Complicaciones asociadas a la nutrición parenteral en los enfermos con infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Parenteral nutrition-associated complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Introducción: se desconoce si los pacientes diagnosticados de infección respiratoria aguda por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) presentan más riesgo de complicaciones asociadas a la nutrición parenteral (NP). Objetivo: conocer la incidencia, los factores de riesgo y la mortalidad de las complicaciones asociadas a la NP en esta población. Métodos: estudio de cohortes prospectivo de 87 pacientes diagnosticados de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Se analizan la tasa de incidencia de las complicaciones y las odds ratio (OR) de diferentes factores. Resultados: la edad ≥ 65 años (OR: 2,52, IC 95 %: 1,16 a 5,46), los antecedentes de obesidad (OR: 3,34, IC 95 %: 2,35 a 4,33) y el tratamiento con propofol (OR: 2,45, IC 95 %: 1,55 a 3,35) o lopinavir/ritonavir (OR: 4,98, IC 95 %: 3,60 a 6,29) se asociaron al desarrollo de hipertrigliceridemia. Los pacientes con obesidad (OR: 3,11, IC 95 %: 1,10 a 8,75) o dislipemia (OR: 3,22, IC 95 %: 1,23 a 8,40) y los tratados con propofol (OR: 5,47, IC 95 %: 1,97 a 15,1) presentaron mayor riesgo de infección asociada al catéter (IAC). No se observó ningún factor de riesgo relacionado con el desarrollo de hiperglucemia. La mortalidad fue mayor en los pacientes con IAC (46,7 % vs. 10,8 %, p = 0,014). El riesgo de mortalidad fue superior en los enfermos de ≥ 65 años (OR: 2,74, IC 95 %: 1,08 a 6,95) o con IAC (OR: 3,22, IC 95 %: 1,23 a 8,40). Conclusiones: la incidencia de complicaciones asociadas a la NP en pacientes diagnosticados de infección por SARS-CoV-2 es elevada. El riesgo de mortalidad es superior en los enfermos mayores de 65 años o con IAC (AU)

Background: it is unknown whether patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 are at greater risk of developing complications associated with parenteral nutrition (PN). Aim: to describe the incidence, risk factors, and clinical impact of complications in patients with ARDS-COVID-19 receiving PN. Methods: a prospective cohort study of 87 patients with ARDS-COVID-19 infection. The incidence of complications and odds ratios of risk factors were analysed. Results: age ≥ 65 years (OR, 2.52, 95 % CI: 1.16 to 5.46), obesity (OR, 3.34, 95 % CI: 2.35 to 4.33) and treatment with propofol (OR, 2.45, 95 % CI: 1.55 to 3.35) or lopinavir/ritonavir (OR, 4.98, 95 % CI: 3.60 to 6.29) were risk factors for hipertriglyceridemia. Obesity (OR, 3.11, 95 % CI: 1.10 to 8.75), dyslipidemia (OR, 3.22, 95 % CI: 1.23 to 8.40) or treatment with propofol (OR, 5.47, 95 % CI: 1.97 to 15.1) were risk factors for intravascular catheter-related infection. No risk factors were described for hiperglycemia. Mortality was higher in patients with intravascular catheter-related infection (46.7 % vs 10.8 %, p = 0.014). Mortality risk was higher in older patients (OR, 2.74, 95 % CI: 1.08 to 6.95) or patients with intravascular catheter-related infection (OR, 3.22, 95 % CI: 1.23 to 8.40). Conclusions: the incidence of complications associated with PN in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS is frequent. The mortality risk is higher in older patients or those with catheter-related infection (AU)

Talento y competencias en la nutrición clínica / Talent and competencies in clinical nutrition

a formación en nutrición clínica de los estudiantes de medicina está disgregada a lo largo de la carrera y es insuficiente en muchos casos. En este artículo se revisa la situación de la nutrición en los planes de estudio y se dan algunas claves para su inclusión de manera efectiva en el currículo. Además, se explican conceptos básicos relacionados con el talento, desde un punto de vista práctico, y se discute la importancia del talento en la nutrición clínica y cómo trabajarlo (AU)

The formation of medical students in clinical nutrition is scattered throughout the curriculum and is insufficient in many cases. This article reviews the status of nutrition in the curriculum, giving some keys for an effective inclusion therein. Also, basic concepts regarding talent are explained from a practical point of view, and the importance of talent in clinical nutrition and how to work with talent is discussed (AU)

Carbohydrates and insulin resistance in clinical nutrition: Recommendations from the ESPEN expert group.

