Vitamin B12 status in kidney transplant recipients: association with dietary intake, body adiposity and immunosuppression.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) and its possible association with B12 dietary intake, body adiposity and immunosuppressive drugs. In this cross-sectional study, we included 225 KTR, aged 47·50 (sd 12·11) years, and 125 (56 %) were men. Serum levels of B12 were determined by chemiluminescent microparticle intrinsic factor assay and the cut-off of 200 pg/ml was used to stratify KTR into B12-sufficient or B12-deficient group. B12 dietary intake was evaluated by three 24 h dietary recalls and was considered adequate when ≥2·4 µg/d. Body adiposity was estimated after taking anthropometric measures and using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. B12 deficiency was seen in 14 % of the individuals. B12-deficient group, compared with the B12-sufficient group, exhibited lower intake of B12 (median 2·42 (interquartile range (IQR) 1·41-3·23) v. 3·16 (IQR 1·94-4·55) µg/d, P = 0·04) and higher values of waist circumference (median 96·0 (IQR 88·0-102·5) v. 90·0 (IQR 82·0-100·0) cm, P = 0·04). When the analysis included only women, B12 deficiency was associated with higher total and central body adiposity measurements obtained with anthropometry (BMI, body adiposity index, waist and neck circumferences) and DXA (total and trunk body fat). Among individuals with adequate intake of B12, the deficiency of this vitamin was more frequently seen in those using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (17 %) v. azathioprine (2 %), P = 0·01. In conclusion, the prevalence of B12 deficiency in KTR was estimated as 14 % and was associated with reduced intake of B12 as well as higher adiposity, especially in women, and with the use of MMF.

Can renal nutrition education improve adherence to a low-protein diet in patients with stages 3 to 5 chronic kidney disease?

OBJECTIVE: Low adherence is frequently observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are following a low-protein diet. We have evaluated whether a specific nutrition education program motivates patients with CKD who do not yet receive dialysis to reduce their protein intake and whether such a program improves adherence to a low-protein diet over and above standard dietary counseling. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the CKD outpatient clinic at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. SUBJECTS: This study included adult patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) who were receiving conservative treatment. Participants had received their first referrals to a renal dietitian. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to a normal counseling group (individualized dietary program: 0.6 to 0.75 g protein/kg/day or 0.6 to 0.8 g/kg/day for patients with diabetes and 25 to 35 kcal/kg/day with sodium restriction) or an intense counseling group (same dietary program plus nutrition education materials). The nutrition education material included 4 different actions to improve patient knowledge and understanding of the low-protein and low-sodium diet. Both groups were followed by means of individual monthly visits to the outpatient clinic for 4 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We looked for a change in protein intake from baseline values as well as the adherence rate, assessed as a 20% decrease of the initial protein intake (by 24-hour food recall). RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients completed the study (normal counseling n = 46; intense counseling n = 43). The number of patients who adhered to a low-protein diet was high but did not differ between groups (in the last visit 69% vs. 48%; P = .48; intense vs. normal counseling, respectively). The reduction in protein intake from baseline values was greater for the intense counseling group compared with the normal counseling group (at the last visit, -20.7 g/day [-30.9%] vs. -10.5 g/day [-15.1%], intense vs. normal counseling, respectively; P = .04). CONCLUSION: An intense nutrition education program contributed to reducing protein intake in patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD over and above our standard dietary counseling. Nutritional education programs are effective in increasing patient adherence to protein intake recommendations.

Bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative management.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Few studies have focused on bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative treatment. The objective was to evaluate bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case series, at the Nephrology Division, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto. METHODS: 131 patients with creatinine clearance from 10 to 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were followed up for at least one year. Serum creatinine, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, total CO2 (tCO2), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Creatinine clearance was calculated from 24-hour urine creatinine measurements and protein ingestion estimates from urea assays. RESULTS: Patients presenting creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) had higher iPTH values, but normal serum levels for calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and tCO2. Patients presenting iPTH values of twice the normal upper limit (144 pg/ml) showed lower tCO2 values. Bone alkaline phosphatase was evaluated in 37 patients with creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2), showing correlation with alkaline phosphatase but not with parathyroid hormone. Bone biopsy on nine patients with creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and iPTH > 144 pg/ml showed osteitis fibrosa (4), mild lesion (4) and high turnover (1). CONCLUSION: The present data suggest the importance of early control for iPTH and metabolic acidosis, among patients under conservative management for chronic kidney disease, in order to prevent complications related to bone disease.

