Nutrition impact symptoms and weight loss in head and neck cancer during radiotherapy: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving radiotherapy (RT) are at high risk of weight loss (WL) due to a variety of nutrition impact symptoms (NIS). This study aimed to describe the NIS through the Head and Neck patient Symptom Checklist and body weight over time and further explore the impact of NIS on WL in patients with HNC undergoing RT. METHODS: This was a prospective, longitudinal observational study. NIS and body weight of 117 participants were assessed at baseline, mid-treatment and post-treatment of RT. Generalised estimation equations (GEE) were used to conduct repeated measures analysis of NIS interference score and body weight at each time point and estimate the impact of NIS interference score on WL. RESULTS: All participants experienced a substantial increase in the mean number of NIS during RT, with each patient having eight to nine NIS at mid-treatment and post-treatment. Marked increases were noted in almost each NIS score during RT. Compared with their baseline body weight, 97 (82.9%) and 111 (94.9%) participants experienced WL at mid-treatment and post-treatment, with the mean WL of 2.55±1.70 kg and 5.31±3.18 kg, respectively. NIS of dry mouth (ß=-0.681, p=0.002, 95% CI -1.116 to -0.247), difficulty swallowing (ß=-0.410, p=0.001, 95% CI -0.651 to -0.169) and taste change (ß=-0.447, p=0.000, 95% CI -0.670 to -0.225) impacted WL significantly in GEE multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HNC experience a variety of NIS which have significant impact on WL during RT. Assessment of NIS, especially dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and taste change, should be given more considerable attention in the supportive care of patients with HNC.

[Nutritional impact of radiotherapy in oncogeriatric patients. Can radiation oncologists minimize the radiotherapy impact on the nutritional status of the elderly patient?] / Repercusión de la radioterapia sobre la situación nutricional del paciente oncogeriátrico. ¿Puede el oncólogo radioterápico minimizar el impacto de la radioterapia sobre el estado nutricional del enfermo mayor?

INTRODUCTION: Cancer in elderly patients represents a global health challenge due to the increase in its incidence and its associated mortality. In our country it is the second leading cause of death in people over 65 years. In the coming years, the problem will increase, with a prognosis of people over 65 years of 35% in 2050. Radiotherapy is an essential part of the multidisciplinary treatment of cancer in elderly patients, where sometimes it is considered as the first therapeutic option and others, as an alternative to surgery and/or chemotherapy if they pose too much risk. The technological development of Radiation Oncology in recent years has allowed optimizing treatments and reducing side effects in elderly patients, who tend to have a higher incidence of comorbidities. It is essential that professionals involved in the multidisciplinary treatment of cancer know the possible toxicity and its management in oncogeriatric patients; otherwise, the percentage of patients who do not receive radiotherapy despite of an adequate indication will not decrease. In this sense, it is necessary to recognize those patients who may suffer from malnutrition or are at risk of suffering it, to initiate a nutritional intervention that minimizes weight loss that alters or even causes the suspension of the planned treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: RESUMEN El cáncer en pacientes ancianos representa un reto de salud a escala mundial debido al aumento de su incidencia y su mortalidad asociada. En nuestro país es la segunda causa de muerte en mayores de 65 años. En años venideros el problema irá en aumento, con un pronóstico de personas mayores de 65 años del 35% en el año 2050. La radioterapia supone una parte fundamental del tratamiento multidisciplinar del cáncer en los pacientes ancianos, donde unas veces se plantea como primera opción terapéutica y otras, como alternativa a la cirugía y/o la quimioterapia si estas plantean demasiado riesgo. El desarrollo tecnológico de la Oncología Radioterápica en los últimos años ha permitido optimizar los tratamientos y disminuir las toxicidades en los pacientes de edad avanzada, que suelen presentar mayor incidencia de comorbilidades. Es fundamental que los profesionales implicados en el tratamiento multidisciplinar del cáncer conozcan la posible toxicidad y su manejo en los pacientes oncogeriátricos, ya que, de lo contrario, disminuyen las probabilidades de que pacientes con indicación adecuada de este tratamiento lo reciban. En este sentido, es imprescindible el reconocimiento de aquellos pacientes que puedan sufrir desnutrición o estén en riesgo de sufrirla, para iniciar una intervención nutricional que minimice una pérdida de peso que altere o incluso haga suspender el tratamiento planificado.

