Appetite disorders in cancer patients: Impact on nutritional status and quality of life.

Cancer patients are at high risk of malnutrition due to several symptoms such as lack of appetite. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different appetite disorders in cancer patients and their influence on dietary intake, nutritional status, and quality of life. We conducted a cross-sectional study of cancer patients at risk of malnutrition. Nutritional status was studied using Subjective Global Assessment, anthropometry, and grip strength. Dietary intake was evaluated with a 24-h recall, and patients were questioned about the presence of changes in appetite (none, anorexia, early satiety, or both). Quality of life was measured using EORTC-QLQ-C30. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression. 128 patients were evaluated. 61.7% experienced changes in appetite: 31% anorexia, 13.3% early satiety, and 17.2% both. Appetite disorders were more common in women and with the presence of cachexia. The combination of anorexia and satiety resulted in a lower weight and BMI. However, there were no significant effects on energy or macronutrient intake among different appetite alterations. Patients with a combination of anorexia and early satiety had worse overall health perception, role function, and fatigue. Appetite disorders are highly prevalent among cancer patients at risk of malnutrition. They have a significant impact on nutritional status and quality of life, especially when anorexia and early satiety are combined.

Objective Evaluation Tool for Texture-Modified Food (OET-TMF): Development of the Tool and Validation.

Texture-modified diets (TMDs) should fulfil nutritional goals, guarantee homogenous texture, and meet food safety regulations. The food industry has created texture-modified food (TMF) that meets the TMD requirements of quality and safety for inpatients. To design and develop a tool that allows the objective selection of foodstuffs for TMDs that ensures nutritional requirements and swallowing safety of inpatients in order to improve their quality of life, especially regarding their food satisfaction. An evaluation tool was designed to objectively determine the adequacy of food included in the TMD menus of a hospital. The "Objective Evaluation Tool for Texture-Modified Food" (OET-TMF) consists of seven items that evaluate the food's nutritional quality (energy and protein input), presence of allergens, texture and viscosity, cooking, storage type, useful life, and patient acceptance. The total score ranged from 0 to 64 and was divided into four categories: high quality, good quality, medium quality, and low quality. Studying four different commercial TMFs contributed to the validation of the tool. All the evaluated products scored between high and good regarding quality. There was a tendency (p = 0.077) towards higher consumption and a higher overall quality of the product obtained with the OET-TMF. The product that scored highest with the tool was the best accepted; the product with the lowest score had the highest rate of refusal. The OET-TMF allows for the objective discrimination of the quality of TMF. In addition, it shows a certain relationship between the observed and assessed quality intake.

Consumption of low-fat dairy products and energy and protein intake in cancer patients at risk of malnutrition.

Current nutritional guidelines encourage the reduction of fat intake from animal sources like dairy products. The aim was to determine whether the consumption of low-fat dairy is related to poorer dietary intake and nutritional status in cancer patients at risk of malnutrition. This cross-sectional included patients with solid or hematological malignancies at risk of malnutrition. Nutritional status was studied using Subjective Global Assessment, anthropometry, and grip strength. Dietary intake was evaluated with a 24-h recall and dairy consumption with a structured questionnaire. Seventy-four patients were recruited; 71.6% males of 64.8 yr, most with gastrointestinal malignancies. Only 37.8% consumed whole milk, and 61.4% consumed whole yogurt. Reasons for consumption of low-fat dairies were healthy diet (58.0%), hypercholesterolemia (20.0%), and digestive intolerance (10.0%). There were similar rates of malnutrition according the type of dairy (whole 60.9% vs. low-fat 66.7%, P = 0.640). Low-fat dairies were related to a reduction in energy (whole 1980.1 kcal vs. low-fat 1480.9, P = 0.007) and protein intake (whole 86.0 g vs. low-fat 63.0 g, P = 0.030).

Impact of the NOGG and NOF Guidelines on the Indication of Bone Mineral Density in Routine Clinical Practice.

