Efficacy of a new immunonutrition formula with extra virgin olive oil in the reduction of complications in surgeries of upper digestive tract tumors.

Background: To demonstrate whether a nutritional supplement enriched with arginine, nucleotides, omega-3 fatty acids, and extra virgin olive oil reduces postoperative complications in patients with tumors in the upper digestive tract. Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial, in which a new immunomodulatory formula with extra virgin olive oil was compared with a standard isoprotein and isoenergetic formula. Patients with gastric, esophageal or biliopancreatic tumors were recruited to receive two units of immunomodulatory formula or control, 5 days before the surgical intervention. Results: A total of 119 patients were recruited. There was a significant reduction in the number of reinterventions (7.7 vs. 20.4%; p = 0.044) in the intervention group. There was a significant reduction in the development of fistulas in patients with phase angles >5.7°. Also, there were fewer readmissions after biliopancreatic surgeries (0.0 vs. 100%; p = 0.014). The length of hospital stay was similar between groups; however, with the immunomodulatory formula, the patients exhibited greater phase angle at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: The immunomodulatory formula with extra virgin olive oil administered 5 days before surgery for stomach, esophageal and biliopancreatic tumors improved cellular health and reduced postoperative complications.Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT04027088].

[Influence of individualized dietary adaptation in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ADITRAS study]. / Influencia de la adaptación dietética individualizada en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos. Estudio ADITRAS.

Introduction: Introduction: the objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of an individualized dietary adaptation to achieve nutritional requirements in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methodology: a pilot study of a nutritional intervention in patients undergoing HSCT. A nutritional assessment was performed the first 24 hours of admission and every 48-72 hours until discharge, or + 40 days after the transplant, making dietary adaptations. Results: 25 patients were recruited. According to MUST, 92.0 % (n = 23) were well nourished at the initial visit, with a loss of 2.1 (3.8) kg and a BMI of 26.4 kg/m2 (4.2). Before HSCT, there was already a decrease in intake of 15.4 (23.5) % and in body weight of 0.2 (3.2) kg; after the HSCT, the weight loss was 3.4 (5.0) kg and the decrease in intake was 6.5 (30.4) %. The predominant symptoms were mucositis (60 %), nausea (60 %), and diarrhea (44 %). The diet was adapted in 100 % of the patients, 52 % received oral nutritional support (ONS) (n = 13); enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN) were used only once. Conclusion: the nutritional status of patients undergoing HSCT is normal on admission but deteriorates during transplantation and prior conditioning. Dietary intervention is key to maintaining oral intake and reducing the risk of malnutrition.

Introducción: Introducción: el objetivo del estudio fue valorar la eficacia de una adaptación dietética individualizada para conseguir los requerimientos nutricionales en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos (TPH). Metodología: estudio piloto de intervención nutricional con pacientes sometidos a TPH. Se realizó una valoración nutricional en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso y cada 48 a 72 horas hasta el alta, o + 40 días del trasplante, realizando adaptaciones dietéticas. Resultados: se reclutaron 25 pacientes. Según el MUST, el 92,0 % (n = 23) se encontraban bien nutridos en la visita inicial, con una pérdida de 2,1 (3,8) kg y un IMC de 26,4 kg/m2 (4,2). Antes del TPH ya hubo una disminución de la ingesta del 15,4 (23,5) % y del peso corporal de 0,2 (3,2) kg; tras el TPH, la pérdida de peso fue de 3,4 (5,0) kg y la disminución de la ingesta del 6,5 (30,4) %. Los síntomas predominantes fueron mucositis (60 %), náuseas (60 %) y diarrea (44 %). Se adaptó la dieta en el 100 % de los pacientes y el 52 % recibieron soporte nutricional oral (SNO) (n = 13), mientras que la nutrición enteral (NE) y la nutrición parenteral (NP) se utilizaron solo 1 vez. Conclusión: el estado nutricional de los pacientes sometidos a TPH es normal al ingreso pero se deteriora durante la realización del trasplante y su acondicionamiento previo. La intervención dietética es clave para mantener la ingesta oral y disminuir el riesgo de desnutrición.

