Clinical and Physiological Variables in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Condition and Persistent Fatigue.

Background/Objectives: Post-COVID-19 condition can manifest through various symptoms such as dyspnea, cognitive disturbances, and fatigue, with mechanisms related to these symptoms, particularly those related to fatigue, still requiring further clarification. Therefore, our aim was to assess the clinical and physiological variables in patients with post-COVID-19 condition and persistent fatigue. Methods: After one year post-COVID-19 infection, the patients underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including a complete blood count, a metabolic panel, complete spirometry, and assessments of dyspnea, quality of life, anxiety and depression, physical capacity, body composition, muscle strength, comorbidities, and medications. The participants were categorized into two groups: G1-fatigue and G2-non-fatigue. Results: Seventy-seven patients (53% female; 55 ± 11.8 years) were included, 37 in G1 and 40 in G2. As for clinical markers and symptoms of illness, in those with persistent fatigue symptoms, a greater sensation of dyspnea [BDI score: 7.5 (6-9) vs. 12 (9-12), p < 0.001; mMRC score: 1 (1-2) vs. 0 (0-1), p = 0.002], worse quality of life [SGRQ total score: 1404 (1007-1897) vs. 497 (274-985); p < 0.001], higher levels of anxiety [HADS-A score: 8 (5-9) vs. 3 (0.5-4); p < 0.001], and a reduction in peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength [handgrip strength: 34 (28-40) vs. 40 (30-46.5) kgf, p = 0.044; MIP: -81 ± 31 vs. -111 ± 33 mmHg, p < 0.001)] were observed. Conclusions: Those with persistent fatigue exhibited a greater sensation of dyspnea, higher levels of anxiety, reduced peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength, and a greater impairment of quality of life. The severity of fatigue was influenced by the worsening quality of life, heightened anxiety levels, and decreased peripheral muscle strength. Additionally, the worse quality of life was associated with a higher sensation of dyspnea, lower muscle strength, and reduced physical capacity.

Serum myostatin levels are associated with physical function and hospitalization in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Myostatin functions as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. The association of myostatin with muscle parameters in dialysis patients is inconsistent, and there are no studies associating myostatin with physical function and outcomes in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Therefore, we assessed the association of serum myostatin with lean mass, physical function, and hospitalization in a prospective cohort of PD patients. METHODS: Lean mass, physical function, and serum myostatin were assessed at baseline. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months and hospitalization was recorded. RESULTS: Serum myostatin levels were positively correlated with handgrip strength and Appendicular Lean Mass Index among male patients. Binary logistic regression models were performed including myostatin levels and physical function parameters as independent variables. Serum myostatin, handgrip strength, gait speed, and Short Physical Performance Battery were associated with hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Lower serum myostatin and physical function were associated with hospitalization in PD patients.

Acute green tea intake attenuates circulating microRNA expression induced by a high-fat, high-saturated meal in obese women: A randomized crossover study.

The objective of this study was to assess whether acute green tea (GT) supplementation attenuates inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by high-fat, high-saturated (HFHS) meals in obese women, and to assess its ability to modulate circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression. This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. The study included obese women over 18 years old who had no comorbidities. In the first moment, patients were instructed to take 2 capsules of placebo or GT (738 mg) at 10:00 p.m. and to fast overnight. The next morning, a blood sample was collected, and an HFHS meal was offered to the patients. Another blood sample was collected 5 hours after the meal. In the second moment, patients who received placebo in the first moment now received the GT and vice-versa. Serum inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured, and circulating levels of miRNA were evaluated. Fifteen women with mean age of 35.5±9.9 years were included in the final analysis. There was no difference regarding inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. However, patients who consumed GT had lower circulating expression of 62 miRNAs compared with patients who did not consume GT. Predictive analysis of target genes showed 1,757 targets regulated by the 62 miRNAs. Notably, 5 miRNAs (miR-1297, miR-192-5p, miR-373-3p, miR-595 and miR-1266-5p) regulate genes associated with TGF-beta, CARM1, RSK, and BMP pathways. Our study showed that GT inhibited the expression of miRNAs induced by HFHS meal intake. These results shed light on the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of GT ingestion.

Circulating miRNAs are associated with frailty and ST-elevation myocardial infarction pathways.

