The Relation of Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Level to Protein Energy Wasting in Hemodialysis Patients.

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a major risk for morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The change in the concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) may play a role in PEW. The aim of this work was to study the possible relationship between serum DHEA-S levels and various nutritional and inflammatory parameters in a cohort of HD patients. In total, 78 HD patients (47 males and 31 females) were included in this crosssectional observational study. In addition to taking their history, clinical examinations, and routine laboratory investigations, the nutritional status was assessed, and their serum DHEA-S was measured. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measures, bioelectrical impedance analysis, malnutrition inflammation scores, and subjective global assessments. A diagnosis of malnutrition was made based on the recommendations of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. The relationship between DHEA-S and various nutritional parameters was analyzed. Eighteen patients (23.1%) suffered from PEW. Those with PEW had a longer duration of HD (P = 0.04), and lower serum levels of creatinine (P = 0.003), hemoglobin (P = 0.01), albumin (P <0.0001), cholesterol (P = 0.02), and DHEA-S (P = 0.01). Among the variables, serum DHEA-S levels were significant predictors of PEW in this cohort (odds ratio: 0.976; 95% confidence interval: 0.954-1.0; P = 0.04). PEW is frequently encountered in HD patients. Decreased serum DHEA-S levels were associated with PEW in male HD patients. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of hormone supplementation on this serious disorder in HD patients.

Overcoming protein-energy malnutrition in older adults in the residential care setting: A narrative review of causes and interventions.

Malnutrition, in particular protein-energy malnutrition, is a highly prevalent condition in older adults, and is associated with low muscle mass and function, and increased prevalence of physical frailty. Malnutrition is often exacerbated in the residential care setting due to factors including lack of dentition and appetite, and increased prevalence of dementia and dysphagia. This review aims to provide an overview of the available literature in older adults in the residential care setting regarding the following: links between sarcopenia, frailty, and malnutrition (in particular, protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)), recognition and diagnosis of malnutrition, factors contributing to PEM, and the effectiveness of different forms of protein supplementation (in particular, oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) and protein-fortified foods (PFF)) to target PEM. This review found a lack of consensus on effective malnutrition diagnostic tools and lack of universal requirement for malnutrition screening in the residential care setting, making identifying and treating malnutrition in this population a challenge. When assessing the use of protein supplementation in the residential care setting, the two primary forms of supplementation were ONS and PFF. There is evidence that ONS and PFF increase protein and energy intakes in residential care setting, yet compliance with supplementation and their impact on functional status is unclear and conflicting. Further research comparing the use of ONS and PFF is needed to fully determine feasibility and efficacy of protein supplementation in the residential care setting.

Easy clinical predictor for low BCAA to tyrosine ratio in chronic liver disease patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Usefulness of ALBI score as nutritional prognostic marker.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Low branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) to tyrosine ratio (BTR) is known as an indicator of amino acid imbalance. We elucidated usefulness of newly developed albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score as alternative methods of BTR in patients with naïve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) retrospectively. MATERIALS/METHODS: In 842 patients with HCC and without BCAA supplementation (71 years, male 614, Child-Pugh A:B:C = 689:116:37), relationships among BTR and clinical features were evaluated. Of those, 438 patients, with Milan criteria HCC, treated curatively were divided into the high-BTR (>4.4) (n = 293) and low-BTR (≤4.4) (n = 145) groups. The prognostic value of BTR was evaluated using inverse probability weighting (IPW) with propensity score. RESULTS: The low-BTR group showed worse prognosis than the other (3-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates: 88.9% vs. 86.3%/70.5% vs. 78.1%/38.1% vs. 52.3%, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox-hazard analysis adjusted for IPW showed elderly (≥65 years) HR 2.314, p = 0.001), female gender (HR 0.422, p < 0.001), ECOG PS ≥2 (HR 3.032, p = 0.002), low platelet count (HR 1.757, p = 0.010), and low BTR (≤4.4) (HR 1.852, p = 0.005) to be significant prognostic factors. Both serum albumin level (r = 0.370, p < 0.001) and ALBI score (r = -0.389, p < 0.001) showed a significant relationship with BTR. Child-Pugh class B, modified ALBI grade (mALBI) 2a, and mALBI 2b predictive values for BTR were 3.589, 4.509, and 4.155 (AUC range: 0.735-0.770), respectively, while the predictive value of ALBI score for low-BTR (≤4.4) was -2.588 (AUC 0.790). CONCLUSION: ALBI score -2.588 was a predictor for low-BTR (≤4.4), which was prognostic factors for early HCC patients, and at least patients with mALBI 2b might have an amino acid imbalance.

