Nutrition quality control in the prescription and administration of parenteral nutrition therapy for hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition quality control in parenteral nutrition therapy (PNT) allows the identification of inadequate processes in parenteral nutrition (PN). The objective of this study was to assess the quality of PNT at a hospital with an established nutrition support team (NST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational, longitudinal, analytical, and prospective study examined 100 hospitalized PNT adult patients under the care of an NST for 21 days or until death/hospital discharge. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) 2007 guidelines for PNT prescription were followed. RESULTS: PNT indications were not in accordance with the A.S.P.E.N. 2007 guidelines in 15 patients. Among the remaining 85 patients, 48 (56.5%) did not receive adequate PNT (≥80% of the total volume prescribed). Non-NST medical orders, progression to and from enteral nutrition, changes in the central venous catheter, unknown causes, and operational errors (eg, medical prescription loss, PN nondelivery, pharmacy delays, inadequate PN bag temperature) were associated with PNT inadequacy (P < .005). Compared with patients who died, the discharged patients received PN volumes ≥80% on most days (P = .047). The quality indicators for nutrition therapy related to estimated energy expenditure and protein requirements and glycemia levels reached the expected targets; however, the central venous catheter infection rate was higher than 6 per 1000 catheters/d and did not meet the expected targets. CONCLUSION: Despite an established NST, there was a moderate level of PNT inadequacy in indications, administration, and monitoring. It is important to establish periodic meetings among different health professionals who prescribe and deliver PNT to define responsibilities and protocols.

Effect of synbiotic in constipated adult women - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of clinical response.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Synbiotic intake may selectively change microbiota composition, restore microbial balance in the gut and improve gastrointestinal functions. We have assessed the clinical response of chronically constipated women to a commercially available synbiotic, combining fructooligosaccharides with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains (LACTOFOS®). METHODS: Following 1 week of non-interventional clinical observation, 100 constipated adult women, diagnosed by ROME III criteria, were randomized to receive two daily doses (6 g) of synbiotic or maltodextrin (placebo group), for 30 days. Treatment response was evaluated by patient's daily record of evacuation (stool frequency, consistency and shape, according to Bristol scale), abdominal symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence) and constipation intensity (Constipation Scoring System AGACHAN). RESULTS: Patients treated with synbiotic had increased frequency of evacuation, as well as stool consistency and shape nearer normal parameters than the placebo group, with significant benefits starting during the second and third weeks, respectively (interaction group/time, P<0.0001). There were no significant differences in abdominal symptoms, but AGACHAN score was better in the synbiotic than in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with a synbiotic composed of fructooligosaccharides with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium improved evacuation parameters and constipation intensity of chronically constipated women, without influencing abdominal symptoms.

Factors leading to discrepancies between prescription and intake of enteral nutrition therapy in hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated factors leading to a reduction in enteral nutrition (EN) prescribed by a nutritional support team (NST) at a general hospital in Brazil. METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, hospitalized adults receiving only EN therapy via tube feeding were followed for up to 21 d from July to October 2008. RESULTS: The 152 subjects analyzed included 38 (23.5%) ward patients and 124 (76.5%) intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Eighty percent of the targeted feeding volume was achieved on day 4 by 80% of the patients. Reasons for not receiving the total amount of EN prescribed included delay in EN administration (3.1%), abdominal distention (5.6%), patient refusal of treatment (6.8%), feeding tube obstruction (8.6%), vomiting (10.5%), diarrhea (17.9%), unknown causes (17.9%), interference by a non-NST physician (25.9%), accidental feeding tube loss (34%), presence of high gastric residual (34%), and operational logistics at the hospital's Nutrition and Dietetics Service (99.4%). There was a significant association between patients who received <60% of the prescribed EN and external physician interference (P < 0.016). ICU patients also received inadequate EN (P < 0.025). Neurologic patients had a greater chance of receiving >81% of the prescribed EN amount than cardiac patients (odds ratio 3.75, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Major reasons for inadequate EN intake are (in decreasing order) operational logistical problems, gastric stasis, accidental loss of enteral feeding tube, and interference by an external physician (not an NST member). Cardiologic patients and ICU patients are at a higher risk for inadequacy than neurologic patients.