The Effectiveness of Potential Probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus Vahe and Lactobacillus delbrueckii IAHAHI in Irradiated Rats Depends on the Nutritional Stage of the Host.

Several species of eukaryotic organisms living in the high mountain areas of Armenia with naturally occurring levels of radiation have high adaptive responses to radiation. We speculate on the role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in this protection against radiation. Therefore, seventeen microorganisms with high antagonistic activities against several multi-drug-resistant pathogens were isolated from the human and animal gut microbiota, as well as from traditional Armenian fermented products. These strains were tested in vivo on Wistar rats to determine their ability to protect the eukaryotic host against radiation damages. The efficiency of the probiotics' application and the dependence on pre- and post-radiation nutrition of rats were described. The effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Vahe, isolated from a healthy breastfed infant, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii IAHAHI, isolated from the fermented dairy product matsuni, on the survival of irradiated rats, and their blood leucocyte and glucose levels, were considered to be the most promising, based on this study's results.

Effect of oral supplements on the nutritional status of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy: A randomized controlled Phase II trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to prospectively compare individualized dietary counseling with or without oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in a Phase II, randomized trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2014 and August 2016, Stage II-IVb NPC patients were randomly enrolled. The primary endpoint was change in body weight between during CCRT, and the secondary endpoints were change in body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were randomized; 19 patients in the control group and 23 in the ONS group were eligible for analysis. Weight, BMI, and body composition parameters significantly decreased from baseline to week 6. FFMI was significantly better in patients with ONS intake >2/3 planed than the control group (P = 0.028). Weight and BMI maintenance was slightly better in patients with total intake >2/3 planed (P = 0.170 and P= 0.229, respectively). The mean Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment score was also better in the ONS group at the end of CCRT (P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: ONSs with individualized dietary counseling may be beneficial in patients with enough intake, and further prospective studies with large groups of patients are warranted.

An explorative study on energy balance in patients with head and neck cancer.

Background: Involuntary body weight loss in head and neck cancer is common. Fundamental for weight loss is an energy imbalance where total energy expenditure exceeds energy intake.Aim: To map energy intake and parameters of energy expenditure at the start of and after radiotherapy, and their relation to weight change, body mass index, and immune markers in patients with head and neck cancer.Materials and Methods: Data from 20 patients on energy intake (24-hour dietary intake recalls), total energy expenditure (SenseWear Armband Pro3), resting energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), body weight, body mass index, and immune markers in serum (C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6) were collected at the start of and after radiotherapy (median 8 mo, range 5-13).Results: No statistical significance was shown between the two measurement points for energy intake or for the different parameters of energy expenditure. Median values for energy balance were 0.93 and 0.96 for the start of treatment and follow-up, respectively. Twelve and 13 patients had a negative energy balance at the start of radiotherapy and at follow-up, respectively.Conclusion: A negative energy balance was seen for the majority of patients, which stresses the importance of nutritional treatment at the start of and after radiotherapy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence for oral nutritional intervention on nutritional and clinical outcomes during chemo(radio)therapy: current evidence and guidance for design of future trials.

Background: Driven by reduced nutritional intakes and metabolic alterations, malnutrition in cancer patients adversely affects quality of life, treatment tolerance and survival. We examined evidence for oral nutritional interventions during chemo(radio)therapy. Design: We carried out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) with either dietary counseling (DC), high-energy oral nutritional supplements (ONS) aiming at improving intakes or ONS enriched with protein and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) additionally aiming for modulation of cancer-related metabolic alterations. Meta-analyses were carried out on body weight (BW) response to nutritional interventions, with subgroup analyses for DC and/or high-energy ONS or high-protein n-3 PUFA-enriched ONS. Results: Eleven studies were identified. Meta-analysis showed overall benefit of interventions on BW during chemo(radio)therapy (+1.31 kg, 95% CI 0.24-2.38, P = 0.02, heterogeneity Q = 21.1, P = 0.007). Subgroup analysis showed no effect of DC and/or high-energy ONS (+0.80 kg, 95% CI -1.14 to 2.74, P = 0.32; Q = 10.5, P = 0.03), possibly due to limited compliance and intakes falling short of intake goals. A significant effect was observed for high-protein n-3 PUFA-enriched intervention compared with isocaloric controls (+1.89 kg, 95% CI 0.51-3.27, P = 0.02; Q = 3.1 P = 0.37). High-protein, n-3 PUFA-enriched ONS studies showed attenuation of lean body mass loss (N = 2 studies) and improvement of some quality of life domains (N = 3 studies). Overall, studies were limited in number, heterogeneous, and inadequately powered to show effects on treatment toxicity or survival. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests an overall positive effect of nutritional interventions during chemo(radio)therapy on BW. Subgroup analyses showed effects were driven by high-protein n-3 PUFA-enriched ONS, suggesting the benefit of targeting metabolic alterations. DC and/or high-energy ONS were less effective, likely due to cumulative caloric deficits despite interventions. We highlight the need and provide recommendations for well-designed RCT to determine the effect of nutritional interventions on clinical outcomes, with specific focus on reaching nutritional goals and providing the right nutrients, as part of an integral supportive care approach.