Malnutrition and Perioperative Nutritional Support in Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Patients: Results from a Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RPSs) are mesenchymal neoplasms. The prevalence of protein energetic malnutrition (PEM) and its impact in RPS patients who were candidates for surgery is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective feasibility study enrolled 35 patients with primary RPS who were candidates for extended multivisceral resection. PEM was screened at enrollment. Preoperative high protein ß-hydroxy-ß-methyl butyrate oral nutritional support (ONS) was provided according to the degree of PEM. After surgery, nutritional support followed standard practice, targeting at least 1 g/kg/day protein and 20 kcal/kg/day caloric intake within the third postoperative day (POD). PEM was re-evaluated before surgery on POD 10, and at 4 and 12 months after surgery. Primary outcomes were the patient's compliance to preoperative ONS and the physician's compliance to postoperative nutritional targets. RESULTS: PEM was documented in 46% of patients at baseline; ONS met a 91% adherence (overall well tolerated). After ONS, PEM reduced to 38% (p = 0.45). The postoperative caloric target was reached on day 4.1 (standard error ± 2.7), with a protocol adherence rate of 52%. On POD 10, 91% of patients experienced PEM, the worsening of which was greater after resection of four or more organs (p = 0.06). At 4 and 12 months after surgery, almost all patients had fully recovered. A significant correlation between PEM at surgery and postoperative complications was found (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Relevant PEM prevalence in RPS is documented for the first time. PEM correlates with greater morbidity. In this setting, preoperative ONS was feasible and well-tolerated. Disease-related factors for PEM and the ideal perioperative caloric target in the context of extended multivisceral resection need to be further investigated. Nutritional support should be included in enhanced recovery after surgery programs for RPS. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03877588.

Treatment of malnutrition decreases complication rates and shortens the length of hospital stays in a radiation oncology department.

PURPOSE: The nutritional status of inpatients influences the therapeutic outcome. Malnutrition is a common comorbidity in oncological patients. Both radio- and radiochemotherapy may contribute to the additional deterioration of the nutritional status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of specialized treatment of malnutrition as a clinical routine. METHODS: The nutritional status of inpatients was assessed by the Nutritional risk screening (NRS-2002) on the day of admission to the University Department of Radiation Oncology. In case of significantly elevated NRS-2002 (NRS ≥ 3), a guideline-compliant, individual nutritional treatment was initiated by a specialized nutrition support team. The influence of the nutritional status and nutritional treatment on length of stay and complication rate was assessed. RESULTS: Of 840 included patients, 344 patients (40.95%) were at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition was a significant, independent risk factor for both prolonged hospital stay, represented by the deviation between the actual length of stay and the DRG-associated mean length of stay (dLOS at risk: 0.88 days, dLOS not at risk: -0.88 days, p = 0.0047), as well as for the occurrence of complications (OR: 1.758 CI: [1.286-2.402], p = 0.0006). In the group of 337 (40.12%) rehospitalized patients the nutritional management was able to assimilate the values of length of stay as well as the complication rates to standard values. CONCLUSIONS: The high risk for malnutrition and the negative consequences for patients and hospitals underline the urgent need for malnutrition screening on admission and treatment of malnutrition. A specialized, interdisciplinary nutrition support team positively influences patient outcome and should be established routinely in all oncological disciplines.

