Frailty does not affect prognostic markers in patients with acute coronary syndrome: results from a Brazilian university hospital

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate frailty and its relationship with prognostic markers in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study with a prospective variable analysis (prognostic markers) involved adults of both sexes aged ≥ 50 years with acute coronary syndrome. Patients with ≥ 3 of the following criteria were considered frail: 1) unintentional weight loss; 2) exhaustion (assessed by self-reported fatigue); 3) low handgrip strength; 4) low physical activity level; and 5) low gait speed. The included prognostic markers were: metabolic changes (lipid and glycemic profile), changes in inflammatory status (C-reactive protein), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score, troponin level, angioplasty or surgery, hospitalization in the intensive care unit, length of hospital stay, and hospital outcome. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 125 patients, whose mean age was 65.5 (SD, 8.7) years. The prevalence of frailty was 48.00%, which was higher in women (PR = 1.55; 95%CI 1.08­2.22; p = 0.018) and patients with systemic arterial hypertension (PR = 2.18; 95%CI 1.01­5.24; p = 0.030). Frailty was not associated with age, cardiac diagnosis, or prognostic markers (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was highly prevalent in patients with acute coronary syndrome, affecting almost half of the sample, particularly women and patients with hypertension, irrespective of age. However, despite its high prevalence, frailty was not associated with markers of metabolic change or poor prognosis.

Obesity versus underweight: the prognostic impact of body mass phenotypes in hospitalized older patients / Obesidade versus baixo peso: o impacto prognóstico de fenótipos de massa corporal em pacientes idosos hospitalizados

Objective: To compare the frequency of underweight and obesity among previously hospitalized older adults and analyze their association with malnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, inflammatory markers, and adverse outcomes both during hospitalization and after discharge. Methods: This secondary analysis of a prospective study, conducted at Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil, included hospitalized older patients (age ≥ 60 y). Nutritional status, body composition, sarcopenia, frailty, and outcomes were assessed. Cox regression was performed to evaluate the impact of the body mass phenotypes on clinical outcomes. Results: This secondary analysis included one hundred patients. The prevalence of obesity was 22.10%, while that of underweight was 34.60%. Individuals with underweight had a higher frequency of weaker immune response, worse inflammatory profile, higher nutritional risk, higher frequency of sarcopenia and malnutrition, longer hospital stay, and a higher incidence of mortality when compared to those with obesity. Being underweight was independently associated with higher mortality rates, even after adjustment for age, sex, muscle mass, malnutrition, and diagnosis of malignancy [adjusted HR = 2.82 (95% confidence interval 1.03 ­ 7.72), p = 0.044]. Conclusion: The underweight phenotype represented a worst-case scenario in hospitalized older patients. (AU)

Sarcopenia and dynapenia is correlated to worse quality of life perception in middle-aged and older adults with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies that assess the relationship between nutritional status and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease, despite the well-established negative impact of sarcopenia and dynapenia on functional capacity and quality of life. These conditions impair protein-muscular status and are prevalent in individuals with Parkinson's disease. This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutritional status, including body composition, functional capacity, and diagnosis of sarcopenia and dynapenia, and quality-of-life perception in individuals with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in two Parkinson's disease centers in the northeast of Brazil. The researchers assessed muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance to diagnose dynapenia, sarcopenia and functional capacity. Quality of life was estimated using the Parkinson's disease Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: We found positive correlations between quality of life and variables such as severity and duration of the disease, as well as positive screening for sarcopenia (p<0.001). Negative correlations were observed between quality of life and muscle strength and functional capacity. The study also found that individuals with sarcopenia and dynapenia had significantly worse quality-of-life scores compared to those who did not have these nutritional outcomes (p <0.05; p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of sarcopenia, dynapenia, low gait speed, disease duration, and severity had an impact on higher scores in the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, indicating a worsening perception of quality of life.

Evaluation of ultrasonographic approaches aimed at determining distinct abdominal adipose tissue depots.