Growing evidence underscores the important role of glycemic control in health and recovery from illness. Carbohydrate ingestion in the diet or administration in nutritional support is mandatory, but carbohydrate intake can adversely affect major body organs and tissues if resulting plasma glucose becomes too high, too low, or highly variable. Plasma glucose control is especially important for patients with conditions such as diabetes or metabolic stress resulting from critical illness or surgery. These patients are particularly in need of glycemic management to help lessen glycemic variability and its negative health consequences when nutritional support is administered. Here we report on recent findings and emerging trends in the field based on an ESPEN workshop held in Venice, Italy, 8-9 November 2015. Evidence was discussed on pathophysiology, clinical impact, and nutritional recommendations for carbohydrate utilization and management in nutritional support. The main conclusions were: a) excess glucose and fructose availability may exacerbate metabolic complications in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver and can result in negative clinical impact; b) low-glycemic index and high-fiber diets, including specialty products for nutritional support, may provide metabolic and clinical benefits in individuals with obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes; c) in acute conditions such as surgery and critical illness, insulin resistance and elevated circulating glucose levels have a negative impact on patient outcomes and should be prevented through nutritional and/or pharmacological intervention. In such acute settings, efforts should be implemented towards defining optimal plasma glucose targets, avoiding excessive plasma glucose variability, and optimizing glucose control relative to nutritional support.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN DIFFERENT EQUATIONS TO ESTIMATE OSMOLARITY OF PARENTERAL NUTRITION SOLUTIONS.

BACKGROUND: our aim was to measure the osmolality of several PN formulas at different component concentrations to determine if equations described in literature to calculate osmolarity accurately predict osmolalality in other experimental conditions different than these used to develop them. METHODS: osmolality of 12 different types of PN solutions, 9 for central and 3 for peripheral perfusion were measured by using freezing point depression in cross-sectional study. We evaluated the agreement (Pearson correlation test) and differential bias between measured osmolality and calculated osmolarity for three different equations described in the literature: Pereira Da Silva, ASPEN Practice Manual and ASPEN guidelines. RESULTS: mean ± SD osmolality of PN solutions was 1789 ± 256 (range 1 540 - 2 372) and 751 ± 64 mOsm/kg (range 689 - 817) for central and peripheral infusion, respectively. The osmolality of PN formulations was mainly due to glucose (r = 0.975) and amino acids (r = 0.948). All studied equations had a good correlation in the bivariate analysis (p = 0.000). All equations had a trend to underestimate the osmolality compared with the measured value. However, ASPEN guidelines equation overestimated the osmolality for peripheral PN. CONCLUSIONS: measurement of osmolality of peripheral PN solutions is important to reduce the risk of phlebitis. The different equations described previously show a good correlation between them although in general underestimate the osmolality.

Objetivo: nuestro objetivo era medir la osmolaridad de varias fórmulas de nutrición parenteral (NP) compuestas por diferentes componentes para determinar si las ecuaciones para calcular la osmolaridad de la solución, descritas en la literatura, predicen su osmolalidad en la práctica clínica. Método: se midió mediante osmometría la osmolalidad de 12 fórmulas de NP diferentes: 9 para acceso venoso central y 3 para acceso periférico, en un estudio transversal. Se analizó el acuerdo (test de correlación de Pearson) y las diferencias entre la osmolalidad medida y la osmolaridad calculada mediante tres fórmulas diferentes: ecuación de Pereira Da Silva, ecuación del manual de práctica clínica de ASPEN y ecuación de las guías de ASPEN. Resultados: la media ± desviación estándar de las soluciones era 1.789 ± 256 (rango 1.540 ­ 2.372) y 751 ± 64 mOsm/kg (rango 689 ­ 817) para perfusión central y periférica, respectivamente. La osmolalidad era debida principalmente a la glucosa (r = 0,975) y a los aminoacidos (r = 0,948). Todas las ecuaciones presentaban una buena correlación en el análisis bivariante (p = 0,000). Todas las ecuaciones tendían a infraestimar la osmolalidad, en comparación con el valor medido. Sin embargo, la ecuación de las guías de la ASPEN sobreestimaba la osmolalidad de las NP periféricas. Conclusiones: conocer la osmolaridad de la solución de NP periférica es importante para reducir el riesgo de flebitis. Las diferentes ecuaciones descritas en la literatura muestran una buena correlación entre ellas, aunque en general infraestiman la osmolalidad.

Agreement between different equations to estimate osmolarity of parenteral nutrition solutions / Acuerdo entre diferentes ecuaciones para estimar la osmolaridad de las soluciones de nutrición parenteral

Background: our aim was to measure the osmolality of several PN formulas at different component concentrations to determine if equations described in literature to calculate osmolarity accurately predict osmolalality in other experimental conditions different than these used to develop them. Methods: osmolality of 12 different types of PN solutions, 9 for central and 3 for peripheral perfusion were measured by using freezing point depression in cross-sectional study. We evaluated the agreement (Pearson correlation test) and differential bias between measured osmolality and calculated osmolarity for three different equations described in the literature: Pereira Da Silva, ASPEN Practice Manual and ASPEN guidelines. Results: mean ± SD osmolality of PN solutions was 1789 ± 256 (range 1 540 - 2 372) and 751 ± 64 mOsm/kg (range 689 - 817) for central and peripheral infusion, respectively. The osmolality of PN formulations was mainly due to glucose (r = 0.975) and amino acids (r = 0.948). All studied equations had a good correlation in the bivariate analysis (p = 0.000). All equations had a trend to underestimate the osmolality compared with the measured value. However, ASPEN guidelines equation overestimated the osmolality for peripheral PN. Conclusions: measurement of osmolality of peripheral PN solutions is important to reduce the risk of phlebitis. The different equations described previously show a good correlation between them although in general underestimate the osmolality (AU)