The Prediction of Deterioration of Nutritional Status during Chemoradiation Therapy in Patients with Esophageal Cancer.

Patients with esophageal cancer are at high risk of developing malnutrition during neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT), which in turn is associated with postoperative morbidity. The aim of the study is to explore whether parameters of a complete pre-treatment nutritional status may predict deterioration of nutritional status during CRT in patients with esophageal cancer. In this prospective cohort study, 101 patients with esophageal cancer treated with CRT were included. Data of patient characteristics, tumor classification, performance score, %weight change, body mass index, fat (free) mass index, phase angle, handgrip strength, energy- and protein intake, and use of (additional) dietary supplements were collected. A prediction model was constructed to identify predictive parameters for deterioration in nutritional status (defined as weight loss of >5% and/or decline in fat free mass of ≥1.4 kg) during CRT. Nutritional status deteriorated in 49 patients (49%) during CRT. The only predictor for deterioration in nutritional status was fat free mass index (OR 1.21 (90% CI: 1.03 - 1.42)). Patients with a higher fat free mass index are at increased risk of deterioration in nutrition status during CRT. Results suggest that all patients should be carefully supervised during CRT, regardless of their nutritional status before start of CRT.

Estado nutricional de pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer, Hospital General San Felipe, Honduras / Nutritional assessment of cancer patients at Hospital General San Felipe, Honduras

Los pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer están en riesgo de malnutrición debido al efecto físico o metabólico de la enfermedad y a las terapias utilizadas en su manejo. La pérdida de peso y la malnutrición, son problemas frecuentes que afectan del 40% al 80% de los pacientes con cáncer, prolongando la estadía hospitalaria, disminuyendo la tolerancia y respuesta a la terapia, encareciendo los costos, afectando la calidad y sobrevida global. Objetivo: evaluar el estado nutricional y el riesgo de desnutrirse en pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer en el Hospital General San Felipe. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal, no aleatorizado, en 100 pacientes oncológicos adultos en los que se determinó los datos generales, sintomatología, hábitos tóxicos, comorbilidades, medidas antropométricas, índice de masa corporal y rendimiento físico. Se aplicó el instrumento de la Valoración Global Subjetiva Generada por el Paciente. Resultados: de los 100 casos estudiados 80 fueron mujeres y 20 hombres, los tipos de cáncer más frecuentes fueron: de mama, genital femenino, esófago-gástrico y colo-rectal; la mayoría presentaron síntomas de impacto nutricional. El uso de alcohol y tabaco fue 18% y 11% respectivamente. La hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus fueron las comorbilidades más frecuentes; 48% presentaron índice de masa corporal en rango normal, 14% bajo peso y 38% sobrepeso. Según la Escala del Grupo Oncológico Cooperativo del Este 47% presentaron estado funcional normal y el 53% se encontró cierto grado de afectación. Al aplicarse el instrumento para Valoración Global Subjetiva, 55% de los 100 casos perdieron peso en los últimos 6 meses y 63% en el último mes. De acuerdo a la escala de reconocimiento físico global 59 pacientes mostraron déficit de peso, la evaluación del tejido graso y muscular mostró déficit en más de la mitad de los casos, 60% de los pacientes estaban moderada a severamente malnutridos y el riesgo de desnutrirse fue del 90%. Conclusión: la condición nutricional está afectada en más de la mitad de los casos y el riesgo de desnutrirse está presente en la mayoría de los pacientes oncológicos.

