively, ß = -0.28, p < 0.001; ß = 0.06, p = 0.009; ß = -0.09, p = 0.002; ß = -0.09, p = 0.001; ß = 0.07, p = 0.004; ß = -0.05, p = 0.040; and ß = 0.05, p = 0.040). Education level and family income were not significantly associated with HRQOL (mental and physical components) in the multivariate regression. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that, as predictors, family income and education level have no impact on HRQOL, supporting the idea that socio-economic status should not be a barrier to the selection of PD as a treatment modality in Brazil.

[Health literacy: importance of assessment in nephrology]. / Letramento em saúde: importância da avaliação em nefrologia.

Health literacy (HL) or basic reading and numeracy that allow an individual to function in the health care environment, is a relatively new topic, yet has increasingly been gaining interest over the past few years both in the research and policy agendas, particularly in the develop countries. Where studied, inadequate HL has been associated with poor health care quality and more cost. Yet many physicians do not recognize the problem or is not skilled enough to approach the subject with their patients. In this review, important aspects of HL, such as its epidemiology, associations with poor outcomes, assessment, determinants and interventions, particularly in nephrology, are discussed. Because it is common and associated to adverse clinical outcomes, inadequate HL should be incorporated into the list of assessments of patients with renal disease.

Letramento em saúde: importância da avaliação em nefrologia / Health literacy: importance of assessment in nephrology

Letramento em Saúde (LS) ou habilidade de leitura e numeramento que permite ao indivíduo transitar no ambiente de saúde, é um tema relativamente novo e que vem ganhando espaço nas agendas de pesquisa e política de saúde, particularmente nos países desenvolvidos. Onde estudado, o LS inadequado associa-se com cuidados de saúde de pior qualidade e maior custo. Mesmo assim, a maioria dos médicos não conseguem identificar o problema e não têm preparo para lidar com o paciente que apresenta LS inadequado. Na presente revisão, os autores discutem aspectos importantes do LS, tais como a sua epidemiologia, associações com desfechos clínicos, avaliação, determinantes e oportunidades de intervenções, particularmente na nefrologia. Por ser comum e associar-se com desfechos clínicos indesejáveis, o LS inadequado deveria ser regularmente avaliado nos pacientes com doença renal.

Health literacy (HL) or basic reading and numeracy that allow an individual to function in the health care environment, is a relatively new topic, yet has increasingly been gaining interest over the past few years both in the research and policy agendas, particularly in the develop countries. Where studied, inadequate HL has been associated with poor health care quality and more cost. Yet many physicians do not recognize the problem or is not skilled enough to approach the subject with their patients. In this review, important aspects of HL, such as its epidemiology, associations with poor outcomes, assessment, determinants and interventions, particularly in nephrology, are discussed. Because it is common and associated to adverse clinical outcomes, inadequate HL should be incorporated into the list of assessments of patients with renal disease.

Assessment of knowledge toward periodontal disease among a sample of nephrologists and nurses who work with chronic kidney disease not yet on dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have identified periodontal disease (PD) as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge about, attitudes toward, and behaviors/practices concerning PD among physicians and nurses who work with CKD patients. METHODS: An 8-question questionnaire was distributed to participants of the XXV Brazilian Congress of Nephrology (2010) and the Minas Gerais Nephrology Congress (2011). The questions covered the following aspects of PD: epidemiology, clinical presentation, predisposing factors, systemic expression, inclusion of oral examination during routine physical examination, and the frequency of referral for dental treatment. RESULTS: Most physicians and nurses interviewed correctly answered the questions on general knowledge about PD. 42.2% of the physicians and 38% of the nurses did not routinely examine the oral cavity of their patients. Most patients seen by nephrologists (59.4%) and nurses (61.5%) were referred to dental care in less than 30% of the consultations. CONCLUSION: Nephrologists and nurses demonstrated good self-reported general knowledge about PD, albeit with limited clinical experience, as evidenced by the low rates of examination of the oral cavity and referral for specialist treatment. These findings suggest the need of theoretical and practical training in oral health at both, undergraduate (medicine and nursing) and postgraduate levels (medical and multiprofessional residency programs).

Avaliação do conhecimento sobre doença periodontal em uma amostra de nefrologistas e enfermeiros que atuam com doença renal crônica pré-dialítica / Assessment of knowledge toward periodontal disease among a sample of nephrologists and nurses who work with chronic kidney disease not yet on dialysis

INTRODUÇÃO: estudos recentes apontam a doença periodontal (DP) como fator de risco para doença renal crônica (DRC). O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o grau de conhecimento, atitude e prática de médicos e enfermeiros que atuam na nefrologia relativos à DP. MÉTODOS: um questionário foi aplicado a médicos e a enfermeiros participantes do XXV Congresso Brasileiro de Nefrologia (2010) e IX Congresso Mineiro de Nefrologia (2011), abrangendo os seguintes aspectos da DP: epidemiologia, apresentação clínica, fatores predisponentes, repercussão sistêmica, a inclusão do exame da cavidade bucal no exame clínico dos pacientes com DRC e a frequência de encaminhamento para o dentista. RESULTADOS: a maioria dos médicos e enfermeiros responderam corretamente às perguntas que abordaram os conhecimentos gerais sobre a DP. À pergunta referente à inclusão do exame da cavidade bucal no exame físico do paciente, 42,2 por cento dos médicos e 38 por cento dos enfermeiros responderam não fazê-la (p > 0,05). Contudo, a maioria dos pacientes vistos por nefrologistas (59,4 por cento) e enfermeiros (61,8 por cento) são encaminhados ao dentista em menos de 30 por cento das consultas (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A amostra de nefrologistas e de profissionais de enfermagem participantes do estudo demonstrou conhecimento autorrelatado sobre DP considerado bom, embora com prática clínica limitada, expressada pelo baixo percentual de encaminhamento para tratamento especializado da doença. Os achados sinalizam para a necessidade da instituição de treinamento teórico-prático em saúde bucal nos cursos de graduação (medicina e enfermagem) e pós-graduação (residência médica e multiprofissional).

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have identified periodontal disease (PD) as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge about, attitudes toward, and behaviors/practices concerning PD among physicians and nurses who work with CKD patients. METHODS: An 8-question questionnaire was distributed to participants of the XXV Brazilian Congress of Nephrology (2010) and the Minas Gerais Nephrology Congress (2011). The questions covered the following aspects of PD: epidemiology, clinical presentation, predisposing factors, systemic expression, inclusion of oral examination during routine physical examination, and the frequency of referral for dental treatment. RESULTS: Most physicians and nurses interviewed correctly answered the questions on general knowledge about PD. 42.2 percent of the physicians and 38 percent of the nurses did not routinely examine the oral cavity of their patients. Most patients seen by nephrologists (59.4 percent) and nurses (61.5 percent) were referred to dental care in less than 30 percent of the consultations. CONCLUSION: Nephrologists and nurses demonstrated good self-reported general knowledge about PD, albeit with limited clinical experience, as evidenced by the low rates of examination of the oral cavity and referral for specialist treatment. These findings suggest the need of theoretical and practical training in oral health at both, undergraduate (medicine and nursing) and postgraduate levels (medical and multiprofessional residency programs).