BACKGROUND: Frailty and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) share similar molecular pathways. Specific biomarkers, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that cause the relationship between frailty and STEMI. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to identify and compare circulating miRNA levels between frail and non-frail older adults following STEMI and comprehend the regulatory miRNA-gene networks and pathways involved in this condition. METHODS: This exploratory study is a subanalysis of a larger observational study. In this study, we selected patients ≥ 65 years old, following STEMI, with pre-frail/frail (n=5) and non-frail (n=4) phenotype evaluated using the Clinical Frailty Scale and serum circulating miRNA levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Pre-frail/frail patients had greater serum levels of 53 miRNAs, compared with non-frail patients. Notably, miR-103a-3p, miR-598-3p, and miR-130a-3p were the top three significantly deregulated miRNAs predicted to modulate gene expression associated with aging. Additional computational analyses showed 7,420 predicted miRNA gene targets, which were regulated by at least two of the 53 identified miRNAs. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that axon guidance and MAPK signaling were among pathways regulated by miRNA target genes. CONCLUSIONS: These novel findings suggest a correlation between the identified miRNAs, target genes, and pathways in pre-frail and frail patients with myocardial infarction.

Comparison between FRAIL Scale and Clinical Frailty Scale in predicting hospitalization in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence of frailty by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the 5-item FRAIL scale and their association with hospitalization in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. We included patients of both genders ≥ 18 years old in HD treatment for at least 3 months. Demographic, clinical, and routine laboratory data were retrieved from the medical charts. Two different frailty assessment tools were used, the CFS and the FRAIL scale. Participants were followed up for 9 months and hospitalizations for all causes were evaluated. A Venn diagram was constructed to show the overlap of possible frailty and pre-frailty. Cox regression was used to identify the association between frailty and hospitalization. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 137 subjects were included in the analysis. The median age was 61 (52-67) years and 60% were male. The hospitalization rate and mortality in 9 months were 22.6% and 7.29%, respectively. Regarding frailty, the overall prevalence was 13.8% assessed by CFS and 36.5% according to the FRAIL scale. In the Cox regression, frailty by FRAIL scale was associated with a 2.8-fold increase in the risk of hospitalization (OR = 2.880; 95% CI = 1.361-6.096; p = 0.006), but frailty assessed by the CFS was not associated with the need for hospitalization. CONCLUSION: In HD patients, the FRAIL scale proved to be an easy-to-apply tool, identifying a high prevalence of frailty and being a predictor of hospital admission.

Association Between Serum Myostatin Levels, Hospital Mortality, and Muscle Mass and Strength Following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum myostatin levels, hospital mortality, and muscle mass and strength following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. Within 48 hours of admission, bioelectrical impedance and handgrip strength were assessed and blood samples collected for myostatin evaluation. Hospital mortality was recorded. A multiple logistic regression model was also constructed, adjusted by parameters that exhibited significant differences in the univariate analysis, to evaluate the association between myostatin levels and hospital mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and two (102) patients were included: mean age was 60.5±10.6 years, 67.6% were male, and 6.9% died during hospital stay. Univariate analysis showed that patients with lower myostatin levels had higher mortality rates. Serum myostatin levels positively correlated with handgrip strength (r=0.355; p<0.001) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (r=0.268; p=0.007). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that lower myostatin levels were associated with hospital mortality at the <2.20 ng/mL cut-off. Multiple logistic regression showed that higher serum myostatin levels were associated with reduced hospital mortality when adjusted by ß blocker use (OR, 0.228; 95% CI, 0.054-0.974; p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Serum myostatin concentrations positively correlated with muscle mass and strength in STEMI patients. Further assessment of serum myostatin association with mortality should be conducted using a larger sample and assessing the additive value to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) or thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk scores.

