Energy and nutrient intake in older adults with healthy aging during the Corona Virus Disease 19 pandemic- a cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Lockdown measures implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic promoted changes in lifestyle, particularly engagement in physical activity/exercise and dietary intake. However, few studies are available investigating the healthy older population, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy and nutrient intake among older adults with successful aging and to evaluate changes in muscle mass, strength and physical performance. METHODS: A cohort study of 38 healthy older adults from a Brazilian geriatrics referral center were assessed at two time points: baseline - up to 1 year prior to the pandemic; and follow-up - an average of 17 months after the pandemic outbreak. Energy and nutrient intake was determined using food recalls and diary records, while muscle mass was calculated based on anthropometric parameters. Maximum hand-grip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score were also evaluated. RESULTS: Median age of participants was 87 years. During the pandemic, intake of protein increased from 52.6 g to 63.9 g (p = 0.013) and micronutrients also increased: vitamin C from 35.4 mg to 76.1 mg (p = 0.027), vitamin B12 from 2.2 mg to 3.1 mg (p = 0.045), calcium from 435.1 mg to 631.5 mg (p < 0.001), magnesium from 186.5 mg to 198.9 mg (p = 0.043), zinc from 5.8 mg to 7.6 mg (p = 0.009), iron from 6.9 mg to 7.2 mg (p = 0.035) and potassium from 1941.6 mg to 2115.5 mg (p = 0.048). No changes in energy intake or other nutrients were evident. No difference in mass, strength or physical performance was observed during the study period. Overall, 84% of participants remained physically active, although engagement in physical exercise decreased by 50% (p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: The increase in intake of proteins and micronutrients suggests improved diet quality during the pandemic. Engagement in physical exercise decreased significantly, but level of physical activity was maintained. No change in anthropometric parameters, strength or physical performance was evident in the population investigated.

Prediction equations to estimate muscle mass using anthropometric data: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Reduced muscle mass is linked to poor outcomes in both inpatients and outpatients, highlighting the importance of muscle mass assessment in clinical practice. However, laboratory methods to assess muscle mass are not yet feasible for routine use in clinical practice because of limited availability and high costs. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to review the literature on muscle mass prediction by anthropometric equations in adults or older people. DATA SOURCES: The following databases were searched for observational studies published until June 2022: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. DATA EXTRACTION: Of 6437 articles initially identified, 63 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Four independent reviewers, working in pairs, selected and extracted data from those articles. DATA ANALYSIS: Two studies reported new equations for prediction of skeletal muscle mass: 10 equations for free-fat mass and lean soft tissue, 22 for appendicular lean mass, 7 for upper-body muscle mass, and 7 for lower-body muscle mass. Twenty-one studies validated previously proposed equations. This systematic review shows there are numerous equations in the literature for muscle mass prediction, and most are validated for healthy adults. However, many equations were not always accurate and validated in all groups, especially people with obesity, undernourished people, and older people. Moreover, in some studies, it was unclear if fat-free mass or lean soft tissue had been assessed because of an imprecise description of muscle mass terminology. CONCLUSION: This systematic review identified several feasible, practical, and low-cost equations for muscle mass prediction, some of which have excellent accuracy in healthy adults, older people, women, and athletes. Malnourished individuals and people with obesity were understudied in the literature, as were older people, for whom there are only equations for appendicular lean mass. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42021257200.

Teste de força máxima de preensão palmar em pessoas idosas longevas do sudeste brasileiro: definição de pontos de corte / Maximum handgrip strength test in long-lived elderly people from southeastern Brazil: definition of cutoff points

Resumo Objetivo Definir pontos de corte para os valores do teste de força máxima de preensão palmar (FMPP) em pessoas idosas longevas. Método Estudo transversal com amostra de pessoas idosas longevas, octogenárias e nonagenárias, saudáveis e independentes funcionais (grupo robusto) e frágeis (grupo frágil). O teste de FMPP foi realizado em triplicata, sendo considerado o maior valor obtido. Os valores de sensibilidade, especificidade e os pontos de corte foram calculados por meio da Curva Característica de Operação do Receptor (ROC). Foram utilizados os pontos de corte brasileiros e os do Consenso Europeu de Sarcopenia para estudo da comparação. Resultados Foram avaliadas 121 pessoas idosas, com idade média de 84,5±5,3 anos, 65 (53,7%) do sexo feminino, sendo 46 (38%) do grupo frágil e 75 (62%) do grupo robusto. Foram encontrados os pontos de corte para FMPP de 27 kgf para homens e 19 kgf para mulheres. Os valores de sensibilidade e especificidade para os pontos de corte masculinos foram 94,44 e 65,79, respectivamente. Para o sexo feminino foram de 85,71 e 67,57. A partir desses pontos de corte, 23 (38,3%) pessoas idosas do grupo robusto foram classificadas com força inadequada, e, portanto, com provável sarcopenia, ao passo que, de acordo com os pontos de corte brasileiros e europeus, o número é de 35 (44,3%) e 14 (33,3%), respectivamente. Conclusão O estudo definiu pontos de corte para a população longeva e mostrou que os pontos de corte definidos até o momento para a população idosa brasileira não se mostraram adequados para longevos.