Objetivo: nuestro objetivo era medir la osmolaridad de varias fórmulas de nutrición parenteral (NP) compuestas por diferentes componentes para determinar si las ecuaciones para calcular la osmolaridad de la solución, descritas en la literatura, predicen su osmolalidad en la práctica clínica. Método: se midió mediante osmometría la osmolalidad de 12 fórmulas de NP diferentes: 9 para acceso venoso central y 3 para acceso periférico, en un estudio transversal. Se analizó el acuerdo (test de correlación de Pearson) y las diferencias entre la osmolalidad medida y la osmolaridad calculada mediante tres fórmulas diferentes: ecuación de Pereira Da Silva, ecuación del manual de práctica clínica de ASPEN y ecuación de las guías de ASPEN. Resultados: la media ± desviación estándar de las soluciones era 1.789 ± 256 (rango 1.540 - 2.372) y 751 ± 64 mOsm/kg (rango 689 - 817) para perfusión central y periférica, respectivamente. La osmolalidad era debida principalmente a la glucosa (r = 0,975) y a los aminoacidos (r = 0,948). Todas las ecuaciones presentaban una buena correlación en el análisis bivariante (p = 0,000). Todas las ecuaciones tendían a infraestimar la osmolalidad, en comparación con el valor medido. Sin embargo, la ecuación de las guías de la ASPEN sobreestimaba la osmolalidad de las NP periféricas. Conclusiones: conocer la osmolaridad de la solución de NP periférica es importante para reducir el riesgo de flebitis. Las diferentes ecuaciones descritas en la literatura muestran una buena correlación entre ellas, aunque en general infraestiman la osmolalidad (AU)

Individualized measurement of disease-related malnutrition's costs.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Disease-related malnutrition has a significant economic impact in hospitals, but accurate measurements of these costs have rarely been reported. The aim of this study is to calculate the actual costs of disease-related malnutrition in hospitals, taking into account every cost that patients generate during their hospital stay. METHODS: Patients admitted to medical wards were included in this study. Nutritional evaluation was carried out by two methods (Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire) at admission and/or at discharge. Hospitalization costs were measured for each patient individually, considering the cost of the bed, the Intensive Care Unit, the physicians' services, the laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, and the drug costs. Differences in costs between malnourished patients and non-malnourished patients were calculated. RESULTS: Malnourished patients incurred higher costs than non-malnourished ones. The cost increase for malnourished patients ranged between 45% and 102%. The nutritional status accounted for most of this increase. The most outstanding difference in patients' costs was between those patients who maintained their nutritional status, either well or malnourished, during their hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Disease-related malnutrition clearly has an impact on the cost of hospital care provision, particularly in malnourished patients who do not improve their nutritional status during their hospital stays. Individualized cost analyses are needed to identify the real costs of malnutrition.

Edulcorantes en pacientes con intolerancia hereditaria a la fructosa / Sweeteners in hereditary fructose intolerance patients

La intolerancia hereditaria a la fructosa (IHF) es una enfermedad autosómica recesiva debida una deficiencia en la actividad de la aldolasa B (fructosa 1,6-bifosfato aldolasa), enzima involucrada en el metabolismo de la fructosa. Actualmente, el tratamiento consiste en eliminar de la dieta todas las fuentes de fructosa. De manera general, se puede utilizar la glucosa como edulcorante, pero se buscan alternativas. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar las características de los edulcorantes y establecer unas recomendaciones para su consumo en estos pacientes. Existen edulcorantes que, debido a su estructura, no suponen una fuente de fructosa y son tolerados por los pacientes con IHF, como la glucosa, la dextrinomaltosa y los polímeros de glucosa, los edulcorantes artificiales (acesulfamo, alitamo, aspartamo, ciclamato, neotamo o sacarina), los peptídicos, como la taumatina, los glucoflavonoides, como la nehosperidina-dihidrochalcona, o los glucósidos diterpénicos, como los glucósidos de esteviol. Otros tampoco suponen un aporte de fructosa, ya que no son metabolizados por el cuerpo humano, como el eritritol, o se metabolizan por vías diferentes, como el xilitol. La inulina, los fructanos o la sucralosa, aunque no se metabolizan en el cuerpo humano, son edulcorantes que pueden contener pequeñas cantidades de fructosa o sacarosa, hecho que habría que tener en cuenta, al igual que los que se absorben en pequeña proporción (según su pureza, la tolerancia del paciente y la cantidad). El resto deberían evitarse, debido a que la cantidad que pueden aportar de fructosa es considerable, en función de su estructura, absorción y metabolismo (AU)

Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by aldolase B (fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase) deficiency, this enzyme is involved in the metabolism of fructose. Currently, treatment consists of elimination of all fructose sources from the diet. Generally, glucose can be used as a sweetener, but alternatives are sought. The aim is to review the sweeteners characteristics and establish recommendations for consumption in these patients. Due to the structure of some sweeteners, they do not constitute a source of fructose and they are tolerated by patients with IHF such as glucose, dextrinomaltose and glucose polymers, artificial sweeteners (acesulfame, alitame, aspartame, cyclamate, neotame and saccharin), peptides as thaumatin, glucoflavonoids as nehosperidin-dihydrochalcone or diterpene glycosides as steviol glycosides. Others they are not metabolized in the human body, such as erythritol or they are metabolized by different routes, such as xylitol. Inulin, fructanes or sucralose are not metabolized by the human body but they have small amounts of fructose or sucrose, so it should be taken into account, as well as those who are absorbed in small proportion (depending on purity, patient tolerance and amount). The remainder should be avoided because they can provide a considerably amount of fructose due to their structure, absorption and metabolism (AU)

[Incidence of catheter-related infection and associated risk factors in hospitalized patients with parenteral nutrition]. / Incidencia de infección asociada a catéter y factores de riesgo relacionados en pacientes hospitalizados con nutrición parenteral.