Nutritional profile of patients with chronic renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: A substantial number of patients with end-stage chronic renal failure (CRF) on dialysis have an inflammatory state that can be detected by elevation in serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Hypoalbuminemia, which occurs in this population and always has been associated with malnutrition, seems to be a consequence of this inflammatory state. Data focusing on patients before dialysis treatment are lacking. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Outpatients from the Nephrology Division of the University Hospital. PATIENTS: We investigated nutritional status and serum CRP in 27 patients (13 women) with advanced CRF on the occasion of their first visit. METHODS: Nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometric and serum measurements. Energy and protein intake were evaluated using a 24-hour recall questionnaire. RESULTS: Data are reported as mean +/- SD. Glomerular filtration rate was 18 +/- 5 mL/min. Anthropometric measurements showed normal body mass index in 75% of the patients, whereas the remaining patients were overweight; fat store was depleted in 60% of the patients. Serum albumin was 4.4 +/- 0.5 mg/dL and CRP was 0.47 +/- 0.63 mg/dL. Protein ingestion was 1.04 +/- 0.24 g/kg/d, and energy intake was 23.57 +/- 7.8 kcal/kg/d. CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced CRF without specific treatment, evaluated for the first time, showed fat store depletion. This alteration was not associated with inflammation or with visceral protein loss, but with low energy intake. These results support the idea that this population should be followed up by specialists from the early stage of CRF to prevent malnutrition.

Waist-to-height ratio: an accurate anthropometric index of abdominal adiposity and a predictor of high HOMA-IR values in nondialyzed chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance (IR), mainly when associated with obesity and characterized by high abdominal adiposity (AbAd). Anthropometric measures are recommended for assessing AbAd in clinical settings, but their accuracies need to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of different anthropometric measures of AbAd in patients with CKD. We also sought to determine the AbAd association with high homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values and the cutoff point for AbAd index to predict high HOMA-IR values. METHODS: A subset of clinically stable nondialyzed patients with CKD followed at a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic was enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The accuracy of the following anthropometric indices: waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, conicity index and waist-to-height ratio (WheiR) to assess AbAd, was evaluated using trunk fat, by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as a reference method. HOMA-IR was estimated to stratify patients in high and low HOMA-IR groups. The total area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC-ROC; sensitivity/specificity) was calculated: AbAd with high HOMA-IR values (95% confidence interval [CI]). RESULTS: We studied 134 patients (55% males; 54% overweight/obese, body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2), age 64.9 ± 12.5 y, estimated glomerular filtration rate 29.0 ± 12.7 mL/min). Among studied AbAd indices, WheiR was the only one to show correlation with DXA trunk fat after adjusting for confounders (P < 0.0001). Thus, WheiR was used to evaluate the association between AbAd with HOMA-IR values (r = 0.47; P < 0.0001). The cutoff point for WheiR as a predictor for high HOMA-IR values was 0.55 (AUC-ROC = 0.69 ± 0.05; 95% CI, 0.60-0.77; sensitivity/specificity, 68.9/61.9). CONCLUSIONS: WheiR is recommended as an effective and precise anthropometric index to assess AbAd and to predict high HOMA-IR values in nondialyzed patients with CKD.

Assessment of methods to identify protein-energy wasting in patients on hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: The method capable of best identifying protein-energy wasting (PEW) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is controversial. Thus, we assessed the nutritional status of HD patients by use of different methods and verified which one identified the highest number of patients with PEW. METHODS: The study assessed the nutritional status of 15 HD patients (age: 52.7 ± 10.1 years; males: 33.3%) by use of anthropometric measurements, subjective global assessment (SGA), serum albumin, and dietary intake (24-hour food recall). Body fat was assessed by use of anthropometry. The International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria were used to diagnose PEW. RESULTS: The body mass index (24.2 ± 4.4 kg/m²) and the percentage of standard value for mid-arm muscle circumference were within the normal limits (102.6 ± 13%). Nevertheless, the percentage of standard value for triceps skinfold was below the normal limits (females, 75.3 ± 40.4%; and males, 73.5 ± 20.6%), although a high body fat percentage was observed (females, 34.5 ± 7.3%; males, 23.6 ± 4.2%). When assessing the nutritional status by use of SGA, most patients (80%, n = 12) were malnourished, and SGA was the method that identified the highest number of patients with PEW. By using the ISRNM criteria, PEW was diagnosed in only two patients. CONCLUSION: All patients were diagnosed with PEW by use of one of the methods studied. The SGA was the method that, in isolation, could detect the greatest number of patients with PEW.