Association between frailty and C-terminal agrin fragment with 3-month mortality following ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between frailty, evaluated by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and FRAIL scale, and C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) levels with 3-month mortality following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This was a prospective observational study that included patients over the age of 18 years with STEMI admitted to the coronary intensive care unit. Within 48 h of admission, the CFS and FRAIL scale were applied and blood samples collected for serum CAF evaluation. Patients were followed for 3 months after hospital discharge, and mortality was recorded. One hundred and eleven patients were included; mean age was 62.3 ±â€¯12.4 years, 61.3% were male and 11.7% died during the 3 months of follow-up. According to the CFS, 79.3% of the patients were classified as not frail, 12.6% as pre-frail and 8.1% as frail. According to the FRAIL scale, 31.5% of the patients were classified as not frail, 53.2% as pre-frail and 15.3% as frail. In univariate analysis, the CFS but not FRAIL scale was associated with mortality. In multiple logistic regression analysis, pre-frail/frail according to CFS (odds ratio [OR]: 6.118; CI 95%: 1.344-27.848; p = 0.019) and CAF levels (OR: 0.943; CI 95%: 0.896-0.992; p = 0.024) were associated with increased 3-month mortality. In a sub-analysis of 53 patients ≥65 years, CFS and CAF levels were associated with 3-month mortality. In conclusion, CAF levels and frailty determined by the CFS were associated with 3-month mortality after STEMI in the general and older population.

Meal timing and frequency implications in the development and prognosis of chronic kidney disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of death than the general population, the main cause being cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nutrition plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of CVD and kidney diseases. Currently, new evidence reinforces the importance of specific foods and general dietary patterns rather than isolated nutrients for cardiovascular risk. In addition, dietary patterns and healthy eating habits seem extremely relevant in decreasing risk factors. Epidemiologic and clinical intervention studies have suggested that late-night dinner and skipping breakfast are associated with an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and CVD. In CKD, despite important changes in nutritional counseling in recent decades, less attention has been paid to meal timing and frequency. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss the evidence of meal timing and frequency in CKD development and prognosis, presented under three main topics: risk of developing CKD, importance of dietary habits, and implications of fasting.

Association of Phase Angle, but Not Inflammation and Overhydration, With Physical Function in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Introduction: Muscle mass depletion, overhydration, and inflammatory state have been related to impaired physical function in chronic kidney disease patients. The relationship between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters, such as hydration status and phase angle (PhA), with physical function in peritoneal dialysis (PD), is still not well-established. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the association of BIA parameters (overhydration index and PhA) and inflammatory markers with physical function in patients on PD. Methods: The present cross-sectional study enrolled PD patients. Multifrequency BIA was performed to obtain overhydration index and PhA. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test battery was applied to assess physical function. The time to complete the 4-m gait test and sit-to-stand test was also considered for physical function assessment. The inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive protein levels were determined. Multiple linear regression models were performed, with the physical function variables as dependent variables, adjusted for age, diabetes, and sex. Results: Forty-nine PD patients were enrolled, 53.1% (n = 26) women; mean age, 55.5 ± 16.3 years. There were significant correlations between PhA and SPPB (r = 0.550, p < 0.001), time of 4-m gait test (r = -0.613, p < 0.001) and sit-to-stand test and (r = -0.547, p < 0.001). Overhydration index was significantly correlated with SPPB, 4-m gait test (r = 0.339, p = 0.017), and sit-to-stand test (r = 0.335, p = 0.019). Inflammatory markers were not significantly correlated with physical function parameters. In the multiple linear regression analysis, PhA was associated with physical function parameters, even after adjustments. Overhydration index was associated with all physical function tests only in the models with no adjustments. Conclusion: PhA was independently associated with physical function in PD patients. Inflammatory markers and overhydration index were not associated with physical function.