The universal screening for osteoporosis by bone mineral density (BMD) is not feasible because of its unfavorable cost-benefit due to its low sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the population and economic impact of the diagnostic criteria of the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) and the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and assess the appropriateness of the BMD tests performed in routine clinical practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted in individuals referred for BMD testing who were not receiving antiresorptive therapy. The absolute risk of major and hip fracture was calculated using the British formula of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool. NOGG and NOF guidelines diagnostic thresholds interventions were used. A total of 640 individuals were included, of which 95% were women, with a median age of 59.4 years (interquartile range = 14). When applying the NOGG criteria, BMD testing was recommended in 32.3% of the individuals, whereas this percentage increased to 75.6% with the NOF guidelines (p < 0.05). Regarding the appropriateness of the BMD tests performed, 31.9% were deemed appropriate according to both the NOGG and NOF guidelines, whereas 23.9% were considered inappropriate. In conclusion, the application of the NOGG and NOF guidelines led to a decrease in BMD indications, reducing costs and improving efficiency in the diagnostic management of osteoporosis, although variability exists between the guidelines.

Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but not visceral adiposity index, in severely obese patients.

The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a marker of visceral fat distribution and dysfunction. Visceral adiposity is related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, there is some controversy regarding the association between VAI and NAFLD.The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between VAI and NAFLD and to describe the related factors in severely obese patients. A total of 139 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included in this cross-sectional study. Liver biopsy was performed during surgery. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to study the features related to VAI. A univariate analysis was conducted to identify which factors were associated with liver histology. In the univariate analysis, steatosis, liver inflammation, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis were associated with VAI. In the multivariate analysis, only HOMA (Beta: 0.06; p < 0.01) and metabolic syndrome (Beta: 1.23; p < 0.01) were related to VAI. HOMA, the presence of metabolic syndrome, and waist circumference (WC) were statistically related to the NAFLD activity score (NAS score): HOMA: 0-2: 5.04; 3-4: 7.83; > or = 5: 11,32; p < 0.01; MS: 0-2: 37 %; 3-4: 33.3 %; > or = 5: 76%; p < 0.01; WC: 0-2: 128.7 cm; 3-4: 130.7; > or = 5: 140.6; p < 0.01). For the prediction of NASH (NAS score > or = 5), the AUROC curve were 0.71 (CI 95 %: 0.63-0.79) for VAI and 0.7 (CI 95 %: 0.62-0.78) for WC. In conclusion, HOMA, WC and metabolic syndrome are related to liver histology in patients with severe obesity. In the multivariate analysis, VAI was associated with HOMA and metabolic syndrome, but not with liver histology.

Efficacy of glutamine in the prevention of oral mucositis and acute radiation-induced esophagitis: a retrospective study.

Glutamine is a nutraceutic with antioxidant and immune functions that can protect from adverse effects associated with radiation therapy (RT). The aim of this study was to test whether oral glutamine prevents oral mucositis (OM) or acute radiation-induced esophagitis (ARIE) and favors nutritional status. This retrospective, cohort study included patients treated with RT for cancer on head and neck (HN) or chest areas during the 2008-2010 period. Data on glutamine treatment (initiated before RT, during RT, or no glutamine), appearance of mucositis (according to World Health Organization criteria), weight loss (WL) during RT, moderate [body mass index (BMI) <20.5 kg/m(2) or WL > 5%) or severe (BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2) or WL > 10%) malnutrition, and nutritional support were collected. Quantitative data were compared using Student's t-test and analysis of variance, and qualitative data using the chi-square test. The risk difference was calculated with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The sample included 117 patients. Overall, glutamine was associated with a significant reduction of mucositis, WL, and enteral nutrition. The risk difference for developing OM in patients receiving glutamine when compared with controls was -9.0% (95% CI = -18.0% to -1.0%), and for ARIE it was -14.0% (95% CI = -26.0% to -1.0%). More of the patients not receiving glutamine developed severe malnutrition when compared with those receiving this supplement, but there were no differences in other outcomes such as interruption of RT, hospitalization, use of opioid analgesics, or death during RT. Glutamine may have a protective effect during RT, reducing the risk and severity of OM and ARIE, preventing weight loss, and reducing the need for nutritional support. Prospective trials are required.

Is Food Tolerance Different After Bariatric Surgery Depending on the Surgical Procedure?