Trismus, xerostomia and nutrition status in nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivors treated with radiation.

The aims of the study were to: (1) examine levels of trismus, xerostomia and nutritional status; (2) compare levels of trismus, xerostomia and nutritional status in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) receiving different types of radiation modalities; and (3) identify factors related to NPC survivors' risk status for malnutrition and existing malnutrition. A cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling was conducted. NPC survivors were recruited from otolaryngology/oncology outpatient clinics in a medical centre in Northern Taiwan. Study measures included (1) Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire, (2) Xerostomia Questionnaire, (3) Mini Nutrition Assessment, (4) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale, and (5) Symptom Severity Scale. A total of 110 subjects were recruited. Those receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy had less trismus and xerostomia than patients receiving two-dimensional radiation therapy. Patients with female gender, advanced stage, completion of treatments within 1 year, higher levels of depression, more severe trismus and higher symptom severity tended to have malnutrition or were at risk of malnutrition. Trismus and xerostomia are long-term problems in some NPC survivors and may contribute to malnutrition. To better manage a patient's trismus and xerostomia and to enhance nutritional status, clinicians should develop a patient-specific care programme based on careful assessment and targeted measures to improve oral function and insure adequate nutritional intake.

Bioimpedancia vectorial y espectroscópica: valoración del estado de hidratación con ambos métodos en hemodiálisis / Bioimpedance vector and spectroscopic analysis: assessing hydration status using both methods in haemodialysis

El análisis de bioimpedancia es una herramienta útil para determinar el estado nutricional y de hidratación del enfermo en hemodiálisis. Los dos sistemas más utilizados son la bioimpedancia de monofrecuencia vectorial y la bioimpedancia multifrecuencia espectroscópica que utilizan diferentes criterios para clasifi car el estado de hidratación del enfermo dializado. El sistema de bioimpedancia de monofrecuencia vectorial utiliza una escala ordinal de 7 puntos que va desde el valor 3 (mayor hidratación) hasta el valor -3 (mayor deshidratación) definiendo la hiperhidratación cuando el vector está en el eje de hidratación por debajo de la elipse de tolerancia del 75% (valores 3 y 2 de la escala ordinal). El sistema de bioimpedancia multifrecuencia espectroscópica emplea dos criterios para defi nir el estado de hiperhidratación prediálisis: OH superior a 2,5 litros o mayor del 15% del volumen de agua extracelular. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar el grado de concordancia entre ambos sistemas de bioimpedancia para defi nir el estado de hiperhidratación en enfermos tratados con hemodiálisis. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en 54 enfermos tratados con hemodiálisis a los que se les realizó un análisis de bioimpedancia con monitores de monofrecuencia vectorial y multifrecuencia espectroscópica inmediatamente antes de una sesión de hemodiálisis. El grado de equivalencia en la defi nición de hiperhidratación entre ambos monitores fue mejor cuando se utilizó, en el monitor de multifrecuencia, el criterio de OH>15% del agua extracelular (índice kappa 0.81, concordancia excelente) que cuando se utilizó el criterio de OH>2,5 litros (índice kappa 0.71, concordancia aceptable). Conclusiones: Hay una buena relación entre la escala vectorial de hidratación y el valor OH (exceso de hidratación). Los criterios utilizados por los monitores de monofrecuencia vectorial y multifrecuencia espectroscópica para defi nir los estados de hiperhidratación prediálisis tienen una equivalencia aceptable y sus resultados pueden ser intercambiables(AU)