INTRODUCTION: The most severe complication of parenteral nutrition (PTN) is catheter-related infection (CRI). OBJECTIVES: To study the incidence rate and factors associated to CRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 271 patients followed at the Nutrition Unit for 6 months. The composition of the PTN was calculated according to the metabolic demands. 20.3% received a lipid solution enriched with omega-3 fatty acids (SMOF Fresenius Kabi®) and 79.7% with olive oil (Clinoleic Baxter®). RESULTS: The rate of CRI was 25 per 1,000 days of PTN (55 patients: 61.7±17.8 years, 60.3% males, 29.3±10.6 days of hospital stay and 10.4% mortality). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated microorganism. There were no differences by age, gender, mortality, or composition of the PTN between patients with or without infection. The patients treated with omega-3 received more calories with the PTN, at the expense of higher intake of glucose and lipids. However, the rate of infection was similar, although there was a not significant trend towards a lower infection rate when using the omega-3 composition (14.5% vs. 23.1%, respectively, p = 0.112). The duration of the nutritional support was higher in patients with CRI (13.0 ± 9.7 vs. 9.3 ± 8.1, p = 0.038). Total mortality (16.9%) was independent of the presence or absence of CRI (10.4% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.090) or of the use of omega-3 lipids or olive oil in the PTN (10.9% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.125). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to PTN have a high rate of CRI. The presence of infection is related to the duration of the PTN, being independent of the age, gender, and composition of the solution. The use of omega-3 lipid solutions may be beneficial although further studies are needed to confirm this.

Prevalence and costs of malnutrition in hospitalized patients; the PREDyCES Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The main objective of the PREDyCES study was twofold. First, to analyse the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in Spain, both at admission and at discharge, and second, to estimate the hospital costs associated with disease-related malnutrition. METHODS: The study was a nationwide, cross-sectional, observational, multicentre study in routine clinical practice, which assessed the prevalence of hospital malnutrition both at patient admission and discharge using NRS-2002. A study extension analysed the incidence of complications associated with malnutrition, excess hospital stay and healthcare costs associated with hospital malnutrition. RESULTS: Malnutrition was observed in 23.7% of patients according to NRS-2002. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, presence of malignant disease, diabetes mellitus, dysphagia and polymedication were the main factors associated with the presence of malnutrition. Malnutrition was associated with an increase in length of hospital stay, especially in patients admitted without malnutrition but who presented malnutrition at discharge (15.2 vs. 8.0 days, p < 0.001), with an associated additional cost of €5,829 per patient. CONCLUSION: In Spanish hospitals, almost one in four patients is malnourished. This condition is associated with increased length of hospital stay and associated costs, especially in patients developing malnutrition during hospitalization. Systematic screening for malnutrition should be generalised in order to implement nutritional interventions with well-known effectiveness.

Prevalence and costs of malnutrition in hospitalized patients; the PREDyCES® Study / Prevalencia y costes de la malnutrición en pacientes hospitalizados; estudio PREDyCES®

Background and aims: The main objective of the PREDyCES® study was twofold. First, to analyse the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in Spain, both at admission and at discharge, and second, to estimate the hospital costs associated with disease-related malnutrition. Methods: The study was a nationwide, cross-sectional, observational, multicentre study in routine clinical practice, which assessed the prevalence of hospital malnutrition both at patient admission and discharge using NRS-2002®. A study extension analysed the incidence of complications associated with malnutrition, excess hospital stay and healthcare costs associated with hospital malnutrition. Results: Malnutrition was observed in 23.7% of patients according to NRS-2002®. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, presence of malignant disease, diabetes mellitus, dysphagia and polymedication were the main factors associated with the presence of malnutrition. Malnutrition was associated with an increase in length of hospital stay, especially in patients admitted without malnutrition but who presented malnutrition at discharge (15.2 vs. 8.0 days, p < 0.001), with an associated additional cost of €5,829 per patient. Conclusion: In Spanish hospitals, almost one in four patients is malnourished. This condition is associated with increased length of hospital stay and associated costs, especially in patients developing malnutrition during hospitalization. Systematic screening for malnutrition should be generalised in order to implement nutritional interventions with well-known effectiveness (AU)

