Impacto de la malnutrición en la calidad de vida de los pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada / Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study

Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de malnutrición, las características clínicas asociadas con la misma y el impacto del estado nutricional en la mortalidad, la calidad de vida y las habilidades relacionadas con el autocuidado y las actividades de la vida diaria en pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada. Métodos Entre junio de 2017 y diciembre de 2019 se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico de cohortes que incluyó a 260 pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada que vivían en la comunidad. El estudio se llevó a cabo en 22 centros de atención primaria, tres hospitales universitarios, un hospital de agudos y una unidad de rehabilitación geriátrica de la ciudad de Barcelona (España). El estado nutricional se evaluó al inicio del estudio mediante el cuestionario Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) Las medidas de resultado informadas por los pacientes incluyeron calidad de vida (EQ-5D-3L), conducta de autocuidado (Escala europea de conducta de autocuidado en insuficiencia cardíaca) e impacto en las actividades de la vida diaria (índice de Barthel). Resultados Utilizando el MNA-SF, se identificó que 126 (48,5%) pacientes estaban en riesgo de malnutrición y 33 (12,7%) pacientes tenían malnutrición confirmada. En comparación con aquellos con un estado nutricional normal, los pacientes con malnutrición confirmada eran significativamente mayores, con un IMC más bajo y con niveles reducidos de hemoglobina. Durante el seguimiento (mediana de 14,9 meses, intervalo intercuartil: 4,9-26,9), 133 (51,2%) de los participantes incluidos murieron. La mortalidad fue significativamente mayor entre los pacientes con malnutrición (p<0,001). Un mayor índice de Barthel y mejores puntuaciones de calidad de vida se relacionaron inversamente con el riesgo de desnutrición (odds ratio [OR] 0,97 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,98] y OR 0,98 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,99]), respectivamente... (AU)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure.MethodsA prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced heart failure was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel index).ResultsUsing the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to heart failure patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, interquartile range: 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (P<.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.98] and OR 0.98 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.99]), respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk (OR 1.05 [95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.09])... (AU)

Impacto de la malnutrición en la calidad de vida de los pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada / Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study

Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de malnutrición, las características clínicas asociadas con la misma y el impacto del estado nutricional en la mortalidad, la calidad de vida y las habilidades relacionadas con el autocuidado y las actividades de la vida diaria en pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada. Métodos Entre junio de 2017 y diciembre de 2019 se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico de cohortes que incluyó a 260 pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada que vivían en la comunidad. El estudio se llevó a cabo en 22 centros de atención primaria, tres hospitales universitarios, un hospital de agudos y una unidad de rehabilitación geriátrica de la ciudad de Barcelona (España). El estado nutricional se evaluó al inicio del estudio mediante el cuestionario Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) Las medidas de resultado informadas por los pacientes incluyeron calidad de vida (EQ-5D-3L), conducta de autocuidado (Escala europea de conducta de autocuidado en insuficiencia cardíaca) e impacto en las actividades de la vida diaria (índice de Barthel). Resultados Utilizando el MNA-SF, se identificó que 126 (48,5%) pacientes estaban en riesgo de malnutrición y 33 (12,7%) pacientes tenían malnutrición confirmada. En comparación con aquellos con un estado nutricional normal, los pacientes con malnutrición confirmada eran significativamente mayores, con un IMC más bajo y con niveles reducidos de hemoglobina. Durante el seguimiento (mediana de 14,9 meses, intervalo intercuartil: 4,9-26,9), 133 (51,2%) de los participantes incluidos murieron. La mortalidad fue significativamente mayor entre los pacientes con malnutrición (p<0,001). Un mayor índice de Barthel y mejores puntuaciones de calidad de vida se relacionaron inversamente con el riesgo de desnutrición (odds ratio [OR] 0,97 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,98] y OR 0,98 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,99]), respectivamente... (AU)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure.MethodsA prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced heart failure was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel index).ResultsUsing the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to heart failure patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, interquartile range: 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (P<.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.98] and OR 0.98 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.99]), respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk (OR 1.05 [95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.09])... (AU)

Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure. METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced HF was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel Index). RESULTS: Using the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to HF patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, Interquartile Range; 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (p < 0.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition, [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.97 (95% Confidence interval 0.96; 0.98) and OR 0.98 (95% Confidence interval, 0.96; 0.99)], respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk, OR 1.05 (95% Confidence interval, 1.02; 1.09. Adjusted multivariate logistic model found that malnutrition was significantly associated with poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on daily activities and self-care. CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling older patients with advanced HF, malnutrition was associated with worse patient reported outcome measures related to poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on self-care and daily activities. Nutritional status must be systematically addressed by primary care nurses and family doctors to improve survival rates in these patients. It would be helpful the incorporation of expert professionals in nutrition in the primary health care centres.