Bioimpedance analysis is a useful tool for determining the nutritional and hydration status of haemodialysis patients. The two most commonly used systems are bioimpedance vector single frequency analysis and bioimpedance spectroscopic multiple frequency analysis, which use different criteria to classify the hydration status of the dialysed patient. The single frequency bioimpedance vector system uses a scale of 7 points ranging from a value of 3 (most hydration) to a value of -3 (most dehydration), defi ning hyperhydration when the vector is on the hydration axis below the tolerance ellipse of 75% (values 3 and 2 on the scale). Multi-frequency spectroscopy uses two criteria to defi ne the pre-dialysis state of hyperhydration: OH more than 2.5 litres or more than 15% of the extracellular water volume. The aim of this study was to analyse the degree of concordance between the two systems of bioimpedance in defi ning the state of hyperhydration of haemodialysis patients. A transversal study was carried out on 54 patients undergoing haemodialysis, performing a bioimpedance analysis with single frequency vector and multi- frequency spectroscopic monitors immediately before a haemodialysis session. The degree of equivalence in the defi nition of hyperhydration between the two monitors was greater when the criterion of OH>15% of extracellular water was used in the multi-frequency monitor (kappa index 0.81, excellent concordance) than when the criterion of OH>2.5 litres was used (kappa index 0.71, acceptable concordance). Conclusions: There is a good relationship between the hydration vector scale and OH value (excess hydration). The criteria used by the single-frequency vector and multi-frequency spectroscopic monitors show acceptable equivalence and their results can be interchangeable(AU)

Descripción del estado nutricional de los pacientes de una unidad de diálisis mediante el uso de la escala 'Malnutrition Inflamation Score' / Description of the nutritional state of patients in a dialysis unit using the Malnutrition Inflammation Score

Introducción. La desnutrición es un problema de salud muy frecuente en la población con insufi ciencia renal crónica en diálisis. Dada la alta prevalencia de malnutrición en los pacientes en diálisis y su repercusión sobre la morbi-mortalidad de los pacientes es preciso instaurar un adecuado seguimiento de los aspectos nutricionales, para detectar precozmente a pacientes en riesgo o con déficit nutricionales y realizar una intervención nutricional precoz que consiga revertir la situación. Objetivos. · Describir el estado nutricional de los pacientes atendidos en la unidad de diálisis del servicio de nefrología del Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, según la escala 'Malnutrition Inflamation Score' y durante un período de 2 años. · Describir las características sociodemográfi cas y clínicas de los pacientes en diálisis del Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic que han sido sometidos a una valoración de su estado nutricional, mediante la escala 'Malnutrition Infl amation Score'. · Analizar si factores como el género, la edad, el tipo de tratamiento dialítico, la presencia de comorbilidad, el tipo de vía de acceso de hemodiálisis, el tiempo en tratamiento dialítico, el número de ingresos o el total de días de ingreso están relacionados con el estado nutricional de los pacientes en diálisis del Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, según las puntuaciones obtenidas de la escala 'Malnutrition Inflamation Score'. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal prospectivo. Realizado en la Unidad Nefrológica del Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic. Se estudiaron los enfermos diagnosticados de enfermedad renal crónica sometidos a diálisis y se incluyeron los pacientes en diálisis y con un historial de tratamiento de más de tres meses. El estudio se realizó de Enero del 2009 hasta Diciembre de 2010. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas (edad, género, tipo de tratamiento dialítico, origen de la nefropatía, existencia de historial de comorbilidad , vía de acceso para la hemodiálisis, situación tratamiento dialítico, causa finalización tratamiento dialítico), el estado nutricional según escala 'Malnutrition Infl amation Score' y el consumo de recursos (número de ingresos anuales, total de días de ingresos anuales, tiempo de tratamiento en diálisis). Los datos se obtuvieron de los registros informatizados del servicio de nefrología. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS v.18.0...(AU)

Introduction. Malnutrition is a very frequent health problem in the population with chronic kidney insufficiency receiving dialysis. Given the high prevalence of malnutrition in dialysis patients and its effect on morbimortality of patients, it is necessary to establish an adequate monitoring of nutritional aspects for early detection of patients at risk or with nutritional deficit and carry out an early nutritional intervention that will manage to reverse the situation. Objectives. · To describe the nutritional state of patients attended at the dialysis unit of the nephrology service of the Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, according to the Malnutrition Infl ammation Score for a period of 2 years. · To describe the socio-demographic and clinical features of dialysis patients in the Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic whose nutritional state was assessed using the Malnutrition Inflammation Score. · To analyse whether factors such as gender, age, type of dialysis treatment, the presence of comorbility, the type of haemodialysis access, the time on dialysis, the number of hospitalizations or total number of days hospitalized are related to the nutritional state of dialysis patients at the Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic, according to the Malnutrition Infl ammation Scores obtained. Material and methods. Prospective transversal study. Carried out at the Nephrology Unit of the Consorcio Hospitalario de Vic. Patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and who undergo dialysis were studied, and dialysis patients with treatment records of more than three months were included. The study was carried out from January 2009 to December 2010. Sociodemographic variables (age, gender, type of dialysis treatment, origin of the renal pathology, existence of history of comorbility, access used for haemodialysis, situation of dialysis treatment, cause for end of dialysis treatment), the nutritional state according to the Malnutrition Inflammation Score and consumption of resources (number of hospitalizations per year, total number of days hospitalized per year, time on dialysis) were analysed. The data were obtained from the computerized records of the nephrology service. The SPSS v.18.0. programme was used for the statistical analysis...(AU)