Justificación y objetivos: El estudio PREDyCES® tuvo dos objetivos principales. Primero, analizar la prevalencia de desnutrición hospitalaria (DH) en España tanto al ingreso como al alta, y segundo, estimar sus costes asociados. Métodos: Estudio nacional, transversal, observacional, multicéntrico, en condiciones de práctica clínica habitual que evaluó la presencia de desnutrición hospitalaria al ingreso y al alta mediante el NRS-2002®. Una extensión del estudio analizó la incidencia de complicaciones asociadas a la desnutrición, el exceso de estancia hospitalaria y los costes sanitarios asociados a la DH. Resultados: La prevalencia de desnutrición observada según el NRS-2002® fue del 23.7%. El análisis multivariante mostró que la edad, el género, la presencia de enfermedad oncológica, diabetes mellitus, disfagia y la polimedicación fueron los factores principales que se asociaron a la presencia de desnutrición. La DH se asoció a un incremento de la estancia hospitalaria, especialmente en aquellos pacientes que ingresaron sin desnutrición y que presentaron desnutrición al alta (15.2 vs 8.0 días; p < 0.001), con un coste adicional asociado de 5.829€ por paciente. Conclusiones: Uno de cada cuatro pacientes en los hospitales españoles se encuentra desnutrido. Esta condición se asocia a un exceso de estancia hospitalaria y costes asociados, especialmente en pacientes que se desnutren durante su hospitalización. Se debería generalizar el cribado nutricional sistemático con el objetivo de implementar intervenciones nutricionales de conocida eficacia (AU)

[Anemia in critically ill and surgical patient: treatment with intravenous iron]. / Anemia del paciente crítico y quirúrgico: tratamiento con hierro intravenoso.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common condition among surgical and critically ill patients and it is usually treated with allogenic blood transfusion (ABT). As ABT is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, alternative therapies for anemia in these patients are actively investigated. OBJECTIVES: To asses the potential usefulness of intravenous iron therapy in critically-ill or surgical patients with anemia. METHODS: Review of published papers with intravenous iron in these patients. Bibliographical search on database Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih.gov). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Treatment with intravenous iron is not sufficient to treat the anemia of critically ill patients. Its association with erythropoietin (EPO) may have an effect on the rate of ABT, but it has not been shown to improve morbidity, mortality or length of hospital stay. In gastrointestinal or trauma surgery there is no evidence to support the routine preoperative treatment with intravenous iron, although it may be beneficial when it is used with erythropoietin. Intravenous iron alone or in combination with EPO in the postoperative period has not been proved useful for rapid correction of anemia, reduction of hospital stay or mortality.

Anemia del paciente crítico y quirúrgico; tratamiento con hierro intravenoso / Anemia in critically ill and surgical patient; treatment with intravenous iron

Introducción: La anemia es la anomalía hematológica y analítica más frecuente entre los pacientes críticos y quirúrgicos. Habitualmente se trata con transfusión de sangre alogénica (TSA), la cuál está relacionada con aumento de la morbimortalidad, por lo que se plantea la búsqueda de alternativas para el tratamiento de la anemia grave. Objetivos: Valorar la posible utilidad de la terapia con hierro intravenoso en pacientes con enfermedad crítica oquirúrgica que presentan anemia. Métodos: Revisión de los trabajos publicados con hierro intravenoso en este tipo de pacientes. Búsqueda en la base de datos Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih.gov) y búsqueda manual. Resultado y discusión: El tratamiento con hierro intravenoso no es suficiente para tratar la anemia del paciente crítico. Su asociación a eritropoyetina sí puede tener un efecto sobre la tasa de transfusiones aunque no se ha demostrado que mejore la morbimortalidad ni la estancia hospitalaria. En cirugía digestiva o traumatológica no hay evidencia que apoye el tratamiento sistemático pericirugía con hierro intravenoso, pudiendo encontrarse beneficio cuando se utiliza junto con eritropoyetina. La utilización de hierro intravenoso solo o asociado a EPO en el postoperatorio no ha demostrado ser útil para una corrección rápida de la anemia, disminuir la estancia hospitalaria ni disminuir la mortalidad (AU)

Background: Anemia is a common condition among surgical and critically ill patients and it is usually treated with allogenic blood transfusion (ABT). As ABT is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, alternative therapies for anemia in these patients are actively investigated. Objectives: To asses the potential usefulness of intravenous iron therapy in critically-ill or surgical patients with anemia. Methods: Review of published papers with intravenousiron in these patients. Bibliographical search on data base Medline (www.ncvi.nlm.nih.gov).Results and discussion: Treatment with intravenousiron is not sufficient to treat the anemia of critically ill patients. Its association with erythropoietin (EPO) may have an effect on the rate of ABT, but it has not been shown to improve morbidity, mortality or length of hospital stay. In gastrointestinal or trauma surgery there is no evidence to support the routine preoperative treatment with intravenous iron, although it may be beneficial when it is used with erythropoietin. Intravenous iron alone or incombination with EPO in the postoperative period has not been proved useful for rapid correction of anemia, reduction of hospital stay or mortality (AU)

Optimización del aporte energético en nutrición artificial: Segunda lección Jesús Culebras / Optimization of energy intake in artificial nutrition: second lecture Jesús Culebras