Precision Medicine for Nutritional Management in End-Stage Kidney Disease and Transition to Dialysis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health burden. Dialysis is not only costly but may not be readily available in developing countries. Even in highly developed nations, many patients may prefer to defer or avoid dialysis. Thus, alternative options to dialysis therapy or to complement dialysis are needed urgently and are important objectives in CKD management that could have huge clinical and economic implications globally. The role of nutritional therapy as a strategy to slow CKD progression and uremia was discussed as early as the late 19th and early 20th century, but was only seriously explored in the 1970s. There is a revival of interest recently owing to encouraging data as well as the increase of precision medicine with an emphasis on a personalized approach to CKD management. Although part of the explanation for the inconclusive data may relate to variations in study design and dietary prescription, diversity in genetic make-up, variations in the non-nutritional management of CKD, intra-individual variations in responses to dietary and nondietary treatment, psychosocial factors, and dietary compliance issues, these all may contribute to the heterogeneous data and responses. This brings in the evolving concept of precision medicine, in which disease management should be tailored and individualized according not only to clinical manifestations but also to the genetic make-up and biologic responses to therapy, which may vary depending on genetic composition. Precision nutrition management also should take into account patient demographics, social, psychological, education, and compliance factors, which all may influence the therapeutic needs and responses to the nutritional therapy prescribed. In this review, we provide a novel concept of precision medicine in nutritional management in end-stage kidney disease with a transition to dialysis and propose how this may be the way forward for nutritional therapy in the CKD population.

Nutritional Assessment of Dialysis Patient with a Web-Based Tool Allows More Accurate Treatment of Malnutrition.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Regular assessment of nutritional status of dialysis patients is vital for preventing malnutrition and protein energy wasting. The aim of this clinical study was to analyze dietary intake of dialysis patients and to determine if it meets their nutritional needs. METHODS: Clinical study was conducted on 30 randomly selected dialysis patients in the dialysis department of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Nutritional interview was conducted unannounced five times over a period of three months with the 24-hour recall method. Results were analyzed with Prodi 6.6 Expert software. Body composition was measured with bioimpedance spectroscopy. RESULTS: Average caloric intake of 30 patients is 14.1 ± 4.7 kcal/kg body weight per day, average protein intake is 0.61 ± 0.19 g/kg body weight per day. The average BMI (body mass index) is 27.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2, the average LTI (lean tissue index) is 12.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2, the average FTI (fat tissue index) is 14.2 ± 5.7 kg/m2 and the average phase angle is 4.2 ± 1.0. Average calorie intake and protein intake are inadequate according to the dietary recommendations for dialysis patients. Anthropometric measurements indicate sarcopenic obesity. CONCLUSION: According to the aim of the study, we confirmed that caloric and protein intake of dialysis patients were inadequate according to their needs. Depending on the results of nutritional analysis and bioimpedance measurements, we have confirmed the presence of protein energy wasting among observed patients.

Serum trace elements in dysphagic gastrostomy candidates before endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral feeding.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) present protein-energy malnutrition, but little is known about Trace Elements (TE), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr). Our aim was the evaluation of serum TE in patients who underwent PEG and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and nature of underlying disorder. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed collecting: patient's age, gender, underlying disorder, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and TE concentration. We used ferrozine colorimetric method for Fe; Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy for Zn/Cu; Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for Se/Cr. The patients were divided into head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). RESULTS: 146 patients (89 males), 21-95 years: HNC-56; ND-90. Low BMI in 78. Low values mostly for Zn (n = 122) and Fe (n = 69), but less for Se (n = 31), Cu (n = 16), Cr (n = 7); low albumin in 77, low transferrin in 94 and 66 with both proteins low. Significant differences between the groups of underlying disease only for Zn (t140.326 = -2,642, p < 0.01) and a correlation between proteins and TE respectively albumin and Zn (r = 0.197, p = 0.025), and albumin and Fe (r = 0.415, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: When gastrostomy was performed, patients display low serum TE namely Zn, but also Fe, less striking regarding others TE. It was related with prolonged fasting, whatever the underlying disease. Low proteins were associated with low TE. Teams taking care of PEG-patients should use Zn supplementation and include other TE evaluation as part of the nutritional assessment of PEG candidates.

[Protein-energy wasting and nutritional supplementation in chronic hemodialysis]. / Deplezione proteico-energetica e supplementazione nutrizionale nei pazienti in emodialisi cronica.