[A consensus report by the Working Group on Eating Disorders of Sociedad Española de Nutrición Clínica y Metabolismo (GTTCA-SENPE). Evaluation, medical and nutritional management of anorexia nervosa. Update 2023]. / Consenso del grupo de trabajo de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria de SENPE (GTTCA-SENPE). Evaluación y tratamiento médico-nutricional en la anorexia nerviosa. Actualización 2023.

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a multifactorial disorder. A possible role of the social network and the gut microbiota in pathogenesis has been added. Exogenous shocks such as the COVID19 pandemic have had a negative impact on patients with AN. The potential medical and nutritional impact of malnutrition and/or compensatory behaviors gives rise to a complex disease with a wide range of severity, the management of which requires a multidisciplinary team with a high level of subject matter expertise. Coordination between levels of care is necessary as well as understanding how to transition the patient from pediatric to adult care is essential. A proper clinical evaluation can detect possible complications, as well as establish the organic risk of the patient. This allows caregivers to tailor the medical-nutritional treatment for each patient. Reestablishing adequate nutritional behaviors is a fundamental pillar of treatment in AN. The design of a personalized nutritional treatment and education program is necessary for this purpose. Depending on the clinical severity, artificial nutrition may be necessary. Although the decision regarding the level of care necessary at diagnosis or during follow-up depends on a number of factors (awareness of the disease, medical stability, complications, suicidal risk, outpatient treatment failure, psychosocial context, etc.), outpatient treatment is the most frequent and most preferred choice. However, more intensive care (total or partial hospitalization) may be necessary in certain cases. In severely malnourished patients, the appearance of refeeding syndrome should be prevented during renourishment. The presence of AN in certain situations (pregnancy, vegetarianism, type 1 diabetes mellitus) requires specific care. Physical activity in these patients must also be addressed correctly.

Introducción: La anorexia nerviosa (AN) es una enfermedad de origen multifactorial. Recientemente se ha sumado el papel de las redes sociales y la microbiota intestinal en la patogenia. La pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto negativo en los pacientes con AN. La potencial afectación médica y nutricional derivada de la desnutrición o las conductas compensatorias dan lugar a una compleja enfermedad de gravedad variable, cuyo manejo precisa un equipo multidisciplinar con elevado nivel de conocimientos en la materia. Es fundamental la coordinación entre niveles asistenciales y en la transición de pediatría a adultos. Una adecuada valoración clínica permite detectar eventuales complicaciones, así como establecer el riesgo orgánico del paciente y, por tanto, adecuar el tratamiento médico-nutricional de forma individualizada. El restablecimiento de un apropiado estado nutricional es un pilar fundamental del tratamiento en la AN. Para ello es necesario diseñar una intervención de renutrición individualizada que incluya un programa de educación nutricional. Según el escenario clínico puede ser necesaria la nutrición artificial. Aunque la decisión de qué nivel de atención escoger al diagnóstico o durante el seguimiento depende de numerosas variables (conciencia de enfermedad, estabilidad médica, complicaciones, riesgo autolítico, fracaso del tratamiento ambulatorio o contexto psicosocial, entre otros), el tratamiento ambulatorio es de elección en la mayoría de las ocasiones. No obstante, puede ser necesario un escenario más intensivo (hospitalización total o parcial) en casos seleccionados. En pacientes gravemente desnutridos debe prevenirse la aparición de un síndrome de alimentación cuando se inicia la renutrición. La presencia de una AN en determinadas situaciones (gestación, vegetarianismo, diabetes mellitus de tipo 1, etc.) exige un manejo particular. En estos pacientes también debe abordarse de forma correcta el ejercicio físico.

[Results of the survey on care units and caring for eating disorders in Spain. SENPE Working Group on Eating Disorders]. / Resultados de la encuesta sobre unidades asistenciales y atención a trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en España. Grupo de Trabajo sobre Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria de SENPE.