A prospective investigation of swallowing, nutrition, and patient-rated functional impact following altered fractionation radiotherapy with concomitant boost for oropharyngeal cancer.

Altered fractionation radiotherapy for head and neck cancer has been associated with improved locoregional control, overall survival, and heightened toxicity compared with conventional treatment. Swallowing, nutrition, and patient-perceived function for altered fractionation radiotherapy with concomitant boost (AFRT-CB) for T1-T3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have not been previously reported. Fourteen consecutive patients treated with AFRT-CB for oropharyngeal SCC were recruited from November 2006 to August 2009 in a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Swallowing, nutrition, and patient-perceived functional impact assessments were conducted pretreatment, at 4-6 weeks post-treatment, and at 6 months post-treatment. Deterioration from pretreatment to 4-6 weeks post-treatment in swallowing, nutrition, and functional impact was evident, likely due to the heightened toxicity associated with AFRT-CB. There was significant improvement at 6 months post-treatment in functional swallowing, nutritional status, patient-perceived swallowing, and overall function, consistent with recovery from acute toxicity. However, weight and patient perception of physical function and side effects remained significantly worse than pretreatment scores. The ongoing deficits related to weight and patient-perceived outcomes at 6 months revealed that this treatment has a long-term impact on function possibly related to the chronic effects of AFRT-CB.

Hesperidin partially restores impaired immune and nutritional function in irradiated mice.

Hesperidin is a flavonone glycoside found abundantly in citrus fruits that reportedly possesses anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune effects. Irradiation has been widely used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, but it has the side effect of damaging normal cells and thereby inducing inflammation. This study was performed to investigate the effect of hesperidin on immune reactivity and nutritional status in mice with irradiation-induced inflammation. Two different concentrations (50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of body weight) of hesperidin were orally administered for 6 weeks to mice with or without 15-Gy irradiation treatment starting 2 weeks before irradiation. Splenocyte proliferation on Day 10 after irradiation was enhanced by supplementation with hesperidin at 50 mg/kg of body weight compared with that of the control group without irradiation on Day 30 after irradiation. The percentages of CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes in the 50 mg/kg of body weight hesperidin group tended to increase compared with the normal group. The concentration of serum cytokines (interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) decreased in the radiation group treated with hesperidin at 50 and 200 mg/kg of body weight compared with the control group on Day 10 after irradiation. Irradiated mice fed 50 mg/kg of body weight hesperidin had significantly higher levels of total protein and albumin compared with the other groups 30 days after irradiation. In conclusion, this study suggests that hesperidin may enhance immunocompetence, have beneficial effects on nutritional status, and decrease irradiation-induced inflammation in mice.

Associations between nutritional status, weight loss, radiotherapy treatment toxicity and treatment outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with gastrointestinal cancers are susceptible to nutritional deterioration which may be compounded by radiotherapy treatment toxicities. This study aimed to determine whether nutritional status at radiotherapy commencement or changes in nutritional status throughout radiotherapy were associated with treatment toxicity and outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients. METHODS: Seventy-three gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving curative radiotherapy underwent medical record audits assessing body weight, radiotherapy toxicity, unplanned treatment breaks or hospital admissions and completion of prescribed treatment/s. Nutritional status was assessed in a subset of patients (n = 11) using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment tool. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of patients lost weight throughout radiotherapy. Weight loss was significantly greater in patients experiencing unplanned radiotherapy breaks (-3.1% vs -1.6%, p < 0.05) and in patients not completing prescribed chemotherapy (-3.3% vs -1.6%, p < 0.05). Toxicity severity was strongly correlated with Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment score (rho = 0.839, p < 0.001) and was increased in patients experiencing unplanned admissions compared to those without admission (42.1% vs 9.3% with grade 3 toxicity respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Deterioration in nutritional status during radiotherapy (as measured by weight loss) may be associated with poorer short-term treatment outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Patient numbers were too small to definitively determine the effect of nutritional status at radiotherapy commencement or changes in nutritional status throughout radiotherapy (defined by PG-SGA) on treatment outcomes. Further research is required to investigate this in larger, longer-term studies.