Protein Energy Wasting (PEW) is a pathological condition characterized by a progressive reduction of protein and energy stores. PEW has a high prevalence among patients with CKD/ESRD (Chronic Kidney Disease/End Stage Renal Disease) and is closely associated with adverse clinical outcomes and increased rate of hospitalization, complications and mortality. The multifactorial pathogenesis of PEW is complex. A key role is played both by the reduced intake of nutrients and the condition of hypercatabolism/reduced anabolism typical of renal patients. The approach to prevent or treat PEW has several milestones such as reduction of potential risk factors, improvement in lifestyle and correction of any factor related to dialysis. It also needs a periodic assessment of nutritional status by using biochemical markers, body and muscle mass variables, nutritional scores and instrumental methods, aiming for an early diagnosis. In case of reduced protein and energy intake, the administration of nutrients during dialysis, or the use of oral supplements specific for renal patients are the first nutritional interventions recommended. In fact, oral nutritional supplementation represents the most effective nutritional approach to PEW prevention and treatment. It is simple and safe and it has a positive impact on quality of life and survival of haemodialysis patients. In the case of failure of oral supplementation, nutritional support should be enhanced by using intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN). If the patient has difficulty in swallowing or IDPN is insufficient, total enteral nutrition should be considered.

A cluster randomised feasibility trial evaluating nutritional interventions in the treatment of malnutrition in care home adult residents.

BACKGROUND: Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) predisposes individuals to disease, delays recovery from illness and reduces quality of life. Care home residents in the United Kingdom are especially vulnerable, with an estimated 30 to 42 % at risk. Evidence for nutritional interventions to address PEM in the care home setting is lacking. Widely used techniques include food-based intervention and/or the use of prescribed oral nutritional supplements. To define outcomes and optimise the design for an adequately powered definitive trial to compare the efficacy of established nutritional interventions in this setting, a cluster randomised feasibility trial with a 6-month intervention was undertaken. METHODS: Care home residents with or at risk of malnutrition were identified across six UK care home sites from September to December 2013. Homes were cluster randomised to standard care (SC), food-based intervention (FB) or oral nutritional supplement intervention (ONS), for 6 months. Key outcomes were trial feasibility and the acceptability of design, allocated interventions and outcome assessments. Anthropometry, dietary intake, healthcare resource usage and participant-reported outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: All six care homes approached were recruited and retained. Of the 110 residents at risk of malnutrition, 85 % entered the trial, and 68 % completed the 6-month intervention. Pre-specified success criteria for feasibility were met for recruitment and retention, intervention acceptability (resident compliance ≥60 %) and measurement of weight, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference and dietary intake (data completeness >80 %). Measurement of handgrip strength and triceps skinfold thickness was not found to be feasible in this population. The 95 % confidence interval (CI) data suggested sensitivity to change in dietary intake for weight, BMI and energy intake between baseline and 3 months when each intervention (FB and ONS) was compared with SC. CONCLUSIONS: A definitive trial comparing the efficacy of nutritional support interventions in increasing weight and BMI in malnourished care home residents can be conducted. However, whilst the design was feasible, this trial has highlighted the lack of clinically and patient-relevant outcome measures that are appropriate for use in this setting for both research and clinical practice. In particular, this trial identified a need for a more simple measure of functional status, which considers the limitations of functional tests in the care home population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38047922 , Date assigned: 22 April 2014.

[Croatian guidelines for screening, prevention and treatment of protein-energy wasting in chronic kidney disease patients]. / Preporuke za pracenje, prevenciju i lijecenje proteinsko-energijske pothranjenosti u bolesnika s kronicnom bubrezom bolesti.

There is a high incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and malnutrition is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this population of patients. A multitude of factors related to CKD and renal replacement therapy can affect the nutritional status of CKD patients and lead to the development of malnutrition. In patients with CKD, protein energy wasting (PEW) is a condition that is distinct from undernutrition and is associated with inflammation, increased resting energy expenditure, low serum levels of albumin and prealbumin, sarcopenia, weight loss and poor clinical outcomes. Nutritional and metabolic derangements are implicated for the development of PEW in CKD and leading to the development of chronic catabolic state with muscle and fat loss. Prevention is the best way in treating PEW. Appropriate management of CKD patients at risk for PEW requires a comprehensive combination of strategies to diminish protein and energy depletion, and to institute therapies that will avoid further losses. The mainstay of nutritional treatment in MHD patients is nutritional counselling and provision of an adequate amount of protein and energy, using oral supplementation as needed. Intradialytic parenteral nutrition and total enteral nutrition should be attempted in CKD patients who cannot use the gastrointestinal tract efficiently. Other strategies such as anemia correction, treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism and acidosis, delivering adequate dialysis dose can be considered as complementary therapies in CKD patients. Multidisciplinary work of nephrologists, gastroenterologist and dietician is needed to achieve best therapeutic goals in treating CKD patients with PEW.