Introduction: Introduction: eating disorders (EDs) entail a therapeutic challenge. Objective: to describe ED care from the perspective of Nutrition Units (NU) in relation to human and care resources, the activities carried out, and satisfaction with care in Spain; to collect demands from professionals to improve assistance. Methods: a cross-sectional, observational study based on a questionnaire sent online to members of the Spanish Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (SENPE) and to the Nutrition Area of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN). The data were analyzed according to number of beds of the hospitals surveyed (< 500/≥ 500). Results: 23 responses from 8 autonomous communities. In 87 % of NUs care was given to eating disorders; 65.2 % had a specific process; 91.3 % collaborated with Psychiatry; 34.8 % had their own hospitalization area; 56.5 % had a day hospital, but 21.7 % participated in it; 39.1 % had a monographic consultation office; nutritional education was carried out in 87 %, especially by nursing; individualized diets and oral supplements were frequently prescribed in 39.1 % and 56.5 %, respectively; only the largest hospitals participated in research on EDs (62.5 %), and 21.7 % collaborated with patient associations. Hospitals with ≥ 500 beds had more resources and were more satisfied. Professionals demanded resources and processes agreed with Psychiatry. Conclusions: resources and care practices are uneven in the NUs surveyed, as well as multidisciplinary collaboration. The collected evidence allows us to design improvement strategies in this area.

Introducción: Introducción: los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) suponen un reto terapéutico. Objetivo: describir la asistencia a los TCA desde la perspectiva de las unidades de nutrición clínica y dietética (UNCyD) en relación con los recursos humanos y asistenciales, las actividades realizadas y la satisfacción con la atención en España; recoger demandas de los profesionales para mejorar la asistencia. Métodos: estudio transversal y observacional a partir de un cuestionario remitido online a socios de la Sociedad Española de Nutrición Clínica y Metabolismo (SENPE) y al Área de Nutrición de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN). Los datos se analizaron según las camas de los hospitales encuestados (< 500/≥ 500). Resultados: 23 respuestas de 8 comunidades autónomas. En el 87 % de las UNCyD se prestaba atención a los TCA; el 65,2 % contaban con un proceso específico; el 91,3 % colaboraban con Psiquiatría; el 34,8 % tenían área propia de hospitalización; el 56,5 % disponían de hospital de día pero participaban en él el 21,7 %; el 39,1 % tenían consulta monográfica; se realizaba educación nutricional en el 87 %, sobre todo por enfermería; se prescribían frecuentemente dietas individualizadas y suplementos orales en el 39,1 y el 56,5 %, respectivamente; solo los hospitales más grandes participaban en investigación sobre TCA (62,5 %); y el 21,7 % colaboraban con asociaciones de pacientes. Los hospitales con ≥ 500 camas disponían de más recursos y estaban más satisfechos. Los profesionales demandaban recursos y procesos consensuados con psiquiatría. Conclusiones: los recursos y las prácticas asistenciales son dispares en las UNCyD encuestadas, así como la colaboración multidisciplinar. La evidencia recogida permite diseñar estrategias de mejora en este ámbito.

[Immunonutrition, evidence and experiences]. / Inmunonutrición, evidencias y experiencias.

Introduction: Immunonutrition is a science that encompasses aspects related to nutrition, immunity, infection, inflammation and tissue damage. Immunomodulatory formulas have shown benefits in a wide variety of clinical situations. The objective of this work was to review the available evidence in immunonutrition (IN). For this, a bibliographic search has been carried out with the keywords: immunonutrition, arginine, glutamine, nucleotides, omega-3 fatty acids, ERAS, fast-track. Clinical trials, reviews and clinical practice guidelines have been included. IN has been shown to reduce postoperative fistulae in head and neck cancer patients and in gastric and esophageal cancer patients, infectious complications and hospital stay. Other clinical situations that benefit from the use of IN are pancreatic cancer surgery, colorectal cancer surgery and major burns. More controlled, prospective, and randomized studies are necessary to confirm the potential benefits of IN in other clinical situations such as non-esophageal thoracic surgery, bladder cancer, gynecological surgery, hip fracture, liver pathology and COVID-19, among others.