Objective: To analyze different anatomical sites in the abdominal region, in order to determine the positional parameter that identifies a higher level of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and confers a greater cardiometabolic risk. Materials and methods: This is a methodological study in which VAT was evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) in three anatomical sites in the abdomen, while the abdominal circumference (AC) was measured using seven different protocols. Additionally, the glycemic and lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and the presence of systemic arterial hypertension were evaluated. Results: One hundred and six individuals with an average age of 42 (36.8-46.2) years were included. The evaluation of the calibration of the ultrasound procedure for the analysis of VAT by intra- and inter-evaluators showed high reproducibility. The pattern of abdominal fat distribution differed between sexes, with higher mean VAT in males (p < 0.05) and higher mean SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) in females (p < 0.005). In the abdominal scan applied to women, higher levels of VAT and lower levels of SAT were observed in the narrower waist region, between the iliac crest and the last rib (p < 0.001). In males, the profile of adipose disposition along the abdomen was uniform (p > 0.05). Correlations between VAT measured by USG and cardiometabolic parameters were relatively stronger in the upper abdomen (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Women accumulate more VAT in the narrower waist region, while men accumulate VAT uniformly across the abdomen. There was relative superiority in predicting cardiometabolic risk in the upper abdomen for both sexes.

Evaluation of muscle loss by ultrasonography in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients have intense muscle tissue mobilization, and attenuating protein catabolism may contribute to improved outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term muscle loss in critically ill patients. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we evaluated the thickness of the rectus femoris muscle by ultrasonography in young and older adults of both sexes admitted to a cardiological intensive care unit within 48 h of admission (baseline) and after 7 days. The results were compared and correlated with anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters. The significance level for all statistical analyses was 0.05. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 88 patients with a mean age of 66.2 ± 11.8 years. There was an average 13.5% reduction in rectus femoris muscle thickness over the study period (P < 0.001), regardless of the thigh circumference maintenance (P = 0.229). This reduction occurred even with improved clinical parameters (C-reactive protein, Simplified Acute Physiology Score) and was greater in patients receiving mechanical ventilation and sedation and in those who died. Regarding nutrition status, malnourished and eutrophic individuals showed greater muscle loss than overweight individuals. There was also an inverse correlation of muscle loss (percentage) with body mass index, arm circumference, and calf circumference (P < 0.05), demonstrating that the lower these anthropometric measurements, the higher the muscle loss obtained by ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography assessment detected muscle mass loss in the short-term more sensitively than the anthropometric method. However, it demands caution and further studies demonstrating this analysis.

Evaluation of ultrasonographic approaches aimed at determining distinct abdominal adipose tissue depots

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze different anatomical sites in the abdominal region, in order to determine the positional parameter that identifies a higher level of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and confers a greater cardiometabolic risk. Materials and methods: This is a methodological study in which VAT was evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) in three anatomical sites in the abdomen, while the abdominal circumference (AC) was measured using seven different protocols. Additionally, the glycemic and lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and the presence of systemic arterial hypertension were evaluated. Results: One hundred and six individuals with an average age of 42 (36.8-46.2) years were included. The evaluation of the calibration of the ultrasound procedure for the analysis of VAT by intra- and inter-evaluators showed high reproducibility. The pattern of abdominal fat distribution differed between sexes, with higher mean VAT in males (p < 0.05) and higher mean SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) in females (p < 0.005). In the abdominal scan applied to women, higher levels of VAT and lower levels of SAT were observed in the narrower waist region, between the iliac crest and the last rib (p < 0.001). In males, the profile of adipose disposition along the abdomen was uniform (p > 0.05). Correlations between VAT measured by USG and cardiometabolic parameters were relatively stronger in the upper abdomen (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Women accumulate more VAT in the narrower waist region, while men accumulate VAT uniformly across the abdomen. There was relative superiority in predicting cardiometabolic risk in the upper abdomen for both sexes.