Orange Juice Attenuates Circulating miR-150-5p, miR-25-3p, and miR-451a in Healthy Smokers: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Introduction: Tobacco smoke is associated with oxidative and inflammatory pathways, increasing the risk of chronic-degenerative diseases. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of acute "Pera" and "Moro" orange juice consumption on inflammatory processes and oxidative stress in microRNA (miRNA) expression in plasma from healthy smokers. Methods: This was a randomized crossover study that included healthy smokers over 18 years old. Blood samples were collected before and 11 h after beverage ingestion. Participants were instructed to drink 400 mL of Pera orange juice (Citrus sinensis), Moro orange juice (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), or water. Each subject drank the beverages in a 3-way crossover study design. Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and circulating miRNA expression profiles were determined. The subjects maintained their usual tobacco exposure during the experiment. Results: We included 18 individuals (12 men and 6 women), with 37.0 ± 12.0 years old. All subjects received the 3 interventions. Increased expression of circulating miRNAs (miR-150-5p, miR-25-3p, and miR-451a) was verified after cigarette smoking, which were attenuated after intake of both types of orange juice. There was no difference regarding serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9, and C-reactive protein. Despite the increased activity of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase after "Pera" or "Moro" orange juice intake, respectively, no changes in lipid hydroperoxide levels were detected. Conclusion: Tobaccos smokers showed increased expression of miR-150-5p, miR-25-3p, and miR-451a was noted, and attenuated by orange juice intake. miRNAs were predicted to regulate 244 target genes with roles in oxidative stress, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling, which are pathways frequently involved in smoking-related cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Associations among body composition, inflammatory profile and disease extent in ulcerative colitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess body composition status and its association with inflammatory profile and extent of intestinal damage in ulcerative colitis patients during clinical remission. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study in which body composition data (phase angle [PhA], fat mass [FM], triceps skin fold thickness [TSFt], mid-arm circumference [MAC], mid-arm muscle circumference [MAMC], adductor pollicis muscle thickness [APMt]), inflammatory profile (C-reactive protein [CRP], a1-acid glycoprotein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and disease extent were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the 59 patients was 48.1 years; 53.3% were women. Most patients were in clinical remission (94.9%) and 3.4% was malnourished according to body mass index. PhA was inversely correlated with inflammatory markers such as CRP (R=-0.59; p<0.001) and ESR (R=-0.46; p<0.001) and directly correlated with lean mass: MAMC (R=0.31; p=0.01) and APMt (R=0.47; p<0.001). Lean mass was inversely correlated with non-specific inflammation marker (APMt vs. ESR) and directly correlated with hemoglobin values (MAMC vs. hemoglobin). Logistic regression analysis revealed that body cell mass was associated with disease extent (OR 0.92; 95CI 0.87-0.97; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: PhA was inversely correlated with inflammatory markers and directly correlated with lean mass. Acute inflammatory markers were correlated with disease extent. Body cell mass was associated with disease extent.

Associations among body composition, inflammatory profile and disease extent in ulcerative colitis patients / Associações entre composição corporal, perfil inflamatório e extensão da doença em pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa

Summary Objective: The aim of our study was to assess body composition status and its association with inflammatory profile and extent of intestinal damage in ulcerative colitis patients during clinical remission. Method: This is a cross-sectional study in which body composition data (phase angle [PhA], fat mass [FM], triceps skin fold thickness [TSFt], mid-arm circumference [MAC], mid-arm muscle circumference [MAMC], adductor pollicis muscle thickness [APMt]), inflammatory profile (C-reactive protein [CRP], a1-acid glycoprotein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and disease extent were recorded. Results: The mean age of the 59 patients was 48.1 years; 53.3% were women. Most patients were in clinical remission (94.9%) and 3.4% was malnourished according to body mass index. PhA was inversely correlated with inflammatory markers such as CRP (R=-0.59; p<0.001) and ESR (R=-0.46; p<0.001) and directly correlated with lean mass: MAMC (R=0.31; p=0.01) and APMt (R=0.47; p<0.001). Lean mass was inversely correlated with non-specific inflammation marker (APMt vs. ESR) and directly correlated with hemoglobin values (MAMC vs. hemoglobin). Logistic regression analysis revealed that body cell mass was associated with disease extent (OR 0.92; 95CI 0.87-0.97; p<0.01). Conclusion: PhA was inversely correlated with inflammatory markers and directly correlated with lean mass. Acute inflammatory markers were correlated with disease extent. Body cell mass was associated with disease extent.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a composição corporal de pacientes portadores de retocolite ulcerativa em remissão clínica e sua associação com o perfil inflamatório e a extensão da lesão intestinal. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal. Os dados relacionados à composição corporal foram ângulo de fase (AF), massa adiposa (MA), dobra cutânea triciptal (DCT), circunferência do braço (CB), circunferência muscular do braço (CMB) e espessura do músculo adutor do polegar (EMAP). O perfil inflamatório foi avaliado através da dosagem da proteína-C reativa (PCR), a1-glicoproteína ácida e velocidade de hemossedimentação (VHS) e a extensão da doença foi avaliada de acordo com o exame endoscópico. Resultados: Foram avaliados 59 pacientes. A média de idade foi de 48,1 anos e 53,3% eram mulheres. A maioria dos pacientes (94,9%) estava em remissão clínica da doença e 3,4% foi classificada como desnutrida de acordo com o IMC. Observou-se uma correlação inversa entre AF e marcadores inflamatórios como a PCR (R=-0,59; p<0,001) e VHS (R=-0,46; p<0,001) e uma correlação direta entre AF e os indicadores de massa magra como CMB (R=0,31; p=0,01) e EMAP (R=0,47; p<0,001). A massa magra foi inversamente correlacionada com marcadores inflamatórios não específicos, como a VHS, e diretamente correlacionada com a hemoglobina. De acordo com a análise de regressão logística, a massa celular corporal foi associada com extensão da lesão intestinal (OR 0,92; IC95% 0,87-0,97; p<0,01). Conclusão: AF foi inversamente correlacionado com marcadores inflamatórios e diretamente correlacionado com a massa magra. Marcadores inflamatórios de fase aguda e massa celular corporal foram correlacionados com extensão da lesão intestinal.