Introducción: La inmunonutrición es una ciencia que engloba aspectos relacionados con la nutrición, la inmunidad, la infección, la inflamación y el daño tisular. Las fórmulas inmunomoduladoras han demostrado beneficios en una amplia variedad de situaciones clínicas. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar la evidencia disponible en inmunonutrición (IN). Para ello, se ha realizado una búsqueda bibliográfica con las palabras clave: inmunonutrición, arginina, glutamina, nucleótidos, ácidos grasos omega-3, ERAS, fast-track. Se han incluido ensayos clínicos, revisiones y guías de práctica clínica. La IN ha demostrado reducir las fístulas en el postoperatorio en pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello. En pacientes con cáncer gástrico y cáncer de esófago, la IN se asocia a una disminución de las complicaciones infecciosas y la estancia hospitalaria. Otras situaciones clínicas que se benefician del uso de la IN son la cirugía del cáncer de páncreas, la cirugía del cáncer colorrectal y los grandes quemados. Son necesarios más estudios controlados, prospectivos y aleatorizados para confirmar los potenciales beneficios de la IN en otras situaciones clínicas como la cirugía torácica no esofágica, el cáncer vesical, la cirugía ginecológica, la fractura de cadera, la patología hepática y la COVID-19, entre otros.

Continuity of care in disease-related malnutrition and nutritional medical treatment.

Disease-related malnutrition (DRM) continues to be a very significant healthcare problem, both in our hospitals and in the community. It is often not properly diagnosed or treated, despite a growing body of evidence highlighting its clinical and economic consequences. The transition between clinical care in the hospital and community services (Primary Care (PC) and Nursing Homes) is a key element in the prevention, detection and treatment of DRM. In October 2020, the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) and the main societies of PC physicians in our country (SEMERGEN, SEMFYC and SEMG) met for the first time within the virtual NutriSEEN forum. From that moment on, a joint working group was created for this issue. This document tries to establish joint lines of work between the Clinical Nutrition and Dietetic Units (UNCyD) and the Primary Care teams to improve the detection and treatment of DRM. The clinical consequences and costs associated with DRE, nutritional risk screening, assessment and medical nutritional treatment are considered in a coordinated way between the PC teams and the UNCyD, as well as future proposals to improve the management of DRM.

Executive summary of the position paper on the use of enteral nutrition in advanced dementia.

Dementia is an increasingly prevalent disease in our environment, with significant health and social repercussions. Despite the available scientific evidence, there is still controversy regarding the use of enteral tube nutrition in people with advanced dementia. This document aims to reflect on the key aspects of advanced dementia, tube nutritional therapy and related ethical considerations, as well as to respond to several frequent questions that arise in our daily clinical practice.

Acceptance of different types of thickeners, with and without flavoring, in hospitalized patients with dysphagia - A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the goal of this work was to evaluate the acceptance of various types of thickeners, specifically modified starch thickener and gum thickener, both with and without flavoring. Patients and methods: a randomized sample of 40 hospitalized patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia was recruited. The taste, smell, and appearance of each type of thickener were evaluated, as well as the volume of liquid ingested by the patients taking each type of thickener (modified starch thickener vs. gum thickener, both with and without flavoring). Results: the overall acceptance of gum thickener was significantly higher than that of modified starch thickener (7.45 (1.57) vs. 5.10 (2.43), respectively; p = 0.001). When a food flavor was added to the thickened water, the overall rating of the product was higher than when no flavor was added (7.70 (1.53) vs. 4.85 (2.16); p < 0.001). The difference between the daily volume of water consumed by the patients who received gum thickeners (928.33 (331.27) mL) and those who received starch thickeners (670.00 (288.35) mL) was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Patient consumption was also higher when flavoring was added as compared to when it was not (943.33 (302.45) mL) vs. (655.00 (304.60) mL; p = 0.005). Conclusion: the acceptances of the thickener and of water intake by patients with dysphagia were both significantly higher when using gum thickeners compared to starch thickeners, and when adding flavoring.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la aceptación de varios tipos de espesantes (almidón modificado frente a gomas) con y sin saborizante. Pacientes y métodos: se reclutaron 40 pacientes hospitalizados con disfagia orofaríngea. Se evaluaron el sabor, el olor y la apariencia de cada tipo de espesante, así como el volumen de líquido ingerido por los pacientes que tomaban cada tipo de espesante (espesante de almidón modificado vs. espesante de goma, ambos con o sin saborizante). Resultados: la aceptación general del espesante de goma fue significativamente mayor que la del almidón modificado (7,45 (1,57) vs. 5,10 (2,43); p = 0,001). Cuando se añadió un saborizante al agua espesada, la calificación general fue mejor (7,70 (1,53) frente a 4,85 (2,16); p < 0,001). La diferencia entre el volumen diario de agua consumida por los pacientes que recibieron espesantes de goma (928,33 (331,27) ml) y los que recibieron espesantes de almidón (670,00 (288,35) ml) fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,012). El consumo de líquido también fue mayor cuando se agregó el saborizante (943,33 (302,45) ml frente a 655,00 (304,60) ml; p = 0,005). Conclusión: la aceptación del espesante y la ingesta de agua por parte de los pacientes con disfagia fueron significativamente mayores cuando se utilizaron espesantes de goma, en comparación con los espesantes de almidón, y al agregar saborizantes.