The applicability of the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) for predicting visceral fat / Aplicabilidade do Índice de Adiposidade Visceral (IAV) como preditor de gordura visceral

Abstract As obesity has reached epidemic proportions and given the current recognition of central adiposity as an important cardiometabolic risk factor, several researchers have focused on developing and validating predictive indexes and equations to evaluate Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT). This study evaluates the applicability of the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) for predicting cardiometabolic risk in individuals treated in a hospital In the northeast region of Brazil. The VAT was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and the VAI was calculated through specific equations for each gender. The sample involved adult and elderly patients of both genders followed up in a cardiology outpatient clinic. The following cardiometabolic parameters were collected: fasting glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid. The simple linear regression was used to evaluate the explanatory power of the VAI in relation to the volume of VAT determined by CT. The predictive capacity of VAI in relation to the volume of VAT determined by CT was 25.8% (p=0.004) for males and 19.9% (p<0.001) for females. VAI correlated strongly with the triglyceride (TG) (p<0.001) and TG/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (p<0.001) and inversely correlated with HDL (p<0.001). Moreover, VAI showed low correlation with the following variables: abdominal circumference, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, fasting glycemia, and glycated hemoglobin (p<0.05). VAI was associated with variables considered as cardiometabolic risk factors, but exhibited a low predictive capacity regarding the volume of VAT determined by CT. Thus, caution is recommended in its use in Brazilian individuals.

Resumo Em razão de a obesidade ter alcançado proporções epidêmicas e dado ao atual reconhecimento da adiposidade central como um importante fator de risco cardiometabólico, diversos pesquisadores têm se dedicado em desenvolver e validar índices e equações preditivas para avaliar o Tecido Adiposo Visceral (TAV). Este estudo avaliou a aplicabilidade do Índice de Adiposidade Visceral (IAV) como preditor de risco cardiometabólico em indivíduos atendidos em um hospital no nordeste brasileiro. O TAV foi avaliado por tomografia computadorizada (TC) e o IAV foi calculado através de equações específicas para cada sexo. A amostra envolveu pacientes adultos e idosos de ambos os sexos acompanhados no ambulatório de cardiologia. Os seguintes parâmetros cardiometabólicos foram coletados: glicemia de jejum, hemoglobina glicada, perfil lipídico, proteína C-reativa e ácido úrico. Regressão linear simples foi empregada para avaliar o poder explicativo do IAV em relação ao volume de TAV determinado por TC. A capacidade preditiva do IAV em relação ao volume de TAV determinado pela TC foi de 25,8% (p=0,004) para o sexo masculino e 19,9% (p<0,001) para o sexo feminino. O IAV se correlacionou fortemente com as variáveis TG (r=0,916, p< 0,001) e TG/HDL (r=0,952, p<0,001) e inversamente com o HDL (r=-0,441, p<0,001), além disso, apresentou baixa correlação com as variáveis: circunferência abdominal, colesterol total, lipoproteína de baixa densidade, glicemia de jejum e hemoglobina glicada (p<0,05). O IAV associou-se com variáveis consideradas fatores de risco cardiometabólico, porém exibiu baixa capacidade preditiva em relação ao volume de TAV determinado pela TC, sendo recomendada cautela em sua utilização em indivíduos brasileiros.

Visceral adiposity indicators and cardiovascular risk in hemodialytic patients

ABSTRACT Objective: Cardiovascular diseases represent the main cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and association of the hypertriglyceridemia-waist phenotype (HWP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) with cardiometabolic risk factors (CR) in patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD). Materials and methods: The study is based on a cross-sectional design with 265 HD patients in two cities in northeastern Brazil. The VAI was calculated considering the variables body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). HWP was defined as the concomitant elevation of WC and TG. The Poisson Regression Model with robust variance estimation was adjusted considering a hierarchical approach for explanatory variables. Prevalence ratios (PR) were also estimated. The level of significance adopted was 5%. Results: In our study HWP and VAI prevalence's were 29.82% and 58.49%, respectively. In the final model, there was an association between VAI and female gender (PR = 1.46; p < 0.0001) and high body fat (% BF) (PR = 1.33; p < 0.0019). HWP was associated with females (PR = 1.80; p = 0.002), alcohol consumption (PR = 1.58; p = 0.033), obesity (PR = 1.89; p = 0.0001), high %BF (PR = 1.76; p = 0.012) and reduced HDL-c (PR = 1.48; p = 0.035). Conclusion: The HWP stood out as the association with more CR factors, representing a promising method for tracking cardiometabolic risk in HD patients, mainly female.