Influência da L-glutamina sobre aspectos imunomodulatórios de células tronco mesenquimais medulares em situação de desnutrição proteico-energética / The influence of L-glutamine on imunumodulatory aspects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under protein-energy malnutrition

A desnutrição proteico-energética (DPE) altera a hemopoese e, portanto, a geração de células imunológicas, bem como compromete o sistema imune. Desta forma, indivíduos desnutridos apresentam maior susceptibilidade a infecções. As células tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) possuem propriedades imunomodulatórias e são importantes na formação do estroma medular que sustenta a hemopoese. Visto que a L-glutamina (GLUT) é o aminoácido condicionalmente essencial mais consumido por CTMs, e que também apresenta capacidade imunomoduladora, investigou-se, neste trabalho, se a GLUT exerceria efeito sobre aspectos imunomodulatórios das CTMs em um modelo experimental de DPE. Para tanto, utilizou-se camundongos da linhagem BALB/c, os quais receberam rações normoproteica ou hipoproteica isocalóricas contendo, respectivamente, 12% e 2% de proteína por um período de 5 semanas. Após o isolamento e a caracterização de CTMs provenientes dos grupos controle (CTMct) e desnutrido (CTMdesn), cultivou-se essas células em 0, 0,6, 2 e 10mM GLUT, a fim de determinar a influência deste aminoácido sobre a expressão de fatores de transcrição e produção de citocinas por CTMct e CTMdesn. Adicionalmente, avaliou-se o efeito dos sobrenadantes das culturas de CTMct e CTMdesn sobre a proliferação e produção de citocinas por macrófagos e linfócitos esplênicos. Os animais desnutridos apresentaram anemia, leucopenia, hipoplasia medular e diminuição na concentração de proteínas séricas, albumina e préa-lbumina. A DPE não modificou a morfologia e o fenótipo das CTMs, bem como não alterou a expressão de proteínas reguladoras do ciclo celular. Por outro lado, a expressão de NFkB e STAT-3 e a produção de IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 e TGF-ß por CTMs foram alteradas pela DPE e variaram de acordo com as concentrações de GLUT testadas. O aumento na concentração de GLUT diminuiu a expressão de NFkB e induziu a expressão de STAT-3 por CTMs obtidas de ambos os grupos. Quanto a produção de citocinas por essas células, observou-se uma diminuição nos níveis de IL-ß e IL-6 e uma elevação nos níveis de IL-10 e TGF-ß com o aumento na concentração de GLUT. Variações na concentração desse aminoácido não alteraram a produção de IL-17 ou IFN-γ por CTMct e CTMdesn. Ademais, a concentração de GLUT alterou, de forma diretamente proporcional, a taxa de proliferação das CTMs. Os meios condicionados de CTMct e CTMdesn diminuíram a proliferação de macrófagos e linfócitos esplênicos estimulados com LPS, induziram aumento na produção da citocina antiinflamatória IL-10 por ambos os tipos celulares e diminuíram a produção das citocinas pró-inflamatórias IL-12 e TNF-α por macrófagos e IL-17 por linfócitos. Portanto, conclui-se que a GLUT possui efeito sobre a proliferação das CTMs, bem como a capacidade de imunomodular estas células