Vitamin D deficiency in healthy children in a sunny country: associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to determine the factors associated with low concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (vitamin D deficiency) in healthy children in Qatar. DESIGN: The survey was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Primary Health Care Clinics over the period from August 2007 to March 2008. Subjects The study was carried out among healthy Qatari nationals, male and female, aged below 16 years. A random sample of 650 healthy subjects who visited the Primary Health Care Centers for any reason other than acute or chronic disease were approached and 458 subjects gave consent; a response rate of 70.5%. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were based on a questionnaire that included variables such as socio-demographic information, assessment of non-dietary covariates, assessment of dietary intake, vitamin D intake, type of feeding, clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations. The subjects' health status was assessed by medical conditions, family history, body mass index, past or present clinical manifestations, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, calcium, alkaline phosphates, phosphorus, HbA1C, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), magnesium and creatinine analysis. RESULTS: The study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in Qatari adolescents (11-16 years old; 61.6%), followed by the 5-10 year olds (28.9%) and those below 5 years old (9.5%). Vitamin D deficiency increased with age and there was a significant difference between vitamin D-deficient and normal children in their age groups (P =0.013). The body mass index was significantly lower in vitamin D-deficient children (19.6+/-3.6; P =0.019). A family history of vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in children with vitamin D deficiency (33.7%) than in normal children (24.5%). Most of the vitamin D-deficient children had no physical activity (60.6%) and no exposure to sunlight (57.5%). There was a significant difference between both groups in terms of family history of vitamin D deficiency, physical activity, exposure to sunlight and duration of time spent outside under the sun (P <0.05). The mean values of vitamin D serum concentration, calcium, alkaline phosphates, and phosphorus were very low in vitamin D-deficient children. Vitamin D-deficient children had a very poor diet for vitamin D (cod liver oil, 56.5%; milk fortified with vitamin D, 27.3%; fortified food, 24.1%; and seafood, 5.7%) compared with normal children. Fractures (P =0.006), delayed milestones (P =0.013), rickets (P =0.017) and gastroenteritis (P =0.020) were significantly higher in vitamin D-deficient children. CONCLUSION: The study findings revealed that Qatari children are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency. Lack of exposure to sunlight, outdoor activities under the sun, and physical activity and vitamin D intake are the main associated factors for vitamin D deficiency in the young population of Qatar. Breast-fed infants need to take vitamin D supplements for a longer period.

Consequences of radiotherapy on nutritional status, dietary intake, serum zinc and copper levels in patients with gastrointestinal tract and head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition occurs frequently in cancer patients and is multifactorial and can lead to negative outcomes. So we studied the effect of radiotherapy on nutritional status, weight changes, dietary intake, serum zinc and copper levels. METHODS: During the period of October to March 2005, 45 cancer patients who referred to the Radiotherapy Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran were recruited. We assessed the nutritional status of patients using Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire. Patients on the basis of location of radiotherapy classified to mediastinum, head and neck and pelvic groups. Changes in dietary intake (using 24-hour recall method) and body weight were evaluated prior to and during radiotherapy. At the onset and the end of radiotherapy, serum levels of zinc, copper and albumin were determined. RESULTS: After treatment malnutrition increased significantly in all patients (p=0.01) and in head and neck (p=0.007) and pelvic groups (p=0.04). The decreased body weight of patients was significant in the head and neck (p=0.02), and pelvic groups (p=0.005). The mean daily energy and protein intake of head and neck and pelvic groups decreased during radiotherapy while energy intake increased significantly in mediastinum group (p=0.01). After treatment, significant decreases also observed in mean serum zinc, copper and albumin levels (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Because of the negative effect of radiotherapy on oral feeding, nutritional assessment and intervention should be an integral part of treatment. Also, it would be worthwhile studying the effect of zinc supplementation on dietary intake and nutritional status of patients.