Visceral adiposity indicators and cardiovascular risk in hemodialytic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases represent the main cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and association of the hypertriglyceridemia-waist phenotype (HWP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) with cardiometabolic risk factors (CR) in patients with CKD on hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: The study is based on a cross-sectional design with 265 HD patients in two cities in northeastern Brazil. The VAI was calculated considering the variables body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). HWP was defined as the concomitant elevation of WC and TG. The Poisson Regression Model with robust variance estimation was adjusted considering a hierarchical approach for explanatory variables. Prevalence ratios (PR) were also estimated. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: In our study HWP and VAI prevalence's were 29.82% and 58.49%, respectively. In the final model, there was an association between VAI and female gender (PR = 1.46; p < 0.0001) and high body fat (% BF) (PR = 1.33; p < 0.0019). HWP was associated with females (PR = 1.80; p = 0.002), alcohol consumption (PR = 1.58; p = 0.033), obesity (PR = 1.89; p = 0.0001), high %BF (PR = 1.76; p = 0.012) and reduced HDL-c (PR = 1.48; p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: The HWP stood out as the association with more CR factors, representing a promising method for tracking cardiometabolic risk in HD patients, mainly female.

The impact of visceral fat and levels of vitamin D on coronary artery calcification.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated calcification of the coronary arteries and its association with visceral fat and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum levels. METHODS: A cross sectional study involving 140 individuals without any previous diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. A biochemical analysis of vitamin D serum levels was carried out, as well as computed tomography to measure coronary artery calcium score and visceral adipose tissue. RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals was 55.9 (±12.4). Coronary artery calcium was observed in 40.7% of the population. Vitamin D presented median serum levels of 30.4 ng/ml (IQ24.5-39.1), with 14,1 and 33.7% of the individuals presenting deficiency and insufficiency, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the calcium score was more prevalent in aged patients (p<0.01), in hypertensive individuals (p<0.01), in diabetics (p=0.02), and in those with a higher concentration of VAT (p=0.02). In the adjusted analysis, it was found that the highest concentration of VAT (OR: 4.0; 95%CI 1.4-11.7), hypertension (OR: 4.8; 95%CI 1.5-15.3), and age (OR: 10.4; 95%CI 3.9-27.6) were predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis, regardless of body mass index, diabetes, and 25OHD. CONCLUSIONS: Excess visceral fat was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, regardless of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Serum levels of 25OHD were not associated with CAD in its early stages.

Diabetic Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Show More Metabolic Syndrome than Nondiabetic Patients: Multicentric Study in the Northeast of Brazil.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular mortality. However, few Brazilian studies evaluated MS in diabetic individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, the objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of MS in cardiac patients with and without DM. Methods: Cross-sectional study of BALANCE Program Trial with patients with CVD, ≥45 years old, who had been attending specialized ambulatories on cardiovascular health, in eight states in the Northeast of Brazil. The components of MS were evaluated by following the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and Joint Interim Statement (JIS). In addition, there were investigated different indexes of abdominal obesity, variables related to lifestyle, and food intake. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, and chi-squared tests for the comparison of groups. There were significant values of P < 0.05. Results: Six hundred forty-seven individuals were evaluated with average (standard deviation) age of 63.1 (9.3) years, being 50.5% females and 40.3% diabetic patients. When the groups of patients who were diabetic and the nondiabetic ones, the first showed higher percentage of obesity (38.5% vs. 23.2%, P < 0.001), of high waist circumference (84.8% vs. 71.9%; P < 0.001), higher waist-height ratio [0.6 (0.6-0.7) vs. 0.6 (0.5-0.6); P < 0.001], conicity index [1.35 (1.29-1.39) vs. 1.32 (1.27-1.38); P = 0.004], and prevalence of MS, because of the criteria of NCEP ATP III (98.8% vs. 80.4%; P < 0.001), as well as the criteria of JIS (99.2% vs. 89.3%; P < 0.001). The component of higher frequency was high blood pressure and/or hypertension (95.0%), followed by hypertriglyceridemia (93.0%). There were no differences regarding age, lifestyle, and food intake. Conclusions: Diabetic individuals with CVD showed more prevalence of MS and more abdominal obesity than nondiabetic individuals. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01620398.