Avaliação de métodos para identificar desnutrição energético-protéica de pacientes em hemodiálise / Assessment of methods to identify protein-energy wasting in patients on hemodialysis

INTRODUÇÃO: O método capaz de melhor identificar desnutrição energético-protéica (DEP) em pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) ainda se mantém em debate. Logo, avaliamos o estado nutricional de pacientes em HD por diferentes métodos e verificamos qual deles identificava o maior número de pacientes com DEP. MÉTODOS: Quinze pacientes em HD (52,7 ± 10 anos; 33,3 por cento Masculino). O estado nutricional foi avaliado por medidas antropométricas, pela avaliação subjetiva global (ASG), por albumina plasmática e pelo consumo alimentar (recordatório de 24 horas). A gordura corporal foi avaliada por antropometria. O critério de diagnóstico de DEP preconizado pela International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) foi empregado. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que o índice de massa corporal esteve dentro da normalidade (24,2 ± 4,4 kg/m²). Ao avaliar a condição nutricional pela adequação da circunferência muscular do braço CMB) e da prega cutânea de tríceps (PCT) notou-se que a adequação da CMB esteve dentro dos parâmetros de normalidade (102,6 ± 13 por cento), ao passo que a adequação da PCT esteve abaixo da normalidade (Feminino: 75,3 ± 40,4 por cento; Masculino: 73,5 ± 20,6 por cento). Contudo, o percentual de gordura corporal esteve elevado (Feminino: 34,5 ± 7,3 por cento; Masculino: 23,6 ± 4,2 por cento). Com relação à ASG, a maioria dos pacientes (n = 12) apresentou algum grau de desnutrição e este constituiu o método que identificou o maior número de pacientes com DEP. Ao empregar os critérios da ISRNM, notou-se que apenas dois pacientes apresentaram DEP. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os pacientes avaliados encontravam-se com DEP por algum dos métodos utilizados. A ASG foi o método que, isoladamente, conseguiu detectar o maior número de pacientes com DEP.

INTRODUCTION: The method capable of best identifying protein-energy wasting (PEW) in hemodialysis (HD) patients is controversial. Thus, we assessed the nutritional status of HD patients by use of different methods and verified which one identified the highest number of patients with PEW. METHODS: The study assessed the nutritional status of 15 HD patients (age: 52.7 ± 10.1 years; males: 33.3 percent) by use of anthropometric measurements, subjective global assessment (SGA), serum albumin, and dietary intake (24-hour food recall). Body fat was assessed by use of anthropometry. The International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria were used to diagnose PEW. RESULTS: The body mass index (24.2 ± 4.4 kg/m²) and the percentage of standard value for mid-arm muscle circumference were within the normal limits (102.6 ± 13 percent). Nevertheless, the percentage of standard value for triceps skinfold was below the normal limits (females, 75.3 ± 40.4 percent; and males, 73.5 ± 20.6 percent), although a high body fat percentage was observed (females, 34.5 ± 7.3 percent; males, 23.6 ± 4.2 percent). When assessing the nutritional status by use of SGA, most patients (80 percent, n = 12) were malnourished, and SGA was the method that identified the highest number of patients with PEW. By using the ISRNM criteria, PEW was diagnosed in only two patients. CONCLUSION: All patients were diagnosed with PEW by use of one of the methods studied. The SGA was the method that, in isolation, could detect the greatest number of patients with PEW.

Bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative management

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A doença óssea em pacientes com doença renal crônica sob tratamento conservador tem sido pouco estudada. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a doença óssea em pacientes com doença renal crônica. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de casos, na Disciplina de Nefrologia, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados por pelo menos um ano 131 pacientes com clearance de creatinina variando de 10 a 60 ml/min/1,73 m2. No plasma, foram medidos creatinina, albumina, cálcio, fósforo, fosfatase alcalina, CO2 total (tCO2), hormônio paratiroidiano intacto (iPTH) e fosfatase alcalina. Da urina de 24 horas, foram avaliadas o clearance de creatinina e a ingestão protéica. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com clearance de creatinina < 30 ml/min/1,73 m² apresentaram maior nível de iPTH, apesar de valores normais para.cálcio, fósforo, fosfatase alcalina e tCO2. Pacientes com valores de iPTH duas vezes acima do valor superior da normalidade (144 pg/ml) apresentaram menor valor de tCO2. Fosfatase alcalina óssea foi avaliada em 37 pacientes com clearance de creatinina < 30 ml/min/1,73m², mostrando correlação com a fosfatase alcalina, mas não com o iPTH. Biópsia óssea em nove pacientes com clearance de creatinina < 30 ml/min/1,73m² e iPTH > 144 pg/ml mostrou osteíte fibrosa (4), lesão mínima (4) e alto remodelamento (1). CONCLUSAO: Os resultados apontam para a importância de um controle precoce do iPTH e da acidose metabólica em pacientes sob tratamento conservador para doença renal crônica, no intuito de prevenir as complicações relacionadas com a doença óssea.

