Nutritional Therapy in Persons Suffering from Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Immunological, genetic, and environmental factors, including diet, play a part in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Metabolic syndrome or its components are frequent co-morbidities in persons with psoriasis. A change of eating habits can improve the quality of life of patients by relieving skin lesions and by reducing the risk of other diseases. A low-energy diet is recommended for patients with excess body weight. Persons suffering from psoriasis should limit the intake of saturated fatty acids and replace them with polyunsaturated fatty acids from the omega-3 family, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. In diet therapy for persons with psoriasis, the introduction of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and selenium is extremely important. Vitamin D supplementation is also recommended. Some authors suggest that alternative diets have a positive effect on the course of psoriasis. These diets include: a gluten-free diet, a vegetarian diet, and a Mediterranean diet. Diet therapy for patients with psoriasis should also be tailored to pharmacological treatment. For instance, folic acid supplementation is introduced in persons taking methotrexate. The purpose of this paper is to discuss in detail the nutritional recommendations for persons with psoriasis.

Accurate Noninvasive Assessment of Myocardial Iron Load in Advanced Heart Failure Patients.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure patients presenting with iron deficiency can benefit from systemic iron supplementation; however, there is the potential for iron overload to occur, which can seriously damage the heart. Therefore, myocardial iron (M-Iron) content should be precisely balanced, especially in already failing hearts. Unfortunately, the assessment of M-Iron via repeated heart biopsies or magnetic resonance imaging is unrealistic, and alternative serum markers must be found. This study is aimed at assessing M-Iron in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) and its association with a range of serum markers of iron metabolism. METHODS: Left ventricle (LV) myocardial biopsies and serum samples were collected from 33 consecutive HF patients (25 males) with LV dysfunction (LV ejection fraction 22 (11) %; NT-proBNP 5464 (3308) pg/ml) during heart transplantation. Myocardial ferritin (M-FR) and soluble transferrin receptor (M-sTfR1) were assessed by ELISA, and M-Iron was determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis in LV biopsies. Nonfailing hearts (n = 11) were used as control/reference tissue. Concentrations of serum iron-related proteins (FR and sTfR1) were assessed. RESULTS: LV M-Iron load was reduced in all HF patients and negatively associated with M-FR (r = -0.37, p = 0.05). Of the serum markers, sTfR1/logFR correlated with (r = -0.42; p = 0.04) and predicted (in a step-wise analysis, R 2 = 0.18; p = 0.04) LV M-Iron. LV M-Iron load (µg/g) can be calculated using the following formula: 210.24-22.869 × sTfR1/logFR. CONCLUSIONS: The sTfR1/logFR ratio can be used to predict LV M-Iron levels. Therefore, serum FR and sTfR1 levels could be used to indirectly assess LV M-Iron, thereby increasing the safety of iron repletion therapy in HF patients.

Serum phosphorus level is related to degree of clinical response to up-titration of heart failure pharmacotherapy.

Serum phosphorus abnormalities may pose a risk on the cardiovascular system. In heart failure (HF) phosphorus homeostatic mechanisms are altered and may be modified by modern HF therapy. The impact of therapy optimization on phosphorus abnormalities and related outcome remains unknown. In 722 patients with HF subjected to treatment up-titration we analyzed the prevalence of serum phosphorus abnormalities and their relation to HF severity on top of optimal treatment, and we assessed adjusted risk of phosphorus abnormalities at different stages of HF. We analyzed predictors of hypo- and hyperphosphatemia and relation to prognosis. Hypophosphatemia was associated with better response to therapy, was more prevalent in milder HF, and the association was independent of age, sex, BMI, etiology of HF, kidney function and the use of diuretics. Hypophosphatemic patients lost more phosphorus into urine. They had also less catabolic profile. Patients with hyperphosphatemia on top of optimal therapy responded worse to treatment. Hyperphosphatemia was more prevalent in advanced HF, but the effect was attenuated after adjustment for potential confounders. Clinical and biochemical profiles of hyperphosphatemics suggested domination of catabolism. Neither hypophosphatemia nor hyperphosphatemia modifies the outcome Serum phosphorus abnormalities are related to HF severity on top of optimal therapy. Hypophosphatemia occurring on HF up-titration therapy likely has a multifactorial pathophysiology comprising of urinary phosphorus wasting and refeeding effects. Hyperphosphatemia is linked to the catabolic profile but the effect of renal impairment can't be ruled out. The prognostic impact of serum phosphorus abnormalities remain to be established.

Five-year survival of patients with chronic systolic heart failure of ischemic and non-ischemic etiology: analysis of prognostic factors.

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, electrotherapy and interventional treatment, chronic heart failure (HF) is still associated with poor long-term outcome. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the death rate and risk factors in patients with HF of ischemic and non-ischemic etiology in five-year follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with chronic systolic HF hospitalized in the period 2006-2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Study exclusion criteria were: infections (< 3 months before hospitalization), hemodynamically significant valve disease, advanced chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis and neoplastic diseases (< 5 years before hospitalization). RESULTS: The analysis encompassed 266 patients divided into two groups: Group A, with HF of ischemic etiology (n = 157), and Group B, with HF of non-ischemic etiology (n = 109). Mortality was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (49% vs. 28.4%, p = 0.001). The independent risk factors for death in Group A were: New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (HR = 1.81; p < 0.001); concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (HR = 1.01; p < 0.05), fibrinogen (HR = 1.04; p < 0.001) and N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (HR = 1.02; p < 0.001); and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDd) (HR = 1.07; p < 0.01). In Group B they were age (HR = 1.07; p < 0.05) and NT-proBNP concentration (HR = 1.03; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality was significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. The independent risk factors for death in Group B were age and NT-proBNP serum concentration, whilst in Group A they were NYHA class, serum concentrations of hs-CRP, NT-proBNP and fibrinogen, and RVEDd.