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) alters hemopoiesis and, therefore, the generation of immune cells, and compromises the immune system. In this way, malnourished individuals are more susceptible to infections. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory properties and are important in the formation of bone marrow stroma that supports hemopoiesis. Since L-glutamine (GLUT) is a conditionally essential amino acid, which is most consumed by MSCs, and present immunomodulatory capacity, this work investigated whether GLUT would have an effect on immunomodulatory aspects of MSCs in a PEM experimental model. For this purpose, BALB/c mice were used, which received isocaloric normoproteic or hypoproteic diets, containing respectively, 12% and 2% of protein for a period of 5 weeks. After isolation and characterization of MSCs from control (MSCct) and malnourished (MSCmaln) groups, these cells were cultured with 0, 0.6, 2 and GLUT 10mM in order to determine the influence of this amino acid on the expression of transcription factors and cytokine production by MSCct and MSCmaln. Besides that, the effect of MSCct and MSCmaln culture supernatants on proliferation and cytokine production by macrophages and splenic lymphocytes was evaluated. Malnourished animals presented anemia, leucopenia, marrow hypoplasia and decreased concentration of serum proteins, albumin and prealbumin. PEM did not change morphology and phenotype of MSCs or altered the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins. On the other hand, the expression of NFkB and STAT-3 and the production of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-ß by MSCs were modified by PEM and varied according to the tested GLUT concentrations. An increase in GLUT concentration decreased NFkB expression and induced STAT-3 expression by MSCs obtained from both groups. Regarding the production of cytokines by these cells, an increase in GLUT concentration resulted in decreased IL-1ß and IL-6 levels and increased IL- 10 and TGF-ß levels. Changes in the concentration of this aminoacid did not alter IL- 17 or IFN-γ production by MSCct and MSCmaln. Furthermore, the concentration of GLUT changed, in direct proportion, the proliferation of MSCs. The conditioned media MSCct and MSCmaln decreased the proliferation of macrophages and splenic lymphocytes stimulated with LPS, induced an increase in the production of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 by both cell types, and decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12 and TNF-α by macrophages and IL-17 by lymphocytes. Therefore, it can be concluded that GLUT has an effect on the proliferation of MSCs and it has the capacity to immunomodulate these cells

An innovative solid oral nutritional supplement to fight weight loss and anorexia: open, randomised controlled trial of efficacy in institutionalised, malnourished older adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a solid nutritional supplement on the weight gain of institutionalised older adults>70 years with protein-energy malnutrition. The innovation of these high-protein and high-energy cookies was the texture adapted to edentulous patients (Protibis®, Solidages, France). DESIGN: An open, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Seven nursing homes. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and seventy-five malnourished older adults, aged 86±8 years. INTERVENTION: All participants received the standard institutional diet. In addition, Intervention group participants received eight cookies daily (11.5 g protein; 244 kcal) for 6 weeks (w0-w6). MEASUREMENTS: Five visits (w-4, w0, w6, w10 and w18). MAIN OUTCOME: Percentage of weight gain from w0 to w6 (body mass in kg). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Appetite, rated using a numerical scale (0: no appetite to 10: extremely good appetite); current episodes of pressure ulcers and diarrhea. RESULTS: Average weight increased in Intervention group (n=88) compared with Control group (n=87) without cookies supplementation (+1.6 versus -0.7%, P=0.038). Weight gain persisted 1 month (+3.0 versus -0.2%, P=0.025) and 3 months after the end of cookies consumption (+3.9 versus -0.9%, P=0.003), with diarrhea reduction (P=0.027). There was a synergistic effect with liquid/creamy dietary supplements. Subgroup analysis confirmed the positive impact of cookies supplementation alone on weight increase (P=0.024), appetite increase (P=0.009) and pressure ulcers reduction (P=0.031). CONCLUSION: The trial suggested that, to fight against anorexia, the stimulation of touch (finger food; chewing, even on edentulous gums) and hearing (intra-oral sounds) could be valuable alternatives to sight, smell and taste alterations.

Perioperative nutritional therapy in liver transplantation.

Protein-energy malnutrition is frequently seen in patients with end-stage liver disease who undergo liver transplantation. This causes a deterioration of the patients' clinical condition and affects their post-transplantation survival. Accurate assessment of the nutritional status and adequate intervention are prerequisites for perioperative nutritional treatment. However, the metabolic abnormalities induced by liver failure make the traditional assessment of the nutritional status difficult. The methods that were recently developed for accurately assessing the nutritional status by body bioelectrical impedance may be implemented in pre-transplant management. Because preoperative malnutrition and the loss of skeletal muscle mass, called sarcopenia, have a significant negative impact on the post-transplantation outcome, it is essential to provide adequate nutritional support during all phases of liver transplantation. Oral nutrition is preferred, but tube enteral nutrition may be required to provide the necessary caloric intake. We herein discuss both bioelectrical impedance and the latest findings in the current perioperative nutritional interventions in liver transplant patients regarding synbiotics, micronutrients, branched-chain amino acid supplementation, the use of immune system modulating formulas, the fluid balance and the offering of nocturnal meals.