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) is a very effective treatment regarding body weight loss but might affect food tolerance and energy and protein intake. The aim of this study was to compare three BS techniques (biliopancreactic diversion (BPD), gastric bypass (GB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG)) and their effect on food tolerance. METHODS: Prospective study conducted between April 2016 and April 2019. Visits included were 1 before and 6, 12, and 24 months after BS. Food tolerance test (FTT), 24-h recall, and bioelectrical impedance (TANITA MC780) were performed at all visits. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included (74.2% women). FTT showed a better self-perception of the intake after surgery in BPD at 6 months (p = 0.013), and at 12 months (p = 0.006). BPD had a better tolerance of 8 food groups at 6 months (red meat p = 0.017, white meat p = 0.026, salad p = 0.017, bread p < 0.001, rice p = 0.047, pasta p = 0.014, fish p = 0.027) and at 12 months, but only red meat (p = 0.002), bread (p < 0.001), rice (p = 0.025), and pasta (p = 0.025) remained statistically different. Twenty-four months after surgery, only the red meat food group (p = 0.007) showed differences. BPD had the lowest incidence of vomiting at 6 months (p < 0.001), 12 months (p = 0.008), and 24 months (p = 0.002). The total score of FTT was better in BPD at 6 months [25.6 (SD 1.5), p < 0.001], 12 months [25.6 (SD 2.4), p < 0.001], and 24 months [25.7 (SD 1.3), p = 0.001]. BPD showed the best intake in energy and proteins at 6 months [1214.8 (SD 342.4) kcal and 67.1 (SD 18.4) g] and 12 months [1199.6 (SD 289.7) kcal and 73.5 (SD 24.3) g]. % FML was higher in GB both at 6 and 12 months being statistically different (p < 0.050). CONCLUSION: Biliopancreatic diversion appears to be the technique with a better food tolerance and protein and energy intake in the first year of follow-up after BS.

[Assessment of low muscle mass and strength in a control population]. / Valoración de la baja masa y fuerza muscular en una población de control.

Introduction: Background and aims: low muscle mass (LMM) conditions the nutritional status of an individual and has implications for quality of life and prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition and determine normal values in the diagnosis of LMM in a control group of healthy individuals. Methods: a cross-sectional study of healthy volunteers aged 18 to 45 years with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2. A descriptive study was performed including demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and body composition variables (by bioimpedance, TANITA MC 780 MA; TANITA, Tokyo, Japan), stratified by age, sex and BMI. Values corresponding to -1/-2 standard deviations (SD) were determined to consider low muscle mass/function. Results: we included 67 patients, 71,60 % women, with a median age of 28.29 (IQR 4.05) years. Males presented higher weight, BMI, fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), appendicular lean mass (ALM), appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), and dynamometry values when compared to females. The -1/-2 SD values of the various muscle parameters were determined according to sex. Conclusion: this study determined normal LMM values in healthy and young people, and the most commonly used indexes to express it, which will allow the diagnosis of LMM in disease-related situations using the corresponding -2 DS value.