Phase angle is associated with the length of ICU stay in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between phase angle (PhA), sarcopenia, and the length of stay (LOS) in the coronary intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with non-ST acute coronary syndrome(NSTE-ACS).Methods: This was a prospective observational study that evaluated 80 patients with NSTE-ACS over the age of18 years, admitted to the ICU from January to June 2014. Upon admission, the patients'demographic information was recorded. Handgrip strength and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were performed, and blood samples were taken within the first 72 h of admission. All of the patients were followed during their ICU stays. Results: We evaluated 80 patients, five were excluded due to impossibility of assessing handgrip strength, and seven patients were not subjected to BIA. Thus, 68 patients with a mean age of 63.3 ± 13.1 years were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 60.1% were male, 27.9% of the patients had sarcopenia, 8.8% had LOSs≥8 days, and median phase angle was 6.5 (6.1­7.3)°. Multiple logistic regression adjusted for age and gender revealed tha PhA was not associated with the presence of sarcopenia. Additionally, PhA (OR 0.337; CI 95% 0.118­0.961;p= 0.04)but not sarcopenia (OR 0.517; CI 95% 0.055­4.879;p= 0.56) was associated with an increased LOS. Conclusions: PhA is associated with LOS in patients with NSTE-ACS. Additionally, there was no association between PhA and sarcopenia.

Body composition in patients with crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis / Composição corporal de pacientes com doença de Crohn e colite ulcerativa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND The nutritional status of individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases is directly related to the severity of the disease and is associated with poor prognosis and the deterioration of immune competence. OBJECTIVE To assess the nutritional status and the body composition of outpatients with inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with clinical and nutritional assessment of patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients were classified according to the clinical activity through Crohn’s Disease Activity Index and Mayo Score. Nutritional assessment consisted of anthropometric measurements of current weight, height, mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness and thickness of adductor policis muscle, with subsequent calculation of BMI, arm muscle circumference and the mid-arm muscle area (MAMA). The phase angle (PhA) and lean and fat mass were obtained with the use of electrical bioimpedance. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test or Fisher exact test, ANOVA and t-test. RESULTS We evaluated 141 patients of which 54 (38.29%) had Crohn’s disease and 87 (61.70%) ulcerative colitis. The mean age was 43.98 (±15.68) years in Crohn’s disease and 44.28 (±16.29) years for ulcerative colitis. Most of the patients were in clinical remission of the disease (Crohn’s disease: 88.89%; ulcerative colitis: 87.36%). Regarding the nutritional classification using BMI, it was found that 48.15% of Crohn’s disease patients were eutrophic and 40.74% were overweight or obese; among patients with ulcerative colitis, 52.87% were classified as overweight or obese. When considering the triceps skinfold, it was observed in both groups a high percentage of overweight and obesity (Crohn’s disease: 75.93%; ulcerative colitis: 72.42%). Crohn’s disease patients showed the most affected nutritional status according to the nutritional variables when compared to patients with ulcerative colitis (BMI: 24.88 kg/m² x BMI: 26.56 kg/m², P=0.054; MAMA: 35.11 mm x MAMA: 40.39 mm, P=0.040; PhA: 6.46° x PhA: 6.83°, P=0.006). CONCLUSION Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Crohn’s disease patients had more impaired anthropometric and body composition indicators when compared to patients with ulcerative colitis.