The impact of visceral fat and levels of vitamin D on coronary artery calcification

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluated calcification of the coronary arteries and its association with visceral fat and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum levels. METHODS: A cross sectional study involving 140 individuals without any previous diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. A biochemical analysis of vitamin D serum levels was carried out, as well as computed tomography to measure coronary artery calcium score and visceral adipose tissue. RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals was 55.9 (±12.4). Coronary artery calcium was observed in 40.7% of the population. Vitamin D presented median serum levels of 30.4 ng/ml (IQ24.5-39.1), with 14,1 and 33.7% of the individuals presenting deficiency and insufficiency, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the calcium score was more prevalent in aged patients (p<0.01), in hypertensive individuals (p<0.01), in diabetics (p=0.02), and in those with a higher concentration of VAT (p=0.02). In the adjusted analysis, it was found that the highest concentration of VAT (OR: 4.0; 95%CI 1.4-11.7), hypertension (OR: 4.8; 95%CI 1.5-15.3), and age (OR: 10.4; 95%CI 3.9-27.6) were predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis, regardless of body mass index, diabetes, and 25OHD. CONCLUSIONS: Excess visceral fat was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, regardless of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Serum levels of 25OHD were not associated with CAD in its early stages.

Glomerular filtration rate and its relationship with visceral and subcutaneous adiposity: a study with patients from Northeast Brazil / Tasa de filtración glomerular y su relación con la adiposidad visceral y subcutánea: un estudio con pacientes del noreste brasileño

ABSTRACT Objective: evaluate the relationship between visceral/subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT/SAT) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Methods: A case series study was conducted with 146 male and female adult outpatients at a hospital in Northeast Brazil. VAT and SAT were quantified using computed tomography and GFR was estimated using the formula proposed by the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration. The conceptual model also considered socio-demographic, clinical, anthropometric and lifestyle variables. Results: Females accounted for 71.9% of the sample and mean age was 52.5±13.2 years. Mean body mass index indicated obesity in both sexes (men:30.4±5.9 kg/m2; women: 31.6±6.1 kg/m2). For the same mean age and BMI, men had more VAT and a higher VAT/SAT ratio. Mean GFR was similar between sexes and within the normal range. Simple linear regression analysis revealed that 21.8% of the reduction in GFR in males could be explained by the VAT/SAT ratio (p=0.002). Among females, both VAT alone and the VAT/SAT ratio were predictors of GFR reduction (r2=4.8%, p=0.025 and r2=5.3%, p=0.019, respectively). Conclusion: Mean VAT and VAT/SAT ratio were compatible with abdominal obesity in both sexes and were related to a reduction in GFR.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el tejido adiposo visceral (TAV) y subcutáneo (TAS) con la tasa de filtración glomerular. Métodos: Estudio tipo serie de casos, en 146 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos, atendidos en un ambulatorio de un hospital de referencia en el Nordeste brasileño. El TAV y el TAS se cuantificaron por tomografía computadorizada y la tasa de filtración glomerular (TFG) estimada por la fórmula del grupo Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI). El modelo conceptual también consideró variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, antropométricas y de estilo de vida. Resultados: Pacientes con edad promedio de 52,5 ± 13,2 años y el 71,9% de sexo femenino. El promedio del IMC en ambos sexos se encuentra en el rango de obesidad (hombres= 30,4 ± 5,9 kg/m2 vs mujeres= 31,6 ± 6,1 kg/m2). Para un mismo promedio de edad e IMC, los hombres presentaron mayor TAV y mayor razón TAV/TAS que las mujeres. El promedio de la TFG fue similar entre los sexos y se encuentra en el rango normal. A través de regresión lineal simple, se evidenció que, en el sexo masculino, la disminución de la TFG puede explicarse en el 21,8% por la razón TAV/TAS (p=0,002). En el sexo femenino, tanto el TAV aislado como la razón TAV/TAS fueron predictores de disminución de la TFG (r2= 4,8%; p=0,025 e r2= 5,3%; p=0,019), respectivamente. Conclusión: Se evidenciaron valores muy elevados de los parámetros antropométricos de obesidad abdominal y promedio de TAV y de la razón TAV/TAS compatible con obesidad visceral en ambos sexos, siendo que estos dos últimos parámetros estuvieron relacionados al descenso de la TFG.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity as prognostic predictors in hospitalized elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential value of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity as prognostic predictors in hospitalized elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on data collected from elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, admitted to a public hospital located in the Northeastern region of Brazil, from April to July 2015. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance measurements. Cardiovascular risk and prognostic markers, such as troponin and creatine kynase MB isoenzyme values, acute myocardial infarction classification according to ST segment elevation, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction score were used. RESULTS: The sample comprised 99 patients with mean age of 71.6 (±7.4) years. Prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was 64.6% and 35.4%, respectively. Sarcopenia was more prevalent among males (p=0.017) aged >80 years (p=0.008). Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction was the only marker of cardiovascular risk significantly associated with sarcopenia (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of sarcopenia was high and associated with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score. Sarcopenic obesity affected approximately one-third of patients and was not associated with any of the prognostic predictors.