Comparison of MUST and Nutriscore for the Screening of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Oncology Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Nutriscore is a malnutrition screening tool designed specifically for cancer patients. Our objective was to assess its performance in hospitalized cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with any solid neoplasm hospitalized in Medical Oncology were included. In the first 24-48 h, of admission they were screened with Nutriscore and Malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST). Both tests were compared using chi-square, kappa index and ROC curve. Nutriscore sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp) and predictive values (PV) were calculated using MUST as a reference. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were included. The most frequent tumors were lung (36.6%), colorectal (24.8%) and breast (8.6%). MUST identified 69.9% of the patients at nutritional risk, and Nutriscore 44.1% (p < 0.001), with a low kappa index [k = 0.38 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.54)]. The AUC of the ROC curve for Nutriscore with respect to the MUST was 0.739. Nutriscore showed S = 58.6 (95% CI 45.7 to 71.2), Sp = 89.3% (95% CI 76.0 to 100.0%), VP + = 92.7% (95% CI 83.5 at 100.0%) and VP- = 48.1% (95% CI 33.5 to 62.6). CONCLUSIONS: Nutriscore did not provided better screening results in hospitalized cancer patients than a validated tool such as MUST.

Utility of the EAT-10 in the detection of dysphagia in high-risk hospitalisation units at a university hospital: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the objective was to assess the utility of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) in hospitalisation units with patients at high risk of dysphagia. Patients and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Neurology and Internal Medicine wards; patients with admission < 24 hours and in a terminal stage of disease were excluded. In the first 24-48 hours of admission the presence of dysphagia as assessed with the EAT-10, the risk of malnutrition as assessed with the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tools (MUST), and comorbidities using the Charlson index were screened. Results: a total of 169 patients were recruited (76.0 years, 52 % women); 19.5 % were at risk of malnutrition. The EAT-10 instrument could be administered in 80.6 % of the patients, and was positive in 26.6 % (women 34.1 % vs. men 18.4 %; p = 0.025). When comparing patients with higher comorbidity with those with a lower Charlson index, a lower response rate to EAT-10 was observed (78.4 % vs. 93.9 %; p = 0.038), without differences in screening positivity (28.3 % vs. 19.4 %; p = 0.310). The prevalence of dysphagia risk was higher in the Internal Medicine unit than in the Neurology unit (30.4 % vs. 19.6 %; p = 0.133), as was the percentage of cases in which screening could not be performed (21.1 % vs. 11.1 %; p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in risk of malnutrition, mortality, hospital stay, or readmission according to the EAT-10. Conclusions: The EAT-10 has limited utility in the studied hospitalisation units due to a high rate of unfeasible tests, especially among patients at higher risk of dysphagia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la utilidad del Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) en unidades de hospitalización con pacientes de alto riesgo de disfagia. Pacientes y métodos: estudio transversal de pacientes hospitalizados en Medicina Interna y Neurología; los pacientes con ingreso < 24 horas y en fase terminal de la enfermedad fueron excluidos. En las primeras 24-48 horas de ingreso se cribó la disfagia con el EAT-10, el riesgo de desnutrición con el Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) y la comorbilidad con el índice de Charlson. Resultados: se reclutaron 196 pacientes (76,0 años, 52 % mujeres). El 19,5 % estaban en riesgo de desnutrición. El EAT-10 se pudo realizar en el 80,6 % de la muestra y fue positivo en el 26,6 % (mujeres 34,1 % vs. hombres 18,4 %; p = 0,025). Al comparar a los pacientes con mayor comorbilidad con aquellos que tenían un índice de Charlson más bajo, se observó una tasa de respuesta más baja al EAT-10 (78,4 % vs. 93,9 %; p = 0,038), sin diferencias en la positividad del cribado (28,3 % vs. 19,4 %; p = 0,310). La prevalencia del riesgo de disfagia fue mayor en la unidad de Medicina Interna que en la de Neurología (30,4 % vs. 19,6 %; p = 0,133), así como el número de casos en que no se pudo realizar el cribado (21,1 % vs. 11,1 %; p = 0,011). No hubo diferencias significativas en el riesgo de desnutrición, mortalidad, estancia hospitalaria o reingreso según el EAT-10. Conclusiones: el EAT-10 tiene una utilidad limitada en las unidades de hospitalización estudiadas debido a una alta tasa de pruebas no realizables, especialmente entre los pacientes con mayor riesgo de disfagia.