Introducción: Introducción y objetivos: la baja masa muscular (BMM) condiciona el estado nutricional de un individuo y tiene implicaciones en la calidad y el pronóstico de vida. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la composición corporal y determinar los valores de normalidad en el diagnóstico de BMM en un grupo de control de individuos sanos. Material y método: estudio transversal de voluntarios sanos con edades entre 18 y 45 años, con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) < 30 kg/m2. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo incluyendo variables demográficas, clínicas, antropométricas y de composición corporal (mediante bioimpedancia, TANITA MC 780 MA; TANITA, Tokio, Japón), con estratificación por edad, sexo e IMC. Se determinaron los valores correspondientes a -1/-2 desviaciones estándar (DE) para considerar una baja masa/función muscular. Resultados: se incluyeron 67 pacientes, el 71,60 % mujeres, con una mediana de edad de 28,29 (RIC: 4,05) años. Los varones presentan mayor peso, IMC, masa libre de grasa (MLG), masa muscular (MM), masa muscular apendicular (MMA), índice de masa muscular apendicular (IMMA) y dinamometría con respecto a las mujeres. Se determinaron los valores de -1/-2 DE de los distintos parámetros musculares en función del sexo. Conclusiones: este estudio determina los valores normales de BMM en una población sana y joven de nuestro medio, y los índices más empleados para expresarla, lo que permitirá diagnosticar la BMM en situaciones patológicas empleando el valor correspondiente a -2 DE.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis as an alternative to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in the assessment of fat mass and appendicular lean mass in patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a challenge for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) estimations of skeletal muscle and fat mass (FM), and none of the equations used for appendicular lean mass (ALM) have been developed for people with obesity. By using different equations and proposing a new equation, this study aimed to assess the estimation of FM and ALM using BIA compared with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference method in a cohort of people with severe obesity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study compared a multifrequency BIA (TANITA MC-780A) versus DXA for body composition assessment in adult patients with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of >35 kg/m2). Comparisons between measured (DXA) and predicted (BIA) data for FM and ALM were performed using the original proprietary equations of the device and the equations proposed by Kyle, Sergi, and Yamada. Bland-Altman plots were drawn to evaluate the agreement between DXA and BIA, calculating bias and limits of agreement (LOA). Reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to derive a new equation to predict ALM in patients with obesity and was validated in a subsample of our cohort. RESULTS: In this study, 115 patients (72.4% women) with severe obesity (mean BMI of 46.1 [5.2] kg/m2) were included (mean age 43.5 [8.6] y). FMDXA was 61.4 (10.1) kg, FMBIA was 57.9 (10.3) kg, and ICC was 0.925 (P < 0.001). Bias was -3.4 (4.4) kg (-5.2%), and LOA was -14.0, +7.3 kg. Using the proprietary equations, ALMDXA was 21.8 (4.7) kg and ALMBIA was 29.0 (6.8) kg with an ICC 0.868, bias +7.3 (4.0) kg (+34.1%) and LOA -0.5, +15.1. When applying other equations for ALM, the ICC for Sergi, et al. was 0.880, the ICC for Kyle, et al. was 0.891, and the best ICC estimation for Yamada, et al. was 0.914 (P < 0.001). Bias was +2.8 (2.8), +4.1 (2.9), and +2.7 (2.8) kg, respectively. The best-fitting regression equation to predict ALMDXA in our population derived from a development cohort (n = 77) was: ALM = 13.861 + (0.259 x H2/Z) - (0.085 x age) - (3.983 x sex [0 = men; 1 = women]). When applied to our validation cohort (n = 38), the ICC was 0.864, and the bias was the lowest compared with the rest of the equations +0.3 (+0.5) kg (+2.7%) LOA -5.4, +6.0 kg. CONCLUSION: BIA using multifrequency BIA in people with obesity is reliable enough for the estimation of FM, with good correlation and low bias to DXA. Regarding the estimation of ALM, BIA showed a good correlation with DXA, although it overestimated ALM, especially when proprietary equations were used. The use of equations developed using the same device improved the prediction, and our new equation showed a low bias for ALM.

Disease-Related Malnutrition and Sarcopenia Predict Worse Outcome in Medical Inpatients: A Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Both sarcopenia and disease-related malnutrition (DRM) are unfortunately underdiagnosed and undertreated in our Western hospitals, which could lead to worse clinical outcomes. Our objectives included to determine the impact of low muscle mass (MM) and strength, and also DRM and sarcopenia, on clinical outcomes (length of stay, death, readmissions at three months, and quality of life). (2) Methodology: Prospective cohort study in medical inpatients. On admission, MM and hand grip strength (HGS) were assessed. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were used to diagnose DRM and EWGSOP2 for sarcopenia. Assessment was repeated after one week and at discharge. Quality of life (EuroQoL-5D), length of stay (LoS), readmissions and mortality are reported. (3) Results: Two hundred medical inpatients, median 76.0 years-old and 68% with high comorbidity. 27.5% met GLIM criteria and 33% sarcopenia on admission, increasing to 38.1% and 52.3% on discharge. Both DRM and sarcopenia were associated with worse QoL. 6.5% died and 32% readmission in 3 months. The odds ratio (OR) of mortality for DRM was 4.36 and for sarcopenia 8.16. Readmissions were significantly associated with sarcopenia (OR = 2.25) but not with DRM. A higher HGS, but not MM, was related to better QoL, less readmissions (OR = 0.947) and lower mortality (OR = 0.848) after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidity. (4) Conclusions: In medical inpatients, mostly polymorbid, both DRM but specially sarcopenia are associated with poorer quality of life, more readmissions, and higher mortality. Low HGS proved to be a stronger predictor of worse outcomes than MM.