Tratamento da doença renal crônica: estratégias para o maior envolvimento do paciente em seu auto-cuidado / Chronic kidney disease treatment: strategies for increasing the patient’s participation in self-care

A identificação de pacientes portadores de doença renal crônica (DRC) ou em risco para o seu desenvolvimento pode ser feita por meio de testes simplesna rotina clínica. A importância do diagnóstico precoce da DRC está na possibilidade de instituição de intervenções clínicas que contribuem para o retardo da progressão da doença, postergando o início da terapia renal substitutiva e, portanto, trazem ganhos para a qualidade de vida do paciente, contribuindo com redução de custos do sistema público de saúde. No entanto, uma parcela importante dos pacientes é encaminhada tardiamente ao nefrologista. Mesmo com o encaminhamento tardio, o tratamento da doença permite o controle da condição clínica do paciente. As diversas complicações que ocorremao longo da evolução da DRC chamam atenção para a importância do tratamento especializado e multifacetado, realizado por equipe interdisciplinar. A baixa adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento de doenças crônicas reforça a importância desse tipo de abordagem. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivos apresentar estratégias que possam envolver mais os pacientes no seu auto-cuidado, aumentar a adesão ao tratamento e otimizar o trabalhoda equipe interdisciplinar.

Simple and cost-effective laboratorial parameters can be used by the clinical practitioner for screening and diagnosing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The importance of diagnosing CKD, still in early stages, lies in the possibility of delaying progression of the disease, postponing the beginning of renal replacement therapy, and therefore, improving the patient’s quality of life and lowering costs of the public health care system. In addition, early detection of CKD allows for better control of the disturbances commonly developed as renal function decreases. However, an important proportion of patients are referred to the nephrologists only when the kidney function is markedly decreased. Even considering this late referral, treatment before the beginning of renal replacement therapy allows for better control of the patient’s overall clinical state. Such treatment can achieve better results when a multidisciplinary team is present. This is particularly important when considering multiple aspects of CKD and the low adherence of the patients to the treatment of chronic diseases in general. Accordingly, this study proposes a series of strategies to enhance the patient’s adherence to the treatment and, ultimately, improve the results and patient outcome.

Teores e perfil de distribuição de zinco e ferro no leite denutrizes de baixa renda: variação com o estágio de lactação, amamentação parcial, prematuridade e assistencia pré-natal / Levels and distribuition pattern of zinc and iron in milk of low-income nursing: variation with the stage of lactation, partial breastfeeding, prematurity and pre-natal care

Foi estudada a composição química em zinco e ferro, incluindo teores totais e perfil de distribuição na gordura, soro e caseína, do leite de 117 nutrizes de baixa renda provenientes de dois hospitais do Rio de Janeiro. As amostras foram agrupadas de forma a valiar variações de composição com o estágio de lactação, amamentação parcial, prematuridade e assistência pré-natal. Em geral, os teores médios de zinco e ferro no leite nos períodos de 1-5, 6-30 e 31-280 dias pós-parto, apresentaram-se dentro da faixa de variação normal encontrada no leite de nutrizes de países desenvolvidos. Observou-se diminição com o estágio de lactação do teores de cinzas, zinco e ferro, e um aumento do crematócrito. A distribuição percentual de zinco e ferro nas frações do leite não variou com o avanço da lactação. A composição do leite foi semelhante em mães amamentando de forma exclusiva ou parcial, no período de 31-280 dias pós-parto, exceto o teor total de ferro que foi 40 por cento maior naquelas amamentando de forma parcial. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas nos componentes estudados entre leite de pretermo e à termo tanto na fase de colostro quanto no período de 6-40 dias pós-parto, porém a proporção de ferro no soro do colostro foi maior nas amostras de pretermo. Nutrizes que receberam ou não assistência pré-natal e suplementos de ferro durante a gestação apresentaram semelhança nos teores e perfil de distribuição de zinco e ferro no colostro.