Practical guidelines for the supplementation of vitamin D and the treatment of deficits in Central Europe - recommended vitamin D intakes in the general population and groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate Vitamin D intake and its concentration in serum are important for bone health and calcium-phosphate metabolism as well as for optimal function of many organs and tissues. Documented trends in lifestyle, nutritional habits and physical activity appear to be associated with moderate or severe Vitamin D deficits resulting in health problems. Most epidemiological studies suggest that Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among Central European populations. Concern about this problem led to the organising of a conference focused on overcoming Vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: After reviewing the epidemiological evidence and relevant literature, a Polish multidisciplinary group formulated theses on recommendations for Vitamin D screening and supplementation in the general population. These theses were subsequently sent to Scientific Committee members of the 'Vitamin D - minimum, maximum, optimum' conference for evaluation based on a ten-point scale.With 550 international attendees, the meeting 'Vitamin D - minimum, maximum, optimum' was held on October 19-20, 2012 in Warsaw(Poland). Most recent scientific evidence of both skeletal and non-skeletal effects of Vitamin D as well as the results of panellists' voting were reviewed and discussed during eight plenary sessions and two workshops. RESULTS: Based on many polemical discussions, including post-conference networking, the key opinion leaders established ranges of serum 25-hydroxyVitamin D concentration indicating Vitamin D deficiency [< 20 ng/mL (< 50 nmol/L)], suboptimal status [20-30 ng/mL(50-75 nmol/L)], and target concentration for optimal Vitamin D effects [30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L)]. General practical guidelines regarding supplementation and updated recommendations for prophylactic Vitamin D intakes in Central European neonates, infants, children and adolescents as well as in adults (including recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly) were developed. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the Vitamin D status of children, adolescents, adults and the elderly must be included in the priorities of physicians,healthcare professionals and healthcare regulating bodies. The present paper offers elaborated consensus on supplementation guidance and population strategies for Vitamin D in Central Europe.

Iron deficiency predicts impaired exercise capacity in patients with systolic chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Iron is an indispensable element of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochromes, and, beyond erythropoiesis, is involved in oxidative metabolism and cellular energetics. Hence, iron deficiency (ID) is anticipated to limit exercise capacity. We investigated whether ID predicted exercise intolerance in patients with systolic chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively studied 443 patients with stable systolic CHF (age 54 ± 10 years, males 90%, ejection fraction 26 ± 7%, New York Heart Association Class I/II/III/IV 49/188/180/26). ID was defined as: serum ferritin <100 µg/L or serum ferritin 100-300 µg/L with serum transferrin saturation <20%. Exercise capacity was expressed as peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and ventilatory response to exercise (VE-VCO(2) slope). ID was present in 35 ± 4% (±95% confidence interval) of patients with systolic CHF. Those with ID had reduced peak VO(2) and increased VE-VCO(2) slope as compared to subjects without ID (peak VO(2): 13.3 ± 4.0 versus 15.3 ± 4.5 mL•min•kg, VE-VCO(2) slope: 50.9 ± 15.8 versus 43.1 ± 11.1, respectively, both P < .001, P < .05). In multivariable models, the presence of ID was associated with reduced peak VO(2) (ß = -0.14, P < .01 P < .05) and higher VE-VCO(2) slope (ß = 0.14, P < .01 P < .05), adjusted for demographics and clinical variables. Analogous associations were found between serum ferritin, and both peak VO(2) and VE-VCO(2) slope (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: ID independently predicts exercise intolerance in patients with systolic CHF, but the strength of these associations is relatively weak. Whether iron supplementation would improve exercise capacity in iron-deficient subjects requires further studies.

Iron deficiency: an ominous sign in patients with systolic chronic heart failure.

AIMS: Beyond erythropoiesis, iron is involved in numerous biological processes crucial for maintenance of homeostasis. Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are prone to develop iron deficiency (ID), and iron supplementation improves their functional status and quality of life. We sought to examine the relationship between ID and survival in patients with systolic CHF. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective observational study, we evaluated 546 patients with stable systolic CHF [age: 55 +/- 11 (mean +/- standard deviation) years, males: 88%, left ventricular ejection fraction: 26 +/- 7%, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (I/II/III/IV): 57/221/226/42]. Iron deficiency was defined as: ferritin <100 microg/L, or 100-300 microg/L with transferrin saturation <20%. The prevalence of ID was 37 +/- 4% [+/-95% confidence intervals (CI)] in the entire CHF population (32 +/- 4 vs. 57 +/- 10%-in subjects without vs. with anaemia defined as haemoglobin level <12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men, P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic model, ID was more prevalent in women, those in the advanced NYHA class, with higher plasma N-terminal pro-type B natriuretic peptide and higher serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (all P < 0.05). At the end of follow-up (mean duration: 731 +/- 350 days), there were 153 (28%) deaths and 30 (6%) heart transplantations (HTX). In multivariable models, ID (but not anaemia) was related to an increased risk of death or HTX (adjusted hazard ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.14-2.17, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with systolic CHF, ID is common and constitutes a strong, independent predictor of unfavourable outcome. Iron supplementation may be considered as a therapeutic approach in these patients to improve prognosis.