Bone metabolism and fracture risk after Biliopancreatic Diversion.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective treatment. However, there have been concerns regarding the negative effect on the bone. The aim of this study was to assess changes in bone metabolism and the risk of fracture after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of obese patients undergoing BPD between 1998 and 2017 was conducted, and patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. The incidence of fracture and of changes in bone metabolism was studied. RESULTS: In total, 216 patients were included (78.2% female), with a mean age of 42.5(10.6) years. The median follow-up was 6.8(IQR 10.2-3.2) years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 49.7(6.3) kg/m2. 13.2% (n=29) suffered a bone fracture after surgery; the time until the first fracture was 7.9(3.8) years (55.2% secondary to a casual fall). The rate of fracture incidence was 19.6 per 1000 person-years (95%CI: 1.3-2.7), prevalence was 13.4% (95%CI: 8.9-18.0). The risk of bone fractures seems to increase with longer postoperative evolution time. PTH (pg/ml) levels were significantly higher in patients with fractures (1 year, 98.1 vs. 77.8; 5 years, 162.5 vs. 110.3 p<0.05, adjusted HR 1.10; 95%CI 1.01-1.11). Subjects with a higher %EWL had less risk of fractures after surgery (adjusted HR 0.97; 95%CI 0.94-0.99). Moreover, 25(OH)D levels were lower, and osteocalcin and ß-Crosslaps levels were slightly higher (not significant) in patients with fractures. CONCLUSION: BPD is related to important changes in bone metabolism, which can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures. Assessing the risk of fractures should be part of BS patient care.

Bone metabolism and fracture risk after Biliopancreatic Diversion.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective treatment. However, there have been concerns regarding the negative effect on the bone. The aim of this study was to assess changes in bone metabolism and the risk of fracture after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of obese patients undergoing BPD between 1998 and 2017 was conducted, and patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. The incidence of fracture and of changes in bone metabolism was studied. RESULTS: In total, 216 patients were included (78.2% female), with a mean age of 42.5(10.6) years. The median follow-up was 6.8(IQR 10.2-3.2) years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 49.7(6.3) kg/m2. 13.2% (n=29) suffered a bone fracture after surgery; the time until the first fracture was 7.9(3.8) years (55.2% secondary to a casual fall). The rate of fracture incidence was 19.6 per 1000 person-years (95%CI: 1.3-2.7), prevalence was 13.4% (95%CI: 8.9-18.0). The risk of bone fractures seems to increase with longer postoperative evolution time. PTH (pg/ml) levels were significantly higher in patients with fractures (1 year, 98.1 vs. 77.8; 5 years, 162.5 vs. 110.3 p<0.05, adjusted HR 1.10; 95%CI 1.01-1.11). Subjects with a higher %EWL had less risk of fractures after surgery (adjusted HR 0.97; 95%CI 0.94-0.99). Moreover, 25(OH)D levels were lower, and osteocalcin and ß-Crosslaps levels were slightly higher (not significant) in patients with fractures. CONCLUSION: BPD is related to important changes in bone metabolism, which can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures. Assessing the risk of fractures should be part of BS patient care.

Diabetes remission after malabsorptive bariatric surgery. / Remisión de diabetes tras cirugía bariátrica malabsortiva.