Un objetivo fundamental del soporte nutricional es proporcionar los requerimientos energéticos necesarios para mantener los procesos metabólicos, mantenimiento de la temperatura corporal y reparación tisular. Los comienzos de la Nutrición Artificial se caracterizaron por un elevado aporte calórico. La asimilación de conceptos fisiológicos, datos de investigación clínica y de experiencia práctica condujeron a una progresiva reducción de este aporte. Durante la década de los 90 en el siglo XX se propuso el concepto de desnutrición permitida. Desde entonces se ha originado una polémica entre partidarios de reducir inicialmente la energía al enfermo crítico y defensores de administrar completamente las necesidades calóricas estimadas. Esta controversia se ha extendido a guías de práctica clínica, observándose un claro disenso transatlántico entre las recomendaciones de ASPEN y ESPEN. En el futuro vernos la publicación de nuevos estudios que puedan definir mejor la evidencia en la que basar la recomendación del aporte calórico. También habrá que aumentar los conocimientos sobre el aporte calórico óptimo en el paciente no crítico que precisa nutrición artificial. Será deseable que los nuevos conceptos que surjan se empleen con rapidez en el diseño de las fórmulas nutricionales producidas por la industria farmacéutica. Por último, es importante animar a mantener una activa participación en actividades de formación continuada en Nutrición para conseguir una rápida incorporación de los nuevos conceptos que vayan surgiendo en la práctica clínica diaria (AU)

A primary goal of nutritional support is to provide the energy requirements needed to sustain metabolic processes, maintain body temperature and tissue repair. The beginnings of artificial nutrition were characterized by high calorie nutritional formulae. The assimilation of physiological concepts, accumulating research data and clinical experience led to a progressive reduction of this intake. During the decade of the 90s of the past century, the concept of permissive underfeeding was proposed. Since then, there has been a controversy between supporters of an initial reduction of energy intake for the critical patient and advocates of a full administration of the estimated calorie needs since the very first days of admission to the Intensive Care Unit. This controversy has extended into clinical practice guidelines, showing a clear disagreement between recent recommendations of ASPEN and ESPEN. In the future we will see the publication of new studies that might better define the evidence on which to base the recommendations of caloric intake. There is also a clear need to deepen the knowledge about the optimal caloric intake in the non-critically ill patient requiring artificial nutrition. It is of great importance that these new concepts, which will arise undoubtedly, are incorporated quickly in the design of nutritional formulas produced by the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, it is important to encourage active participation in continuous educational activities in the field of Nutrition for achieving a rapid incorporation in daily practice of these new concepts of optimal caloric intake (AU)

[Micronutrient supplementation in parenteral nutrition in Spanish hospitals]. / Utilización de micronutrientes en nutrición parenteral en los hospitales Españoles.

Several years ago, it was recommended not to add vitamins or oligoelements to parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions and to administer them immediately after the addition of the micronutrients to avoid their decay. Nowadays, it has been observed that with multilayer bags, ternary mixtures and sunlight protection vitamins degradation is minimal. Daily intake of micronutrients is necessary in the critically ill, malnourished or long-term PN patients. Aiming at knowing the schedules of use of micronutrients in PN in Spanish hospitals and the way PN bags are prepared regarding the factors conditioning their stability, we undertook a telephone survey to the pharmacists in charge of PN at the different hospitals. We compared the data obtained with those from other surveys performed in 2001 and 2003. Pharmacists from 97 hospitals answered the questionnaire (answer rate 88%). The hospital sizes ranged 104-1728 beds. As compared to the data form preceding years, we observed a better adequacy to the current recommendations, although there are still 30% of the hospitals that administer micronutrients on an every other day basis independent of the clinical situation of the patients. In most of the hospitals, multilayer bags are used and/or sunlight protection and ternary mixtures. According to these results showing the different criteria for administering vitamins and oligoelements in PN solutions, it seems necessary to elaborate consensus documents that adapt to the reality of the diverse practices besides promoting the performance of well-designed clinical studies establishing the requirements under special clinical situations.

[The Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE) and its relation with healthcare authorities]. / La Sociedad Española de Nutrición Parenteral y Enteral (SENPE) ante las administraciones públicas.

It has been well documented in medical literature that hyponutrition is a common issue at all healthcare levels, from primary to specialized health care, as well as geriatric healthcare facilities. This problem is not limited to countries with scarce economic resources or limited social development; it is also a universal issue in Europe. Hyponutrition increases the rates of morbidity, mortality, hospital admissions, and hospital stay. These higher figures also represent a higher use of healthcare resources. In spite of this, hyponutrition may often go undetected and the patient may not receive the necessary treatment. This problem requires the cooperation of multiple agents such as the Governments, the healthcare professionals, and the citizens themselves. The VIII Discussion Forum concludes on the need to establish a clear-cut plant for action (similar to the European Alliance for Health Nutrition) and the creation of a platform (coalition) encompassing the voices of healthcare professionals associations, institutions, professional colleges, patients associations, the pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies. The goals of this platform will be to inform about the extent of this issue, to identity and promote leaders that will convey the aims of this initiative to regional and national healthcare authorities, to present solutions and to collaborate in their implementation, and finally to assess/control the actions taken.