Constipation is more frequent than diarrhea in patients fed exclusively by enteral nutrition: results of an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Digestive complications in enteral nutrition (EN) can negatively affect the nutrition clinical outcome of hospitalized patients. Diarrhea and constipation are intestinal motility disorders associated with pharmacotherapy, hydration, nutrition status, and age. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of these intestinal motility disorders in patients receiving EN and assess risk factors associated with diarrhea and constipation in hospitalized patients receiving exclusive EN therapy in a general hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors performed a sequential and observational study of 110 hospitalized adult patients fed exclusively by EN through a feeding tube. Patients were categorized according to the type of intestinal transit disorder as follows: group D (diarrhea, 3 or more watery evacuations in 24 hours), group C (constipation, less than 1 evacuation during 3 days), and group N (absence of diarrhea or constipation). All prescription drugs were recorded, and patients were analyzed according to the type and amount of medication received. The authors also investigated the presence of fiber in the enteral formula. RESULTS: Patients classified in group C represented 70% of the study population; group D comprised 13%, and group N represented 17%. There was an association between group C and orotracheal intubation as the indication for EN (P < .001). Enteral formula without fiber was associated with constipation (logistic regression analysis: P < .001). CONCLUSION: Constipation is more frequent than diarrhea in patients fed exclusively by EN. Enteral diet with fiber may protect against medication-associated intestinal motility disorders. The addition of prokinetic drugs seems to be useful in preventing constipation.

C-kit immnunohistochemical expression in breast carcinomas and lymph node metastasis. Lack of prognostical significance and review of literaturei

Objective: To evaluate the expression of c-kit in breast invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) and metastasis to lymph nodes considering epithelial and stromal components separately and correlate this variable to others clinical, pathological and biological markers (EGFR, Her-2, ER, PR, Ki-67 and p53 expression). Methods: We analysed 80 IDC, stage T2-T4 Nx Mx, in TMA of epithelial, stromal component and lymph nodes. Statistical analysis considered significant a p value < 5%. Results: c-kit expression was founded in 9 cases in epithelial component (11.3%) and in 10 cases (12.5%) of stromal component. The 43 samples of lymph nodes metastasis were negative. EGFR and Her-2 were predominantly negative, both in epithelial (77.5% and 73.75%, respectively), as stromal (97.5% and 95.0%) components and metastasis to lymph nodes (83.7% and 62.8%). While ER, PR, Ki-67 and p53 were positive in 49 (61.0%), 40 (53.0%), 67 (83.75%) and 59 cases (73.75%) in the epithelial component. Stromal cells have proved negatives. c-kit epithelial expression correlated to presence of in situ component (p = 0.044) and stromal c-kit expression correlated to presence of necrosis (p = 0.002). There was no association between c-kit expression and staging and biological markers. Transformed epithelial cells at me lymph nodes metastasis stained for ER, PR, Ki-67 and p53 in 27 (62.8%), 16 (37.5%), 41 (95.0%) and 28 cases (65.1%), respectively. Conclusions: The expression of c-kit is mostly negative in primary IDC both in the epithelial and stromal component, as well as in lymph node metastasis. The lack of correlation between c-kit and others tyrosine kinase proteins suggest that they are independently regulated. Metastasis for Iymph nodes were not c-kit positive and further studies of mutations of c-kit and his family, correlate with other prognostic factors and survival required to reveal the exact mechanism of action of this molecule in breast cancer.

Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão de c-kit em células epiteliais, estromais e metástases para linfonodos de carcinomas ductais mamários invasivos (CDI) e correlacionar essa variável com os outros marcadores clínicos, patológicos e biológicos (EGFR, HER-2, RE, RP, Ki-67 e p53). Métodos: Analisaram-se 80 CDI, estádios T2-T4 Nx Mx, em TMA de componente epitelial, estromal e linfonodos. O valor de p < 5% foi considerado significante. Resultados: A expressão de c-kit foi encontrada em 9 casos no componente epitelial (11,3%) e em 10 casos (12,5%) do componente estromal. As 43 amostras de metástases para linfonodos foram negativas. EGFR e Her-2 foram predominantemente negativos, tanto em epitélio (77,5% e 73,75%, respectivamente), como estroma (97,5% e 95,0%) e metástases para linfonodos (83,7% e 62,8%), enquanto RE, RP, Ki-67 e p53 foram positivos em 49 (61,0%), 40 (53,0%), 67 (83,75%) e 59 casos (73,75%) no componente epitelial. Células do estroma se mostraram negativas. A expressão de c-kit epitelial correlacionou-se com a presença do componente in situ (p = 0,044) e a expressão de c-kit no estroma se associou com a presença de necrose (p = 0,002). Não houve associação entre a expressão de c-kit com estadiamento e marcadores biológicos. Células epiteliais transformadas de metástases para linfonodos coraram para RE, RP, Ki-67 e p53 em 27 (62,8%), 16 (37,5%),41 (95,0%) e 28 casos (65,1%), respectivamente. Conclusões: A expressão de c-kit é majoritariamente negativa em CDI primário tanto no componente epitelial quanto no estromal, assim como em metástases linfonodais. A falta de correlação entre o c-kit e outras proteínas tirosina quinases sugere que elas sejam reguladas de forma independente. Metástases para linfonodos não foram positivas para c-kit, e estudos posteriores de mutações do c-kit e sua família, correlacionando com outros fatores prognósticos e sobrevida, são necessários para revelar o exato mecanismo de ação dessa molécula no câncer de mama.