Obesity and diabetes are two closely related disorders. Lifestyle changes and drug treatment do not achieve successful diabetes remission. A treatment option for these patients is bariatric surgery (BS). The partial and complete remission rates vary, depending on the type of technique used (restrictive or malabsorptive), with malabsorptive surgery being more effective in terms of both weight reduction and diabetes remission (DR). Different scales (DiaRem, Ad-DiaRem or 5y-Ad-DiaRem) predict the probability of DR after BS, particularly after gastric bypass surgery. Some studies report higher DR rates in surgery with a greater malabsorptive component. Our aim was to study the benefits of BS at one year and 5 years in terms of the weight and blood glucose profile in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus; assess percentage DR according to ADA criteria; determine the DR predictive capacity of different scores; and examine which variables predict DR at one and five years after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Percentage overweight reduction and the decrease in both blood glucose and HbA1c were greater with BPD. Complete diabetes remission was approximately 80% at one and 5 years after BS. In general, the scores that determine the probability of DR show poor discriminative capacity in malabsorptive surgery. Presurgery HbA1c predicts DR at one and 5 years after BPD. The type of surgery performed should be individualized, based on the severity of diabetes and the specific characteristics of each patient.

Diabetes remission after malabsorptive bariatric surgery.

Obesity and diabetes are two closely related disorders. Lifestyle changes and drug treatment do not achieve successful diabetes remission. A treatment option for these patients is bariatric surgery (BS). The partial and complete remission rates vary, depending on the type of technique used (restrictive or malabsorptive), with malabsorptive surgery being more effective in terms of both weight reduction and diabetes remission (DR). Different scales (DiaRem, Ad-DiaRem or 5y-Ad-DiaRem) predict the probability of DR after BS, particularly after gastric bypass surgery. Some studies report higher DR rates in surgery with a greater malabsorptive component. Our aim was to study the benefits of BS at one year and 5 years in terms of the weight and blood glucose profile in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus; assess percentage DR according to ADA criteria; determine the DR predictive capacity of different scores; and examine which variables predict DR at one and five years after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Percentage overweight reduction and the decrease in both blood glucose and HbA1c were greater with BPD. Complete diabetes remission was approximately 80% at one and 5 years after BS. In general, the scores that determine the probability of DR show poor discriminative capacity in malabsorptive surgery. Presurgery HbA1c predicts DR at one and 5 years after BPD. The type of surgery performed should be individualized, based on the severity of diabetes and the specific characteristics of each patient.

Effectiveness of energy-restricted diets with different protein:carbohydrate ratios: the relationship to insulin sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin sensitivity could determine the effectiveness of weight-loss diets with different protein:carbohydrate ratios. Our aim was to evaluate whether or not energy-restricted diets with different protein:carbohydrate ratios in obese individuals with (IR) or without (IS) insulin resistance could lead to differences in weight loss or insulin sensitivity. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical intervention study. Thirty-six obese patients, allocated to the IR or IS group after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test and calculation of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA) index, were assigned to follow an energy-restricted diet with either 40 % carbohydrate/30 % protein/30 % fat (diet A) or 55 % carbohydrate/15 % protein/30 % fat (diet B) and followed up to 16 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-one IR and fifteen IS patients were randomized to diet A or B. After 16 weeks, there was no difference in weight loss between diets A and B in each group. Glucose and insulin levels and HOMA were significantly reduced at 16 weeks, but no differences related to the type of diet were detected either in the IR or the IS group. CONCLUSIONS: Varying the macronutrient composition of a hypoenergetic diet, regarding the percentage protein:carbohydrate ratio, did not produce different weight loss or result in an improvement in insulin sensitivity in people with or without insulin resistance.

Postoperative enteral immunonutrition in head and neck cancer patients: Impact on clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer patients have a high rate of complications during the postoperative period that could increase their morbidity rate. Arginine has been shown to improve healing and to modulate inflammation and immune response. The aim of our study was to assess whether use of arginine-enriched enteral formulas could decrease fistulas and length of stay (LoS). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in patients who had undergone head and neck cancer surgery and were receiving enteral nutrition through a nasogastric tube in the postoperative period between January 2012 and May 2018. The differences associated to use of immunoformula vs. standard formulas were analysed. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and nutritional intervention variables, as well as nutritional parameters, were recorded during the early postoperative period. Occurrence of complications (fistulas), length of hospital stay, readmissions, and 90-day mortality were recorded. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis, patients who received nutritional support with immunonutrition had a lower fistula occurrence rate (17.91% vs. 32.84%; p=0.047) and a shorter mean LoS [28.25 (SD 16.11) vs. 35.50 (SD 25.73) days; p=0.030]. After adjusting for age, energy intake, aggressiveness of surgery and tumour stage, fistula occurrence rate and LoS were similar in both groups irrespective of the type of formula. CONCLUSIONS: Use of arginine-enriched enteral nutrition appears to decrease the occurrence of fistulas in the postoperative period in patients with head and neck cancer, with a resultant reduction in length of hospital stay. However, the differences disappeared after adjusting for age, tumour stage, or aggressiveness of the surgery.