High prevalence of malnutrition among patients with solid non-hematological tumors as found by using skinfold and circumference measurements

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Em pacientes com câncer, a desnutrição tem múltiplas causas. Medidas antropométricas de peso e estatura são o método mais utilizado para avaliação do estado nutricional. Infelizmente, esse método é limitado em pacientes com câncer, pois o peso inclui o tumor e a relação peso/estatura não leva em conta alterações específicas de tecido magro. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar diferenças entre medidas antropométricas e de composição corporal em crianças e adolescentes com câncer. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de corte transversal realizado no Instituto de Oncologia Pediátrica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo — Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Crianças e adolescentes com câncer com idade acima de um ano foram avaliadas de março de 1998 a janeiro de 2000. Medidas antropométricas tradicionais foram coletadas no primeiro mês de tratamento oncológico (terapia de indução) por meio do escore-z de peso para estatura (P/E) nas crianças e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) nos adolescentes. A avaliação da composição corporal foi composta por medidas de prega cutânea triciptal (PCT), circunferência do braço (CB) e circunferência muscular do braço (CMB). Os dados foram analisados comparando-se as prevalências de desnutrição entre os métodos de avaliação nutricional. O teste do qui-quadrado e o grau de associação foram usados para comparar as taxas entre portadores de tumores sólidos e hematológicos. RESULTADOS: 139 pacientes foram avaliados, 127 tinham dados completos para análise. O estudo demonstrou maior percentual de déficit nos portadores de doenças sólidas não-hematológicas pelo P/E ou IMC, CB, e CMB. A análise global também sugere que a PCT (40%) e a CB (35%) demonstraram maior percentual de déficit quando comparadas ao escore-z de P/E ou IMC (19%). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com tumores sólidos apresentaram maior prevalência de desnutrição. As medidas de composição corporal por meio da PCT e CB detectaram mais pacientes desnutridos do que o P/E e o IMC.

Diagnóstico del estado nutricional y su impacto en el tratamiento del cáncer / No disponible

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High prevalence of malnutrition among patients with solid non-hematological tumors as found by using skinfold and circumference measurements.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition in cancer patients has many causes. Nutritional status is usually assessed from weight/height indices. These present limitations for the nutritional assessment of cancer patients: their weights include tumor mass, and lean mass changes are not reflected in weight/height indices. The objective was to evaluate differences between two anthropometric methods and compare deficits, in non-hematological tumor patients and hematological disease patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at Instituto de Oncologia Pediátrica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: Children and adolescents were evaluated between March 1998 and January 2000. Traditional anthropometric measurements were obtained in the first month of treatment (induction therapy), by weight-for-height (W/H) using z-scores index for children and body mass index (BMI) for adolescents. Body composition evaluations consisted of specific anthropometric measurements: triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and arm muscle circumference (AMC). Data were analyzed to compare nutritional assessment methods for diagnosing malnutrition prevalence. The chi-squared test was used for comparative analyses between tumor patients and hematological disease patients. RESULTS: Analysis was done on 127 patients with complete data. Higher percentages of deficits were found among tumor patients, by W/H z-scores or BMI and by MUAC and AMC. Higher percentages of deficits were shown by TSFT (40.2%) and MUAC (35.4%) than by W/H z-scores or BMI (18.9%). CONCLUSION: Non-hematological tumor patients presented higher malnutrition prevalence than did hematological disease patients. Body composition measurements by TSFT and MUAC detected more patients with malnutrition than did W/H or BMI.

Nutritional status of cancer patients given different treatment modalities.

The nutritional status of 91 cancer patients was assessed at the time of diagnosis and follow-up assessments were carried out at the third and sixth week after initiating different treatment modalities to study the effect of type and duration of treatment on nutritional status. Parameters assessed were anthropometry, biochemical status and clinical signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. Treatment modalities studied were radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemotherapy+radiotherapy, and combined treatment modality (surgery+radiotherapy+chemotherapy). The nutritional status of male patients was affected most by chemotherapy+radiotherapy while females were affected most with radiotherapy. Biochemical parameters showed a marginal decline in total serum protein and serum albumin concentrations. Haemoglobin concentrations declined substantially with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The lymphocyte count decreased substantially irrespective of the treatment modality. Clinical examination revealed increased incidences of deficiency signs and symptoms in all patients during follow-up irrespective of treatment modality.