Asociación del ángulo de fase con parámetros de evaluación del estado nutricional en pacientes en hemodiálisis / Association of the phase angle with nutritional status assessment parameters in hemodialysis patients

RESUMEN La desnutrición energético-proteica es altamente prevalente en pacientes en tratamiento con diálisis, siendo un importante marcador de riesgo para morbimortalidad. Entre los diversos parámetros disponibles para evaluación de la condición nutricional, la medida del Ángulo de Fase (AF) se ha señalado como marcador útil para evaluar a pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD). Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación del AF con parámetros de evaluación del estado nutricional en pacientes en HD. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal entre febrero y julio de 2016 en dos unidades de hemodiálisis, de Recife, Nordeste brasileño. Resultados: Se evaluó a 101 pacientes, con edades de 51,7±16,8 años e IMC de 24,3±4,5 kg/m². El promedio del AF fue 5,6±1,7° y se correlacionó inversamente con la edad (r= −0,222; p= 0,024) y con el % grasa (r= −0,219; p= 0,026) y directamente con la altura (r= 0,286; p= 0,003), con el índice de masa muscular esquelética (r= 0,269; p= 0,006), con la fuerza de agarre palmar (r= 0,627;p <0,001), velocidad de marcha (r= 0,263; p= 0,008), masa libre de grasa (r= 0,303; p= 0,002) y creatininemia (r= 0,278; p= 0,004). Conclusiones: El AF presentó asociación con algunos parámetros de evaluación nutricional, que puede ser una medida útil adicional para reflejar la condición nutricional y evaluar la sarcopenia en pacientes en HD.

ABSTRACT Energy-protein malnutrition is highly prevalent in dialysis patients, being an important marker of risk for morbidity and mortality. Among the various parameters available for assessing nutritional status, the phase angle (PA) measurement has been indicated as a useful marker for evaluating patients on hemodialysis (HD). Objective: To evaluate the association of PA with parameters of nutritional status in patients on HD. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, observational study from February to July, 2016, in two hemodialysis units, in the city of Recife, Northeastern Brazil. Results: A total of 101 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 51.7±16.8 years and mean BMI of 24.3±4.5kg/m². The mean PA was 5.6±1.7°. PA was inversely correlated with age (r= −0.222; p= 0.024), fat% (r= −0.219; p= 0.026) and positively with height (r= 0.267; p= 0.003), velocity speed (r= 0.267; p= 0.003), skeletal muscle mass index (r= 0.269; p= 0.006), fat free mass (r= 0.303; p= 0.002) and serum creatinine (r= 0.278; p= 0.004). Conclusions: PA was associated with some parameters of nutritional status. Thus, it may be an additional useful measure to reflect nutritional status and to evaluate sarcopenia in patients on HD.

Association between anthropometricparameters and coronary calcification / Associação entre parâmetros antropométricos e calcificação coronariana

Several studies have reported an association between obesity and the presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC), but it is still unclear which parameter would be most useful in screening for coronary calcification. This study aimed to evaluate the association between anthropometric parameters and coronary calcification. A cross-sectional study was developed involving patients attended by outpatient care, without previous diagnosis of coronary disease. The CAC was evaluated by computerized tomography, considering the coronary calcium score (CCS)> 0 as the presence of calcification and 0 as absence. The anthropometric variables studied were: body mass index, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (Et al.), conicity index (CI), neck circumference, neck-thigh ratio, waist-thigh ratio (WThR) and body adiposity index. A total of 129 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 55.6±11.7 years. CAC was observed in 41.9% of patients. In the male sex, the CCS had a higher correlation with the WHR (r=0.416, p=0.016) and in females, the CI and WThR (r=0.305, p=0.003 and r=0.328, p=0.001, respectively). In the logistic regression model, the only anthropometric parameter that remained associated to CAC was WC (OR=3.9). In conclusion, it was observed that several anthropometric parameters were associated with CAC, and WC was the only anthropometric parameter that remained associated to CAC in the adjusted analysis