Searching for disease-related malnutrition using Big Data tools. / Persiguiendo la desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad mediante herramientas de big data.

INTRODUCTION: Disease-related malnutrition (DRM) is underdiagnosed and underreported despite its well-known association with a worse prognosis. The emergence of Big Data and the application of artificial intelligence in Medicine have revolutionized the way knowledge is generated. The aim of this study is to assess whether a Big Data tool could help us detect the amount of DRM in our hospital. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive, retrospective study using the Savana Manager® tool, which allows for automatically analyzing and extracting the relevant clinical information contained in the free text of the electronic medical record. A search was performed using the term "malnutrition", comparing the characteristics of patients with DRM to the population of hospitalized patients between January 2012 and December 2017. RESULTS: Among the 180,279 hospitalization records with a discharge report in that period, only 4,446 episodes (2.47%) included the diagnosis of malnutrition. The mean age of patients with DRM was 75 years (SD 16), as compared to 59 years (SD 25) for the overall population. There were no sex differences (51% male). In-hospital death occurred in 7.08% of patients with DRM and 2.98% in the overall group. Mean stay was longer in patients with DRM (8 vs. 5 days, P<.0001) and there were no significant differences in the 72-hour readmission rate. The most common diagnoses associated with DRM were heart failure (35%), respiratory infection (23%), urinary infection (20%), and chronic kidney disease (15%). CONCLUSION: Underdiagnosis of DRM remains a problem. Savana Manager® helps us to better understand the profile of these patients.