RESUMO CONTEXTO O estado nutricional de indivíduos com doença inflamatória intestinal está diretamente relacionado à gravidade da doença e associado a mau prognóstico e deterioração da competência imune. OBJETIVO Avaliar o status e a composição corporal de pacientes ambulatoriais com doença inflamatória intestinal. METÓDOS Foi conduzido um estudo transversal com avaliação clínica e nutricional de pacientes com doença de Crohn e colite ulcerativa. Pacientes foram classificados de acordo com o índice de atividade clínica Crohn’s Disease Activity Index e escore de Mayo. Avaliação nutricional foi composta peso atual, estatura, circunferência do braço, dobra cutânea tricipital e espessura do músculo adutor do polegar. Posteriormente, foram calculados índice de massa corporal, circunferência muscular do braço e área muscular do braço corrigida. O ângulo de fase e massa magra e massa gorda foram derivadas da bioimpedância elétrica. Foram realizados análise descritiva, teste de qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, teste t e ANOVA. RESULTADOS Foram avaliados 141 pacientes, sendo 54 (38,29%) com doença de Crohn e 87 (61,70%) com colite ulcerativa. A idade média foi de 43,98 (±15,68) anos em pacientes com doença de Crohn e 44,28 (±16,29) anos em pacientes com colite ulcerativa. A maioria dos pacientes estava em remissão clínica da doença (doença de Crohn: 88,89%; colite ulcerativa: 87,36%). O estado nutricional de acordo com o IMC foi 48,15% eutrófico e 40,74% sobrepeso/obesidade para doença de Crohn; entre os indivíduos com colite ulcerativa, 52,87% foram classificados como sobrepeso/obesidade. Ao se considerar dobra cutânea do tríceps, observou-se obesidade em ambos os grupos (doença de Crohn 75,93%; colite ulcerativa: 72,42%). Pacientes com doença de Crohn apresentam maiores variações de composição corporal quando comparados com pacientes com colite ulcerativa (IMC: 24,88 kg/m² x IMC: 26,56 kg/m², P=0,054; área do músculo do braço: 35,11mm x área do músculo do braço: 40,39 mm, P=0,040; ângulo de fase: 6,46° x ângulo de fase: 6,83°, P=0,006). CONCLUSÃO Pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal apresentaram alta prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade. Indivíduos com doença de Crohn apresentaram parâmetros de composição corporal e de antropometria mais comprometidos, quando comparados com indivíduos com colite ulcerativa.

BODY COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS WITH CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

BACKGROUND: The nutritional status of individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases is directly related to the severity of the disease and is associated with poor prognosis and the deterioration of immune competence. OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status and the body composition of outpatients with inflammatory bowel diseases. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with clinical and nutritional assessment of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients were classified according to the clinical activity through Crohn's Disease Activity Index and Mayo Score. Nutritional assessment consisted of anthropometric measurements of current weight, height, mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness and thickness of adductor policis muscle, with subsequent calculation of BMI, arm muscle circumference and the mid-arm muscle area (MAMA). The phase angle (PhA) and lean and fat mass were obtained with the use of electrical bioimpedance. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test or Fisher exact test, ANOVA and t-test. RESULTS: We evaluated 141 patients of which 54 (38.29%) had Crohn's disease and 87 (61.70%) ulcerative colitis. The mean age was 43.98 (±15.68) years in Crohn's disease and 44.28 (±16.29) years for ulcerative colitis. Most of the patients were in clinical remission of the disease (Crohn's disease: 88.89%; ulcerative colitis: 87.36%). Regarding the nutritional classification using BMI, it was found that 48.15% of Crohn's disease patients were eutrophic and 40.74% were overweight or obese; among patients with ulcerative colitis, 52.87% were classified as overweight or obese. When considering the triceps skinfold, it was observed in both groups a high percentage of overweight and obesity (Crohn's disease: 75.93%; ulcerative colitis: 72.42%). Crohn's disease patients showed the most affected nutritional status according to the nutritional variables when compared to patients with ulcerative colitis (BMI: 24.88 kg/m² x BMI: 26.56 kg/m², P=0.054; MAMA: 35.11 mm x MAMA: 40.39 mm, P=0.040; PhA: 6.46° x PhA: 6.83°, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Crohn's disease patients had more impaired anthropometric and body composition indicators when compared to patients with ulcerative colitis.