Antropometria e bioimpedância elétrica na doença celíaca / Anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance in celiac disease / La antropometría e impedancia bioeléctrica en la enfermedad celíaca

Objetivo: Para avaliar o perfil nutricional de doentes celíacos em primeira consulta, foram correlacionadas variáveis coletadas por pregas cutãneas e bioimpedância elétrica. Método: estudo retrospectivo com 15 pacientes atendidos em consultório de nutrição, sendo 10 do sexo masculino e 5 do sexo feminino. As variáveis antropométricas coletadas foram: peso atual, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência do braço (CB), circunferência muscular do braço (CMB) e prega cutãnea tricipital (PCT). As variáveis coletas foram: gordura corporal (GC) e massa magra (MM). Resultados: A média de IMC estava dentro dos padrões de eutrofia (de acordo com a OMS, 1997), enquanto que a média de porcentual de gordura estava acima da média 9de acordo com Lohman,1992). Foi encontrada correlação linear positiva entre a circunferência muscular braquial e a massa magra, bem como entre a gordura corporal e prega cutãnea tricipital. A doença celíaca preocupa os profissionais pela manutenção do estado nutricional do paciente, embora não tenham sido encontrados pacientes desnutridos no presente estudo. Conclusão: os métodos utilizados de antropometria e bioimpedância elétrica estão fortemente correlacionados, portanto, pode-se optar pelo método de antropometria para avaliação nutricional de pacientes, por ser facilmente aplicável e de baixo custo.

Objective: To evaluate the nutritional profile of celiac patients at first consultation were correlated variables collected by skinfolds and bioelectrical impedance. Method: retrospective study of 15 patients treated in the office of nutrition, being 10 males and five females. Anthropometric variables were collected: current weight, height, body mass index (BMI), arm circumference (AC), arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and triceps skinfold (TSF). The variables collected were: body fat (BF) and lean mass (MM). Results: The mean BMI was within the standards of normal range (according to WHO, 1997), while the average percentage of body fat was above average 9from According to Lohman, 1992). Positive linear correlation was found between arm muscle circumference and lean body mass, and between body fat and triceps skinfold. Celiac disease care professionals by maintaining the nutritional status of the patient, although they have not been found malnourished patients in this study. Conclusion: The methods used in anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance are strongly correlated, so one can choose the method of anthropometry to assess nutritional status of patients, because it is easily applicable and inexpensive.

Objetivo: evaluar el perfil nutricional de los pacientes celíacos en la primera consulta fueron recogidos por variables correlacionadas pliegues cutáneos e impedancia bioeléctrica. Método: Estudio retrospectivo de 15 pacientes tratados en las consultas de nutrición, siendo 10 varones y cinco hembras. Las variables antropométricas fueron conseguidas: peso actual, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia del brazo (CB), circunferencia muscular del brazo (AMCM) y el pliegue del tríceps (TSF). Las variables recogidas fueron: la grasa corporal (BF) y la masa magra (MM). Resultados: El IMC promedio fue dentro de los estándares de la gama normal (según la OMS, 1997), mientras que el porcentaje medio de grasa corporal por encima de promedio 9from Según Lohman, 1992). correlación lineal positiva entre la circunferencia muscular del brazo y la masa corporal magra, y entre la grasa corporal y el pliegue del tríceps. Celíaca enfermedades profesionales de la atención por el mantenimiento del estado nutricional del paciente, aunque no se han encontrado los pacientes con malnutrición en este estudio. Conclusión: Los métodos utilizados en antropometría e impedancia bioeléctrica están estrechamente correlacionados, por lo que uno puede elegir el método de la antropometría para evaluar el estado nutricional de los pacientes, porque es de fácil aplicación y bajo costo.