Ultrasound Muscle Evaluation for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Large-Scale and Multicenter Prospective Study.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of cancer with high mortality rates and significant implications for nutritional status. Accurate assessment of malnutrition in patients with HNC is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and improving survival rates. This study aimed to evaluate the use of ultrasound techniques for predicting nutritional status, malnutrition, and cancer outcomes in patients with HNC. A total of 494 patients with HNC were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Various tools and body composition measurements, including muscle mass and adipose tissue ultrasound evaluations, were implemented. Using regression models, we mainly found that high levels of RF-CSA (rectus femoris cross-sectional area) were associated with a decreased risk of malnutrition (as defined with GLIM criteria (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.98); as defined with PG-SGA (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.98)) and sarcopenia (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49-0.82) after being adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. To predict the importance of muscle mass ultrasound variables on the risk of mortality, a nomogram, a random forest, and decision tree models were conducted. RF-CSA was the most important variable under the random forest model. The obtained C-index for the nomogram was 0.704, and the Brier score was 16.8. With an RF-CSA < 2.7 (AUC of 0.653 (0.59-0.77)) as a split, the decision tree model classified up to 68% of patients as possessing a high probability of survival. According to the cut-off value of 2.7 cm2, patients with a low RF-CSA value lower than 2.7 cm2 had worse survival rates (p < 0.001). The findings of this study highlight the importance of implementing ultrasound tools, for accurate diagnoses and monitoring of malnutrition in patients with HNC. Adipose tissue ultrasound measurements were only weakly associated with malnutrition and not with sarcopenia, indicating that muscle mass is a more important indicator of overall health and nutritional status. These results have the potential to improve survival rates and quality of life by enabling early intervention and personalized nutritional management.

Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Dynapenia and Related Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia has recently been recognized as a complication of diabetes. However, there are few results about the prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia and the related clinical outcomes in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Our objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia and to determine whether there are any associations with disease-related factors in people with T1DM. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in people with T1DM. We assessed appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI) using bioimpedance 50 Hz (Nutrilab Akern). Muscle function was assessed through handgrip strength (HGS) using a Jamar dynamometer. Sarcopenia was defined as a low HGS with low ASMI, whereas dynapenia was defined as low HGS with a normal ASMI. We used HGS data from the Spanish population percentile table and a cut-off point at p5 as dynapenia. The association of clinical, metabolic, and lifestyle variables with sarcopenia and dynapenia was studied. RESULTS: This study included 62 T1DM patients (66% females, mean age of 38 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) of 24.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2). The prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia was 8% and 23%, respectively. In our sample, there were more men in the sarcopenic and dynapenic groups. The sarcopenic group showed a significantly higher mean HbA1c value. Lower diabetes duration, PREDIMED score, BMI, and muscle mass measures (fat-free mass index (FFMI), ASMI, and body cell mass index (BCMI)) were significantly associated with sarcopenia. Decreased diabetes duration, PREDIMED score, phase angle (PhA), and HGS values showed a significant association with dynapenia. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia was high in people with T1DM in our study. Specifically, the proportion of dynapenia was quite high. HGS and ASMI are practical tools for the assessment of muscle health status in T1DM, and low values are associated with poor glycemic control, underweight, and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Thus, dynapenia may predict accelerated muscle aging in T1DM.

Standards for the Use of Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Diabetes or Stress Hyperglycaemia: Expert Consensus.

(1) Background: Hyperglycaemia that occurs during enteral nutrition (EN) should be prevented and treated appropriately since it can have important consequences for morbidity and mortality. However, there are few quality studies in the literature regarding the management of EN in this situation. The objective of this project was to attempt to respond, through a panel of experts, to those clinical problems regarding EN in patients with diabetes or stress hyperglycaemia (hereinafter referred to only as hyperglycaemia) for which we do not have conclusive scientific evidence; (2) Methods: The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, a modified Delphi panel method, was applied. A panel of experts made up of 10 clinical nutrition specialists was formed, and they scored on the appropriateness of EN in hyperglycaemia, doing so in two rounds. A total of 2992 clinical scenarios were examined, which were stratified into five chapters: type of formula used, method of administration, infusion site, treatment of diabetes, and gastrointestinal complications. (3) Results: consensus was detected in 36.4% of the clinical scenarios presented, of which 23.7% were deemed appropriate scenarios, while 12.7% were deemed inappropriate. The remaining 63.6% of the scenarios were classified as uncertain; (4) Conclusions: The recommendations extracted will be useful for improving the clinical management of these patients. However, there are still many uncertain scenarios reflecting that the criteria for the management of EN in hyperglycaemia are not completely standardised. More studies are required to provide quality recommendations in this area.