Nutrition and exercise in the management of liver cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis (LC) patients often have protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and decreased physical activity. These conditions often lead to sarcopenia, which is the loss of skeletal muscle volume and increased muscle weakness. Recent studies have demonstrated that PEM and sarcopenia are predictors for poor survival in LC patients. Nutrition and exercise management can improve PEM and sarcopenia in those patients. Nutrition management includes sufficient dietary intake and improved nutrient metabolism. With the current high prevalence of obesity, the number of obese LC patients has increased, and restriction of excessive caloric intake without the exacerbation of impaired nutrient metabolism is required for such patients. Branched chain amino acids are good candidates for supplemental nutrients for both obese and non-obese LC patients. Exercise management can increase skeletal muscle volume and strength and improve insulin resistance; however, nutritional status and LC complications should be assessed before an exercise management regimen is implemented in LC patients. The establishment of optimal exercise regimens for LC patients is currently required. In this review, we describe nutritional status and its clinical impact on the outcomes of LC patients and discuss general nutrition and exercise management in LC patients.

[Anorexia nervosa - from a neuroscience perspective]. / Anorexia nervosa. Aktuelle neurowissenschaftliche Befunde.

Anorexia nervosa is a frequent disorder especially among adolescent girls and young women, with high morbidity, mortality, and relapse rates. To date, no single therapeutic approach has proved to be superior to others (Herpertz et al., 2011). It remains unclear how its etiology and pathology are encoded within cognitive, neural, and endocrinological processes that modulate important mechanisms in appetitive processing and weight regulation. Yet, several trait characteristics have been identified in AN which might reflect predisposing factors. Further, altered levels of neuropeptides and hormones that regulate appetite and feeding behavior have been found during both the acute and the recovered state, pointing to dysfunctional mechanisms in AN that persist even after malnutrition has ceased. Researchers are also hoping that brain imaging techniques will allow for a more detailed investigation of the neural basis of reward and punishment sensitivity that appears to be altered in AN. The integration and extension of recent findings in these areas will hopefully provide a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder and hence enable the development of more effective treatments.

A patient with CKD and poor nutritional status.

Protein energy wasting is common in patients with CKD and ESRD and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, such as increased rates of hospitalization and death, in these patients. A multitude of factors can affect the nutritional and metabolic status of patients with CKD, including decreased dietary nutrient intake, catabolic effects of renal replacement therapy, systemic inflammation, metabolic and hormonal derangements, and comorbid conditions (such as diabetes and depression). Unique aspects of CKD also confound reliable assessment of nutritional status, further complicating management of this comorbid condition. In patients in whom preventive measures and oral dietary intake from regular meals cannot help them maintain adequate nutritional status, nutritional supplementation, administered orally, enterally, or parenterally, is effective in replenishing protein and energy stores. The advantages of oral nutritional supplements include proven efficacy, safety, and compliance. Anabolic steroids and exercise, with nutritional supplementation or alone, improve protein stores and represent potential additional approaches for the treatment of PEW. There are several emerging novel therapies, such as appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory interventions, and anabolic agents.

Prevention and treatment of protein energy wasting in chronic kidney disease patients: a consensus statement by the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism.

Protein energy wasting (PEW) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, especially in individuals receiving maintenance dialysis therapy. A multitude of factors can affect the nutritional and metabolic status of CKD patients requiring a combination of therapeutic maneuvers to prevent or reverse protein and energy depletion. These include optimizing dietary nutrient intake, appropriate treatment of metabolic disturbances such as metabolic acidosis, systemic inflammation, and hormonal deficiencies, and prescribing optimized dialytic regimens. In patients where oral dietary intake from regular meals cannot maintain adequate nutritional status, nutritional supplementation, administered orally, enterally, or parenterally, is shown to be effective in replenishing protein and energy stores. In clinical practice, the advantages of oral nutritional supplements include proven efficacy, safety, and compliance. Anabolic strategies such as anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and exercise, in combination with nutritional supplementation or alone, have been shown to improve protein stores and represent potential additional approaches for the treatment of PEW. Appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory interventions, and newer anabolic agents are emerging as novel therapies. While numerous epidemiological data suggest that an improvement in biomarkers of nutritional status is associated with improved survival, there are no large randomized clinical trials that have tested the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on mortality and morbidity.