The appearance of malnutrition in hematological inpatients prolongs hospital stay: the need for nutritional surveillance during hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: oncohematological diseases are associated with a high prevalence of malnutrition during hospitalization. Our aim was to analyze the appearance and repercussions of malnutrition in well-nourished hematological inpatients at admission. Method: a prospective one-year study conducted in hematology inpatients. The Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) was used at admission and repeated weekly. Patients with a negative screening at admission who developed malnutrition during hospitalization constituted our study sample. A nutritional evaluation and intervention was performed. We also analyzed the effect of newly diagnosed malnutrition on patients' outcomes in comparison with the outcomes of patients that remained well-nourished during hospitalization. Results: twenty-one percent of hematological inpatients who were well nourished at admission developed malnutrition during hospitalization. Of the patients, 62.4% needed a nutritional intervention (100% oral supplements, 21.4% diet changes, 5.2% parenteral nutrition). After intervention, an increase in real intake was achieved (623 kcal and 27.3 g of protein/day). Weight loss was slowed and visceral protein was stabilized. Length of stay was 8.5 days longer for our sample than for well-nourished patients. Conclusions: newly diagnosed malnutrition appeared in one in five hematological well-nourished inpatients, leading to a longer length of stay. Nutritional intervention improved intake and nutritional status. Nutritional surveillance should be mandatory.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: las enfermedades oncohematológicas asocian una elevada prevalencia de malnutrición, especialmente durante la hospitalización. Objetivo: analizar la aparición de malnutrición y su repercusión en pacientes normonutridos al ingreso. Métodos: estudio prospectivo de un año en una cohorte de ingresados hematológicos. El Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) se realizó al ingreso, repitiéndose semanalmente. Los pacientes con cribado negativo al ingreso que desarrollaron malnutrición durante la hospitalización constituyeron nuestra muestra. Se realizó evaluación e intervención nutricional, analizando el efecto de la aparición de malnutrición en el pronóstico, comparado con los pacientes que permanecieron normonutridos. Resultados: el 21% de los pacientes normonutridos al ingreso desarrolló malnutrición en la hospitalización. El 62.4% precisó intervención nutricional (100% suplementos orales, 21,4% cambios dietéticos, 5.2% nutrición parenteral). La intervención logró un aumento de ingesta real de 623 kcal y 27,3 g proteína/día, frenando la pérdida de peso y estabilizando las proteínas viscerales. La estancia fue 8,5 días mayor en nuestra muestra que en los pacientes que permanecieron normonutridos. Conclusiones: uno de cada cinco ingresados normonutridos al ingreso desarrolló malnutrición en la hospitalización, asociando mayor estancia. La intervención nutricional puede mejorar la ingesta y el estado nutricional, por tanto, la vigilancia nutricional debería ser obligatoria.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with Biliopancreatic Diversion After 10 Years of Follow-up, and Relationship with Vitamin D and Serum Calcium.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a matter of concern after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SHPT, 25(OH)D, and calcium after BPD. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis in obese patients after BPD performed between 1998 and 2016. METHODS: Patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. SHPT was considered when PTH > 65 pg/mL in the absence of an elevated corrected calcium. 25(OH)D (ng/mL) status was defined as: deficiency < 20, insufficiency 20-29.9, and sufficiency ≥ 30. RESULTS: In total, 321 patients were included (76.6% women), with mean age 43.0 (10.5) years. Median follow-up was 6.0 (IQR 3.0-9.0) years. Mean body mass index was 49.8 (7.0) kg/m2. SHPT increased to a maximum of 81.9% in the ninth year of follow-up (95% CI: 1.5-9.1). Two years after surgery, 33.9% of patients with 25(OH)D sufficiency had SHPT (p = 0.001). Corrected calcium levels were lower in patients with PTH > 65 pg/mL when compared with PTH < 65 pg/mL; 1 year: 8.96 vs 9.1 mg/dL and 5 years: 8.75 vs 9.12 mg/dL (p < 0.01). After surgery, patients with PTH > 65 pg/mL and 25(OH)D sufficiency had lower corrected calcium levels when compared with subjects with PTH and 25(OH)D in normal range. Two years: 9.0 vs 9.2 mg/dL (p < 0.05) and 4 years: 8.9 vs 9.2 mg/dL (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Once 25(OH)D is sufficient, the increase in PTH persists associated with a decrease in serum corrected calcium. It is important to ensure a sufficient calcium intake in these patients in order to avoid SHPT and osteomalacia in the future.

Influence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies on TSH levels of pregnant women and maternal-fetal complications. / Influencia de los anticuerpos antiperoxidasa tiroidea en los valores de TSH de gestantes y en las complicaciones materno-fetales.

INTRODUCTION: During pregnancy, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies may increase the risk of developing subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Both conditions appear to be associated to maternal-fetal complications. The objectives of this study were to analyze if a relationship exists between TSH and TPO levels during pregnancy and the potential effects on gestational and perinatal complications, and to assess whether detectable, but not positive, TPO levels have an impact on development of gestational SCH. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at the Leon Health Area (CAULE), where universal screening for gestational thyroid dysfunction is performed between weeks 7-13 of pregnancy. Data on TSH and TPO levels and gestational and perinatal complications were collected for all 2016 deliveries. Positive TPO antibodies were defined as values≥35IU/mL. In a previous study, a TSH level>3.72mU/L was established as the cut-off value for gestational SCH. RESULTS: Records corresponding to 1,980 deliveries at CAULE, 21 abortions, and 18 deliveries outside the hospital were analyzed. Of the 1,670 pregnant women screened (84.34%), 142 (8.50%) had positive TPO antibodies and their presence was associated to diagnosis of SCH (P<0.01) and to significantly higher mean TSH levels (3.51mU/L vs. 2.46mU/L, P=0.03). There were no significant differences in gestational or neonatal complications. In the group with undetectable TPO antibodies (<10lU/mL), the mean TSH levels was slightly lower than in the group with TPO values ranging from 10-35 IU/mL, but the difference was not significant (P=0.89). CONCLUSION: Presence of positive TPO antibodies is associated to higher TSH levels and higher risk of gestational SCH, but does not increase the rate of maternal-fetal complications.