Utilización de micronutrientes en nutrición parenteral en los hospitales españoles / Micronutrient supplementation in parenteral nutrition in spanish hospitals

Hace años se recomendó no añadir conjuntamente vitaminas y oligoelementos a las nutriciones parenterales (NP) y administrarlas inmediatamente después de la adición de los micronutrientes para evitar su degradación. Actualmente se ha visto que con bolsas multicapa, mezclas ternarias y fotoprotección la degradación de vitaminas es mínima. El aporte diario de micronutrientes es necesario al menos en pacientes críticos, malnutridos o con NP a largo plazo. Con el objetivo de conocer las pautas de utilización de los micronutrienes en NP en los hospitales españoles y la forma de preparación de las bolsas de NP, en relación a los factores condicionantes de su estabilidad, se realizó una encuesta telefónica a los farmacéuticos responsables del área de NP de los diferentes hospitales. Los datos obtenidos se compararon con otras encuestas realizadas en 2001 y 2003. Respondieron la encuesta 97 hospitales de los 110 hospitales a los que se llamó (tasa de respuesta 88%), cuyo número de camas estaba comprendido entre 104 y 1728. En comparación con los datos de años anteriores se observa una mayor adecuación a las recomendaciones vigentes, aunque todavía casi un 30% de los hospitales aportan los micronutrientes en días alternos con independencia de la situación clínica del paciente. La mayoría de los hospitales utilizan bolsas multicapa y/o fotoprotección y mezclas ternarias. A la vista de los resultados, en los que se pone en evidencia la disparidad de criterios en la administración de vitaminas y oligoelementos en las soluciones de NP parece necesario elaborar documentos de consenso que se adecuen a la realidad de las distintas prácticas además de favorecer la realización de estudios clínicos minuciosamente diseñados para establecer los requerimientos en situaciones clínicas especiales (AU)

Several years ago, it was recommended not to add vitamins or oligoelements to parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions and to administer them immediately after the addition of the micronutrients to avoid their decay. Nowadays, it has been observed that with multilayer bags, ternary mixtures and sunlight protection vitamins degradation is minimal. Daily in take of micronutrients is necessary in the critically ill, malnourished or long-term PN patients. Aiming at knowing the schedules of use of micronutrients in PN in Spanish hospitals and the way PN bags are prepared regarding the factors conditioning their stability, we undertook a telephone survey to the pharmacists in charge of PN at the different hospitals. We compared the data obtained with those from other surveys performed in 2001 and 2003. Pharmacists from 97 hospitals answered the questionnaire(answer rate 88%). The hospital sizes ranged 104-1728 beds. As compared to the data form preceding years, we observed a better adequacy to the current recommendations, although there are still 30% of the hospitals that administer micronutrients on an every other day basis independent of the clinical situation of the patients. In most of the hospitals, multilayer bags are used and/or sunlight protection and ternary mixtures. According to these results showing the different criteria for administering vitamins and oligoelements in PN solutions, it seems necessary to elaborate consensus documents that adapt to the reality of the diverse practices besides promoting the performance of well-designed clinical studies establishing the requirements under special clinical situations (AU)

La Sociedad Española de Nutrición Parenteral y Enteral (SENPE) ante las administraciones públicas / The Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE) and its relation with healthcare authorities

Está muy bien documentado en la literatura médica que la desnutrición es un problema común en todos los niveles de atención sanitaria, desde atención primaria a especializada y en centros de atención geriátrica. Este problema no se limita a países con pocos recursos económicoso con limitado desarrollo social y económico. Tambiénes un problema universal en Europa. La desnutrición aumenta las cifras de morbilidad, mortalidad, ingresos hospitalarios y duración de la estancia. Estas cifras más elevadas suponen lógicamente un aumento deluso de recursos sanitarios. A pesar de esto, el problema de la desnutrición a menudo puede pasar desapercibido y el paciente no recibir el tratamiento necesario. Este problema requiere la cooperación de múltiples agentes tales como los Gobiernos de los Estados, los profesionales de la salud y los mismos ciudadanos. El VIII Foro de Debate concluye con la necesidad de establecer un claro plan de actuación (a semejanza de la European Alliance for Health Nutrition) y la creación de una plataforma (coalición) que reúna las voces de asociaciones de profesionales sanitarios, instituciones, colegios profesionales, asociaciones de pacientes, industria y entidades aseguradoras. Los fines de esta plataforma consistirán en informar de la extensión del problema, identificar y potenciar líderes que transmitan los fines de esta iniciativa ante las autoridades autonómicas y nacionales, propuesta de soluciones y colaboración en su puesta en marcha y finalmente, evaluación/control de las acciones desarrolladas (AU)

It has been well documented in medical literature that hyponutrition is a common issue at all healthcare levels,from primary to specialized health care, as well as geria -tric healthcare facilities. This problem is not limited to countries with scarce economic resources or limited social development; it is also a universal issue in Europe. Hyponutrition increases the rates of morbidity, mortality,hospital admissions, and hospital stay. These higherfigures also represent a higher use of healthcare resources. In spite of this, hyponutrition may often go undetected and the patient may not receive the necessary treatment. This problem requires the cooperation of multiple agents such as the Governments, the healthcare professionals, and the citizens themselves. The VIII Discussion Forum concludes on the need to establish a clear-cutplant for action (similar to the European Alliance forHealth Nutrition) and the creation of a platform (coalition)encompassing the voices of healthcare professionals associations, institutions, professional colleges, patients associations, the pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies. The goals of this platform will be to inform about the extent of this issue, to identity and promote leaders that will convey the aims of this initiative to regional and national healthcare authorities, to present solutions and to collaborate in their implementation, and finally to assess/control the actions taken (AU)

[Optimization of energy intake in artificial nutrition: second lecture Jesús Culebras]. / Optimización del aporte energético en nutrición artificial: segunda lección Jesús Culebras.