Abstract Objective To define cut-off points for the values ​​of the Maximum Handgrip Strength (MGS) test in long-lived elderly people. Method Cross-sectional study with a sample of long-lived elderly people, octogenarians and nonagenarians, healthy and functionally independent (robust group) and frail (fragile group). The MHS test was performed in triplicate, with the highest value obtained being considered. Sensitivity, specificity and cut-off values ​​were calculated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). The Brazilian cut-off points and those of the European Consensus on Sarcopenia were used for the comparison study. Results 121 elderly people were evaluated, with a mean age of 84.5±5.3 years, 65 (53.7%) female, 46 (38%) from the frail group and 75 (62%) from the robust group. Cut-off points for MHS of 27 kgf for men and 19 kgf for women were found. Sensitivity and specificity values ​​for men's cutoffs were 94.44 and 65.79, respectively. For woman, they were 85.71 and 67.57. Based on these cutoff points, 23 (38.3%) individuals from the robust group were classified as having competitive strength, and therefore with probable sarcopenia, while according to the Brazilian and European cutoff points, the number is 35 (44.3%) and 14 (33.3%). Conclusion The study defined cut-off points for the oldest-old population and showed that the cut-off points defined so far for the Brazilian elderly population were not adequate for the oldest-old.

Incidência de fragilidade e fatores associados à piora funcional na pessoa idosa longeva durante pandemia da covid-19: Estudo de Coorte / Incidence of frailty and factors associated with functional deterioration in oldest old during the covid-19 pandemic: A cohort study

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a incidência de fragilidade na pessoa idosa longeva, durante a pandemia da covid-19 e identificar as associações entre os domínios do Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico Funcional (IVCF -20) e a fragilização. Métodos Estudo de coorte com 64 pessoas idosas longevas previamente não frágeis, avaliados em dois momentos: na linha de base, até um ano antes do início da pandemia e no seguimento, com uma média de intervalo entre os dois momentos de 15 meses. A fragilidade foi avaliada por meio do VS - Frailty (linha de base) e aplicação remota do IVCF-20 (seguimento). Resultados A idade média foi de 88,7±5 anos e a incidência de fragilidade de 20,6%. As pessoas idosas que fragilizaram apresentaram maior dependência em: deixar de fazer compras (p<0,001), deixar de controlar o próprio dinheiro (p<0,001) e deixar de fazer trabalhos domésticos (p=0,010), assim como em: deixar de tomar banho sozinho (p=0,041). A piora da cognição foi mais presente nos idosos que fragilizaram. A presença de desânimo, tristeza ou desesperança foi elevada (92,3%) e teve associação com a fragilização (p<0,001). Na análise multivariada, a fragilização esteve associada com piora do esquecimento (RR=2,39; IC95% 1,27-4,46), perda de interesse e prazer na realização de atividades (RR=4,94; IC95% 1,98-12,35) e incontinência esfincteriana (RR=2,40; IC95% 2.91-1,53). Conclusões A incidência de fragilização entre as pessoas idosas longevas durante a pandemia foi alta. Identificou-se que mais de um domínio foi afetado o que reforça a necessidade de avaliação da pessoa idosa em sua integralidade, sobretudo em períodos atípicos como o vivenciado.

Abstract Objective To assess the incidence of frailty in oldest old during the covid-19 pandemic and to evaluate the associations between the domains of the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index (IVCF -20) and frailty. Methods A cohort study of 64 non-frail oldest old was conducted. Participants were evaluated at two timepoints: at baseline up to one year before the onset of the pandemic; and at follow-up, with an average interval between the two timepoints of 15 months. Frailty was assessed using the VS - Frailty (baseline) and remote application of the IVCF-20 (follow-up). Results Mean participant age was 88.7±5 years and the incidence of frailty was 20.6%. Frail participants exhibited greater dependence shopping (p<0.001), controlling their own money (p<0.001) and doing housework (p=0.010), as well as bathing alone (p=0.041). Cognitive decline was more prevalent in the frail individuals. The presence of despondency sadness or hopelessness proved high (92.3%) and was associated with frailty (p<0.001). On the multivariate analysis, frailty was associated with worsening forgetfulness (RR=2.39; 95%CI 1.27-4.46), loss of interest and pleasure in performing activities (RR=4.94; 95%CI 1.98-12.35) and fecal/urinary incontinence (RR=2.40; 95%CI 2.91-1.53). Conclusions