Clinical utility of partially hydrolyzed guar gum: review of evidence and experience / Utilidad en la clínica de la goma guar parcialmente hidrolizada: revisión de la evidencia y experiencia

Introduction: Dietary fiber is an important component of human diet. Since each fiber type has specific metabolic and gastrointestinal function effects, in each specific pathology we will have to choose the optimum type of fiber, considering its chemical, physical and physiological properties. Objective:to put partially hydrolyzed guar gum in its place in the complex framework of dietary fiber, to review its physicochemical properties and possible mechanisms of action; as well as its potential usefulness in different clinical situations in adult patients. Methods: non-systematic review in Medline. Results: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is obtained from a partial enzymatic hydrolysis of guar gum by the enzyme ß-endo-mannanase. It is a soluble, highly fermentable fiber with low viscosity. The fermentation of GGPH in colon produces short chain fatty acids, implicated in the main pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for their clinical effects. Its use in enteral nutrition associated diarrhea is supported by several studies and by the recommendations of scientific societies such as the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. The usefulness of GGPH has been studied in many other clinical situations, such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, bacterial overgrowth, etc. with promising results. Conclusions: GGPH is useful in the management of enteral nutrition associated diarrhea. In other clinical situations, more quality studies would be necessary in order to make concrete recommendations.

Introducción: la fibra dietética es un componente importante de la dieta humana. Cada tipo de fibra tiene efectos específicos a nivel metabólico y en el funcionamiento gastrointestinal, por lo que en cada patología concreta habremos de elegir la fibra óptima teniendo en cuenta sus propiedades químicas, físicas y fisiológicas. Objetivo: encuadrar la goma guar parcialmente hidrolizada en su lugar en el complejo marco de la fibra dietética, revisar sus propiedades físico-químicas y posibles mecanismos de acción; así como su potencial utilidad en distintas situaciones clínicas en pacientes adultos. Métodos: revisión no sistemática en Medline. Resultados: la goma guar parcialmente hidrolizada (GGPH) se obtiene a partir de una hidrólisis enzimática parcial de la goma guar mediantela enzima ß-endo-mananasa. Se trata de una fibra soluble, altamente fermentable y de baja viscosidad. La fermentación de la GGPH a nivel colónico produce ácidos grasos de cadena corta, implicados en los principales mecanismos fisiopatólogicos responsables de sus efectos a nivel clínico. Su uso en la diarrea asociada a la nutrición enteral está avalada por diversos estudios y por la recomendaciones de sociedades científicas como la European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism y la American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Se ha estudiado la utilidad de la GGPH en otras muchas situaciones clínicas, como diabetes, hipercolesterolemia, sobrecrecimiento bacteriano, etc. con resultados prometedores. Conclusiones: la GGPH es útil en el manejo de la diarrea asociada a nutrición enteral. Respecto a otras situaciones clínicas, serían necesarios más estudios de calidad para poder hacer recomendaciones concretas.