Interplay between psychosocial and heart failure related factors may partially explain limitations in self-efficacy in patients with heart failure: Insights from a real-world cohort of 1,123 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Worse self-care is associated with a higher risk of readmission and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Little is known about how the interplay between clinical and psycho-social factors may modulate self-care behaviours in these patients. The aim of our study was to identify clinical, and particularly psycho-social factors associated with worse self-care and assess their interaction inpatients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted an observational, prospective, cohort study of 1,123 consecutive patients with chronic heart failure. Self-care was assessed with the modified European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale 9-item version (EHFSCBS-9), and both clinical and psycho-social profile of the patients included were also meticulously evaluated. A total of 484 patients (43%) were women, mean age was 72 years, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 44.5%. In multivariable analyses combining clinical and psycho-social factors, low social support (OR 3.53, 95% CI [2.13-5.86]; p-value <0.001), absence of caregiver support (OR 2.16, 95% CI [1.34 -3.48]; p-value 0.001) and depressive symptoms (OR 2.40, 95% CI [1.53-3.77]; p-value <0.001) were independent determinants of impaired global self-care. Advanced functional class was associated with better self-care (OR 0.43, 95%CI [0.26-0.70]; p-value 0.001). No other clinical factors remained significantly associated with self-care in these joint models. In discrimination analyses, models containing psycho-social determinants outperformed models only containing heart failure -related (clinical) variables (all p-values<0.001). CONCLUSION: Impairment in self-care behaviour is strongly determined by psycho-social factors. Specifically, low social support, the lack of caregiver support and the presence of depressive symptoms are the main drivers of the risk of impairment of self-care in heart failure patients. Evaluation of self-care and self-care interventions should be complemented by a comprehensive psycho-social assessment in patients with heart failure. ABBREVIATIONS: DAMOCLES, Definition of the neuro-hormonal Activation, Myocardial function, genOmic expressionand CLinical outcomes in hEart failure patients; NYHA, New York Heart Failure Association; GAM, Generalized Additive Model; BMI, Body Mass Index; GDS, GeriatricDepression Scale.

Determinants of survival and hospitalization in older, heart failure patients receiving home healthcare.

INTRODUCTION: Since reported evidence is both scarce and controversial, the objective of this study is to determine the risk factors involved in the prognosis of older patients with heart failure (HF) receiving home healthcare from primary care professionals. METHODS: Retrospective cohort community study was carried out in 52 primary healthcare centers in Barcelona (Spain). A follow-up was performed between January 2009 and December 2012 with 7461 HF patients aged >64years. Information was obtained from primary care electronic medical records containing clinical data, functional and cognitive status, total mortality, and hospital admissions for cardiovascular events. RESULTS: Mortality and hospitalization during follow-up were higher in older, HF patients who received home healthcare than those who did not (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.22-1.58 and 1.92 95% CI 1.72-2.14, respectively). The most relevant determinants for mortality were male gender (HR 1.40, 95%CI 1.10-1.79), previous hospital admission for HF (HR 1.29 95%CI 1.05-1.60), and severe dependence in activities for daily living (ADL) (HR 1.33, 95%CI 1.06-1.67). In contrast, severely dependent ADL patients were not more frequently hospitalized as a consequence of cardiovascular events (0.97, 95% CI 0.77-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: Due to their greater comorbidity and age, mortality and hospitalization in patients requiring home healthcare were higher than those who did not. Among the HF patients receiving home care, mortality and hospital admissions were higher in men, older patients, and in those previously hospitalized for HF. Severe dependence in ADL determined a higher mortality but was not related to increased hospital admission rates.

Trends and predictors of hospitalization, readmissions and length of stay in ambulatory patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known on predictors of hospitalisation in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure, and known predictors may not apply to Mediterranean countries. Our aim was to document longitudinal trends in hospitalisations and identify patient-related predictors of hospital admission, re-admission and length of stay in the targeted population. METHODS: Population-based retrospective cohort study in Catalonia (North-East Spain), including 7196 ambulatory patients (58.6% women; mean age 76 years). Eligible patients were selected from the electronic patient records of primary care practices, and followed for 3 years. RESULTS: At 3 years of follow up overall 645 (9.0%) patients had cardiovascular hospitalisation, 37% were readmitted, and median length of stay was 9 (interquartile range 5-17) days. Chronic kidney disease [odds ratio (OR)=1.98 (1.62-2.43)], IHD [OR=1.72 (1.45-2.04)], DM [OR=1.50 (1.27-1.78)] and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [OR=1.43 (1.16-1.77)] increased the risk for hospitalisation. DM [OR=1.70 (1.22-2.38)], IHD [OR=1.85 (1.33-2.58)] and HTA [OR=1.66 (1.11-2.46)] increased the risk for readmissions. Chronic kidney disease [OR of 2.21 (1.70-2.90)], IHD [OR of 2.19 (1.73-2.77)], DM [OR=1.70 (1.34-2.15)], HTA [OR=1.51 (1.13-2.01)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [OR=1.37 (1.02-1.83)] increased the risk for long length of stay in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified predictors of hospitalisation, readmissions and long length of stay which can help clinicians and managers to identify high risk patients which should be targeted on service planning and when designing preventive actions.

[Study of vaccination of children at a health center]. / Estudio de cobertura vacunal en niños de un centro de salud.

OBJECTIVE: To find the vaccination coverage of children seen at a Health Centre. To complete the vaccination, assess the validity of the clinical notes as a record and to verify the tendency for the number of those properly vaccinated to decrease with age. DESIGN: Crossover and descriptive. SETTING: Chopera I Primary Care team. PARTICIPANTS: The 877 children between 4 months and 7 years old at a Paediatrics clinic and between 12 and 16 years at a general medical clinic. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The percentage of those properly vaccinated were, for the first five appointments of the official vaccination calendar, 85.29%, 89.24%, 83.98%, 81.90% and 81.95%, respectively; at 6 years, 65.51%; for German Measles, 44.30%; and in the last one, 40.80%. The percentage of the 2 to 5-year old cohort fully vaccinated was 91.10%; and of the 15 to 16-year old cohort, 37%. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of vaccination surveys as against other measures. Limitations of surveys at the Health Centre. First vaccination percentages close to W.H.O. objectives. Decrease with age of those properly vaccinated. Need for universal recording systems and that the Primary Care teams assume the prime responsibility in vaccination monitoring.