Calorie and protein delivery in critically ill surgical and non-surgical patients receiving enteral nutrition therapy

ABSTRACT Providing enteral nutritional therapy to critically ill patients is a challenge, especially during the first days after starting intensive care. These challenges appear to be greater in critically ill surgical patients. Objectives: Describe and compare enteral nutrition practices in critically ill surgical and non-surgical patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of surgical and non-surgical patients receiving exclusive enteral nutritional therapy. The values for calorie and protein delivery during the first week after admission to the intensive care unit were recorded. Results: 103 patients were enrolled (54.4% male, mean age: 63.9 years, 26.2% surgical). The median time of initiation of enteral nutritional therapy was the third day in non-surgical and the fourth day in surgical patients. Surgical patients had a lower calorie and protein delivery than non-surgical patients on the second to fourth days after admission. At the end of the first week, 20.2% of the patients had not received any diet, and there was no significant difference in nutrient delivery between the groups. Of the surgical and non-surgical patients, 42.9% and 39.3% were receiving ≥20 kcal/kg/day, and 28.6% and 34.4% were receiving ≥1.2 g/kg of protein per day, respectively. Conclusion: There was a delay in starting patients on enteral nutritional therapy and calorie and protein delivery was low, especially among surgical patients. By the end of the first week, calorie and protein delivery was similar in both groups.

RESUMEN Proporcionar terapia nutricional enteral a pacientes críticos es un desafío, especialmente durante los primeros días después de comenzar los cuidados intensivos. Estos desafíos parecen ser mayores en pacientes quirúrgicos críticos. El propósito del estudio fue describir y comparar las prácticas de nutrición enteral en pacientes críticos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo de pacientes quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos que recibieron terapia nutricional enteral exclusiva. Se registraron los datos de entrega de calorías y proteínas durante la primera semana después de la admisión a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Se estudiaron 103 pacientes (54,4% hombres, edad media: 63,9 años, 26,2% quirúrgicos). La mediana de tiempo de inicio de la terapia nutricional enteral fue el tercer día en pacientes no quirúrgicos y el cuarto día en pacientes quirúrgicos. Los pacientes quirúrgicos tuvieron una entrega de calorías y proteínas más baja que los pacientes no quirúrgicos en el segundo a cuarto día después del ingreso. Al final de la primera semana, el 20,2% de los pacientes no habían recibido ningún aporte nutricional, y no hubo diferencias significativas en el suministro de nutrientes entre los grupos. De los pacientes quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos, 42,9% y 39,3% estaban recibiendo ≥20 kcal/kg/día, y 28,6% y 34,4% estaban recibiendo ≥1,2 g/kg de proteína por día, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Hubo un retraso en el inicio de los pacientes en terapia nutricional enteral y la entrega de calorías y proteínas fue baja, especialmente entre los pacientes quirúrgicos. Al final de la primera semana, la entrega de calorías y proteínas fue similar en ambos grupos.

Low standardized phase angle predicts prolonged hospitalization in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the performance of phase angle (PA) in identifying malnutrition and in predicting clinical outcomes in critical adult patients. METHODS: A longitudinal observational study with secondary data from Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital (Porto Alegre) and Risoleta Tolentino Neves Hospital (Belo Horizonte) involving critically ill patients assessed for nutritional status by subjective global assessment (SGA) and by anthropometry in the first 48 h after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The PA was evaluated from the realization of the bioelectrical impedance. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge to verify the other outcomes of interest: death, hospitalization time and in ICU, and duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients (60.3 ± 16.7 years, 56.7% men, 46.7% surgical) were followed for 23.0 (14.0-40.8) days. The accuracy of standardized PA (SPA) reduced in identifying malnourished patients was 60.6% (ROC curve AUC = 0.606, 95% CI 0.519-0.694). Reduced SPA increased in about three times the chance of having malnutrition (OR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.39-5.61) and 2 times the chance of prolonged hospital stay (OR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.18-4.34) in an adjusted analysis for the origin hospital and for the severity score. CONCLUSION: Reduced SPA showed satisfactory predictive validity for malnutrition and prolonged hospital stay in critically ill patients, reinforcing the applicability of BIA in the routine of nutritional care in ICU, since it is a simple, fast and low cost method.