A primary goal of nutritional support is to provide the energy requirements needed to sustain metabolic processes, maintain body temperature and tissue repair. The beginnings of artificial nutrition were characterized by high calorie nutritional formulae. The assimilation of physiological concepts, accumulating research data and clinical experience led to a progressive reduction of this intake. During the decade of the 90s of the past century, the concept of permissive underfeeding was proposed. Since then, there has been a controversy between supporters of an initial reduction of energy intake for the critical patient and advocates of a full administration of the estimated calorie needs since the very first days of admission to the Intensive Care Unit. This controversy has extended into clinical practice guidelines, showing a clear disagreement between recent recommendations of ASPEN and ESPEN. In the future we will see the publication of new studies that might better define the evidence on which to base the recommendations of caloric intake. There is also a clear need to deepen the knowledge about the optimal caloric intake in the non-critically ill patient requiring artificial nutrition. It is of great importance that these new concepts, which will arise undoubtedly, are incorporated quickly in the design of nutritional formulas produced by the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, it is important to encourage active participation in continuous educational activities in the field of Nutrition for achieving a rapid incorporation in daily practice of these new concepts of optimal caloric intake.

The burden of hospital malnutrition in Spain: methods and development of the PREDyCES® study / El coste de la desnutrición hospitalaria en España: método y desarrollo del estudio PREDyCES®

It is well known that hospital malnutrition is ahighly prevalent condition associated to increase morbidity and mortality as well as related healthcarecosts. Although previous studies have already measured the prevalence and/or costs of hospital nutrition in our country, their local focus (at regionalor even hospital level) make that the true prevalence and economic impact of hospital malnutrition for the National Health System remain unknown inSpain. The PREDyCES® (Prevalence of hospitalmal nutrition and associated costs in Spain) study was aimed to assess the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in Spain and to estimate related costs.Some aspects made this study unique: a) It was the first study in a representative sample of hospitals ofSpain; b) different measures to assess hospital malnutrition (NRS2002, MNA as well as anthropometric and biochemical markers) where used both at admission and discharge and, c) the economic consequences of malnutrition where estimated using the perspective of the Spanish National Health System (AU)

Es bien sabido que la desnutrición hospitalaria es un proceso altamente prevalente asociado al aumento de la morbilidad y mortalidad, así como a elevados costes sanitarios. Aunque estudios previos han medido la prevalencia y/o los costes de la nutrición hospitalaria en nuestro país, su enfoque local(regional o incluso a nivel hospitalario) hacen que la verdadera prevalencia e impacto económico de la desnutrición hospitalaria para el Sistema Nacional de Salud sean aún desconocidos en España. El objetivo del estudio PREDyCES®(Prevalencia de la Desnutrición hospitalaria y los Costes asociados en ESpaña) fue evaluar la prevalencia de la desnutrición hospitalaria en España y estimar sus costes asociados.Algunos aspectos de este estudio lo hicieron singular: a) Fue el primer estudio de este tipo con una muestra representativa de los hospitales de España, b) se utilizaron diferente medidas para evaluar la desnutrición hospitalaria (NRS 2002,MNA, así como marcadores antropométricos y bioquímicos)tanto en el momento del ingreso como al alta hospitalaria y, c)se estimaron las consecuencias económicas de la desnutrición desde la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud español (AU)

Parenteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

UNLABELLED: The objective of the study is to evaluate if the administration of glutamine in parenteral nutrition (PN) solution reduces the need for antibiotics, the risk of liver disease and the duration of hospital stay in bone marrow transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study in 68 adult patients undergoing a bone marrow transplantation who required PN for mucositis. Of these patients, 40 were given PN with 2,063 +/- 294 kcal/day and 98.6 +/- 13.9 g of amino acids/day, supplemented with Lglutamine (13.5-27 g/day), and 28 were given isocaloric (1,966 +/- 307 kcal/day) and isonitrogenated (92 +/- 16.3 g of amino acids/day) PN with standard glutamine-free amino acid solution. Antibiotic consumption and duration of hospital stay were analysed. Of the total cohort, hepatic profile was studied at the beginning and on day 7 of PN in 50 patients without liver disease at the start of PN. RESULTS: There were no differences between both groups with regard to total number and duration of antibiotics prescribed or hospital stay. Of the 50 patients without hepatic alterations at the beginning of PN, 2 patients in the control group and 5 in the glutamine group developed a hepatic profile compatible with liver disease secondary to PN. Comparing both groups, there were no differences in hepatic enzyme values. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with PN glutamine does not improve the variables studied, but the actual clinical use of glutamine in this haematological treatment should be studied further and its potential advantages identified.