Vários estudos têm registrado associação entre obesidade e a presença da calcificação das artérias coronárias (CAC), porém ainda não está claro qual parâmetro seria mais útil na triagem da calcificação coronariana. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre parâmetros antropométricos com a calcificação coronariana. Foi realizado um estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes atendidos ambulatorialmente, sem diagnóstico prévio de doença coronariana. A CAC foi avaliada por tomografia computadorizada, considerando-se o escore de cálcio coronariano (ECC)>0 como presença de calcificação e igual a 0 como ausência. As variáveis antropométricas estudadas foram: índice de massa corpórea, circunferência abdominal (CA), razão cintura quadril (RCQ), razão cintura estatura, índice de conicidade (IC), circunferência do pescoço, razão pescoço-coxa, razão cintura-coxa (RCC) e índice de adiposidade corporal. Foram avaliados 129 pacientes, com média de idade de 55,6±11,7 anos. A CAC foi evidenciada em 41,9% dos pacientes. No sexo masculino, o ECC apresentou maior correlação com a RCQ (r=0,416; p=0,016) e no feminino, com o IC e com a RCC (r=0,305; p=0,003 e r=0,328; p=0,001, respectivamente). No modelo de regressão logística o único parâmetro antropométrico que permaneceu associado à CAC foi a CA (OR=3,9). Em conclusão, observou-se que vários parâmetros antropométricos foram associados à CAC, sendo CA o único parâmetro antropométrico que se manteve associado à CAC na analise ajustada

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity as prognostic predictors in hospitalized elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction / Relação entre sarcopenia e obesidade sarcopênica como preditores de prognóstico em pacientes idosos hospitalizados com infarto agudo do miocárdio

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the potential value of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity as prognostic predictors in hospitalized elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on data collected from elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, admitted to a public hospital located in the Northeastern region of Brazil, from April to July 2015. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance measurements. Cardiovascular risk and prognostic markers, such as troponin and creatine kynase MB isoenzyme values, acute myocardial infarction classification according to ST segment elevation, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction score were used. Results: The sample comprised 99 patients with mean age of 71.6 (±7.4) years. Prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was 64.6% and 35.4%, respectively. Sarcopenia was more prevalent among males (p=0.017) aged >80 years (p=0.008). Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction was the only marker of cardiovascular risk significantly associated with sarcopenia (p=0.002). Conclusion: Prevalence of sarcopenia was high and associated with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score. Sarcopenic obesity affected approximately one-third of patients and was not associated with any of the prognostic predictors.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a relação entre sarcopenia e obesidade sarcopênica como preditores de prognóstico em pacientes idosos com infarto agudo do miocárdio internados. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes idosos com infarto agudo do miocárdio, hospitalizados no período de abril a julho de 2015, em serviço público, no Nordeste brasileiro. A sarcopenia foi determinada por meio das medidas de massa muscular, força muscular e desempenho físico. Foram utilizados os marcadores de risco cardiovascular e de prognóstico, como os valores de troponina e da isoenzima MB da creatinina quinase, classificação do infarto agudo do miocárdio de acordo com a elevação do segmento ST e o escore de risco de trombólise em infarto do miocárdio. Resultados: Foram avaliados 99 pacientes, com média de idade de 71,6 (±7,4) anos. Verificou-se prevalência de sarcopenia de 64,6% e 35,4% de obesidade sarcopênica. A sarcopenia foi mais prevalente no sexo masculino (p=0,017), na faixa etária >80 anos (p=0,008). Dentre os marcadores de risco cardiovascular, apenas o escore de risco trombólise em infarto do miocárdio esteve estatisticamente associado à sarcopenia (p=0,002). Conclusão: A prevalência da sarcopenia foi elevada e se associou com o escore de risco de trombólise em infarto do miocárdio. A obesidade sarcopênica acometeu cerca de um terço dos pacientes e não se associou a nenhum parâmetro preditor prognóstico.