Prognostic Value of the Nutritional Risk Index in Heart Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To study the prognostic impact of preoperative nutritional status, as assessed through the nutritional risk index (NRI), on postoperative outcomes after heart transplantation (HT). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of 574 patients who underwent HT from 1991 to 2014. Preoperative NRI was calculated as 1.519 × serum albumin (g/L) + 41.7 × (body weight [kg] / ideal body weight [kg]). The association between preoperative NRI and postoperative outcomes was analyzed by means of multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: Mean NRI before HT was 100.9 ± 9.9. According to this parameter, the prevalence of severe nutritional risk (NRI < 83.5), moderate nutritional risk (83.5 ≤ NRI < 97.5), and mild nutritional risk (97.5 ≤ NRI < 100) was 5%, 22%, and 10%, respectively. One year post-transplant mortality rates in these 4 categories were 18.2%, 25.3%, 7.9% and 10.2% (P < .001), respectively. The NRI was independently associated with a lower risk of postoperative infection (adjusted OR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.95-1.00; P = .027) and prolonged postoperative ventilator support (adjusted OR, 0.96; 95%CI, 0.94-0.98; P = .001). Patients at moderate or severe nutritional risk had significantly higher 1-year post-HT mortality (adjusted HR, 1.55; 95%CI, 1.22-1.97; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Malnourished patients have a higher risk of postoperative complications and mortality after HT. Preoperative NRI determination may help to identify HT candidates who might benefit from nutritional intervention.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of preoperative treatment of acromegaly with somatostatin analogue on surgical outcome.

CONTEXT: There is no uniform standard of care for acromegaly. Due to the high costs involved, steps must be taken to ensure the cost-effective delivery of treatment. OBJECTIVE: Taking the results of an earlier meta-analysis as a starting point, this study aims to determine whether treatment with long-acting somatostatin analogue (SSA) prior to surgery improves the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of acromegaly. METHODS: The results are presented as an Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) immediately after surgery, for the following year and over the next four decades. The cure rates percentage (95% CI) for the three randomized prospective controlled trials were 44.4% (34.2-54.7) and 18.2% (10.1-26.3) for preoperative treated and untreated patients respectively. The cost of pharmacological treatments was based on the number of units prescribed, dose and length of treatment. RESULTS: The mean (95% CI) ICER immediately after surgery was €17,548 (12,007-33,250). In terms of the postoperative SSA treatment, the ICER changes from positive to negative before two years after surgery. One decade after surgery the ICER per patient/year was €-9973 (-18,798; -6752) for postoperative SSA treatment and €-31,733 (-59,812; -21,483) in the case of postoperative pegvisomant treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In centres without optimal surgical results, preoperative treatment of GH-secreting pituitary macroadenomas with SSA not only shows a significant improvement in the surgical results, but is also highly cost-effective, with an ICER per patient/year one decade after surgery, of between €-9973 (-18,798; -6752) and €-31,733 (-59,812; -21,483) for SSA and pegvisomant respectively.

Place of preoperative treatment of acromegaly with somatostatin analog on surgical outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Transsphenoidal neurosurgery is the accepted first-line treatment of acromegaly in the majority of patients. Previous studies addressing preoperative somatostatin analog (SSA) treatment and subsequent surgical cure rates are conflicting, reporting either benefits or no significant differences. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study, based on a meta-analysis of all published reports, was to investigate whether treatment with SSA before surgery improves the surgical outcome of acromegaly. DATA SOURCES: All studies of preoperative treatment of acromegaly with SSA were systematically reviewed up to December 2011. We searched the Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar electronic databases. STUDY SELECTION: The primary endpoint was the biochemical postoperative cure rate. We identified 286 studies, out of which 10 studies (3.49%) fulfilling the eligibility criteria were selected for analysis; five retrospective studies with a control group, two prospective non-randomized trials, and three prospective controlled trials. The meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted from published reports by two independent observers. DATA SYNTHESIS: A borderline effect was detected in the analysis of all of the trials with control groups, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) for biochemical cure with SSA treatment of 1.62 (95% CI, 0.93-2.82). In the analysis of the three prospective controlled trials, a statistically significant effect was identified OR: 3.62 (95% CI, 1.88-6.96). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative treatment with SSA og GH-secreting pituitary adenomas shows a significant improvement on surgical results. This meta-analysis suggests that in centers without optimal results all patients with a GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma should be treated with a long-acting SSA prior to surgical treatment.