Waist circumference measurement sites and their association with visceral and subcutaneous fat and cardiometabolic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the degree of variability of the waist circumference (WC) when obtained in different anatomical sites and compare the performance of the measurement sites as predictors of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and cardiometabolic abnormalities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 119 individuals with overweight (50.3 ± 12.2 years), in which six WC measurement sites were evaluated (minimal waist, immediately below the lowest rib, midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest, 2 cm above the umbilicus, immediately above the iliac crest, umbilicus level), in addition to the VAT and SAT (quantified by computed tomography) and cardiometabolic parameters. RESULTS: The differences between the measurements ranged from 0.2 ± 2.7 cm to 6.9 ± 6.7 cm for men, and from 0.1 ± 3.7 cm to 10.1 ± 4.3 cm for women. The minimum waist showed significant correlation with VAT (r = 0.70) and with a higher number of cardiometabolic parameters among men. Regarding women, the WC measurement showed high correlation with SAT and moderate correlation with VAT, not being found superiority of one measurement protocol in relation to the others when assessed the correlation with VAT and with cardiometabolic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Greater variability between the measuring sites was observed among women. With respect to men, the minimum waist performed better as a predictor of VAT and cardiometabolic alterations.

Waist circumference measurement sites and their association with visceral and subcutaneous fat and cardiometabolic abnormalities

ABSTRACT Objectives: To estimate the degree of variability of the waist circumference (WC) when obtained in different anatomical sites and compare the performance of the measurement sites as predictors of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional study involving 119 individuals with overweight (50.3 ± 12.2 years), in which six WC measurement sites were evaluated (minimal waist, immediately below the lowest rib, midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest, 2 cm above the umbilicus, immediately above the iliac crest, umbilicus level), in addition to the VAT and SAT (quantified by computed tomography) and cardiometabolic parameters. Results: The differences between the measurements ranged from 0.2 ± 2.7 cm to 6.9 ± 6.7 cm for men, and from 0.1 ± 3.7 cm to 10.1 ± 4.3 cm for women. The minimum waist showed significant correlation with VAT (r = 0.70) and with a higher number of cardiometabolic parameters among men. Regarding women, the WC measurement showed high correlation with SAT and moderate correlation with VAT, not being found superiority of one measurement protocol in relation to the others when assessed the correlation with VAT and with cardiometabolic parameters. Conclusions: Greater variability between the measuring sites was observed among women. With respect to men, the minimum waist performed better as a predictor of VAT and cardiometabolic alterations.

Cachexia in hospitalized patients with heart failure.

AIMS: to evaluate cachexia prevalence in hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients by comparing two methods for diagnosing cachexia and alterations in each component involved in its diagnosis. METHOD: a cross-sectional study, involving patients diagnosed with HF and admitted between April and August 2015 to a public hospital in the Brazilian Northeast. Cardiac cachexia was defined using the Cachexia Consensus criteria (Washington, DC), which defines cachexia as ≥ 5% unintentional weight loss in the previous 12 months or a body mass index (BMI) ≤ 20.0 kg/m², in combination with at least two of the following criteria: fatigue, anorexia, low hand grip strength, low muscle strength, and biological alterations (hemoglobin < 12 g/dl, albumin < 3.2 g/dl, and PCR ≥ 5 mg/dl), and for comparative purposes a diagnostic criterion which considers weight loss ≥ 6% in at least six months as a cachexia diagnosis. RESULTS: one hundred and fifty-six individuals were evaluated, with an average age of 59.1 (± 15.3). Cachexia prevalence was 37.2% and associated with a low BMI (p < 0.001), low muscle mass (p < 0.001), reduced ejection fraction (p = 0.005), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.040), and anemia (p = 0.002). Among the diagnostic components, the greatest alterations were observed in relation to fatigue (88.2%), anorexia (72.1%) and weight loss (61.7%). CONCLUSIONS: the high prevalence of diagnosed cachexia indicates that this condition is common and is associated with poor nutritional state and clinical condition.