Impact of nutritional and educational support on home enteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) is used to prevent or correct malnutrition in outpatients. Due to the complexity of this process, the indication, follow-up, and results of an educational program of HEN patients was evaluated. METHODS: A prospective, observational, real-life, multicenter study was performed in 21 Spanish Hospital. Patients receiving HEN by nasogastric tube or ostomy were included. The following variables were collected: age, gender, HEN indication, type of formula, nutritional requirements, laboratory variables, complications, and quality standards of the educational program. To calculate the energy and protein requirements, the FAO/WHO/UNU formula was used considering the adjusted weight of the patients. All data were analyzed using SPSS.24. RESULTS: 414 patients were included. Most conditions diagnosed were neurodegenerative diseases (64.8%). 100 (25.3%) were diabetic. The mean weight was 59.3 ± 10.4 kg and BMI 22.6 ± 3.2. Moderate protein-calorie malnutrition was predominant at baseline (46.4%). Improvement in nutritional status at six months was recorded in more than 75% of patients (p < 0.05). Tolerance problems, diarrhea and abdominal distension fell between the 3- and 6-month visits (p < 0.05). Patients who received intermittent EN had fewer tolerance-related effects (OR 0.042; 95% CI 0.006-0.279) and less diarrhoea (OR 0.042; 95% CI 0.006-0.279). At the baseline and 6-month visits, compliance with the educational measures proposed by the prescriber was ≥ 99%. CONCLUSION: The nutritional assessment to prescribe individualized HEN to each patient, together with educational measures and training in the proper use of this treatment for both patients and trainers, improves nutritional status and reduces the onset of adverse events.

A Narrative Review about Autism Spectrum Disorders and Exclusion of Gluten and Casein from the Diet.

OBJECTIVE: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) appear in the early stages of neurodevelopment, and they remain constant throughout life. Currently, due to limitations in ASDs treatment, alternative approaches, such as nutritional interventions, have frequently been implemented. The aim of this narrative review is to gather the most relevant and updated studies about dietary interventions related to ASDs etiopathogenesis. RESULTS: Our literature search focused on the gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet. The literature found shows the inexistence of enough scientific evidence to support a general recommendation of dietary intervention in children with ASD. Protocols and procedures for assessing risk and safety are also needed. Future lines: Prospective and controlled research studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times are scarce and needed. In addition, studies considering an assessment of intestinal permeability, bacterial population, enzymatic, and inflammatory gastrointestinal activity are interesting to identify possible responders. Besides brain imaging techniques, genetic tests can also contribute as markers to evaluate the comorbidity of gastrointestinal symptoms.

New Metrics to Assess Type 2 Diabetes After Bariatric Surgery: The "Time-Within-Remission Range".

Almost one third of patients do not achieve type 2 diabetes remission after bariatric surgery or are unable to sustain this effect long term. Our objective was to delve further into the dynamic responses of diabetes after bariatric surgery and to evaluate the "time-within-remission range" as a variable of metabolic control. A descriptive cohort study was done using a computerised multicentre and multidisciplinary registry. All data were adjusted by propensity score. A total of 1186 subjects with a follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.5 years were included. Type of surgery, diabetes remission, recurrence of diabetes, "time-within-remission range" and key predictors of diabetes outcomes were assessed. All patients (70% women, 51.4 ± 9.2 years old, body mass index (BMI) 46.3 ± 6.9 kg/m2) underwent primary bariatric procedures. "Time-within-remission range" were 83.3% (33.3-91.6) after gastric bypass, 68.7% (7.1-87.5) after sleeve gastrectomy and 90% (83.3-92.8) after malabsorptive techniques (p < 0.001 for all). Duration of diabetes, baseline HbA1c and insulin treatment were significantly negatively correlated with the "time-within-remission range". The association of bariatric techniques with "time-within-remission range", using gastric bypass as a reference, were: odds ratio (OR) 3.70 (2.34-5.84), p < 0.001 for malabsorptive techniques and OR 0.55 (0.40-0.75), p < 0.001 for sleeve gastrectomy. Characteristics of type 2 diabetes powerfully influence the outcomes of bariatric surgery. The "time-within-remission range" unveils a superiority of gastric bypass compared to sleeve gastrectomy.

Influence of a Combined Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet on Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 12-Month Follow-Up Clinical Trial.

The use of alternative interventions, such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets, is frequent due to limited therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our aims were to determine the influence of a GFCF diet on behavior disorders in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD and the potential association with urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations. Thirty-seven patients were recruited for this crossover trial. Each patient consumed a normal diet (including gluten and casein) for 6 months and a GFCF diet for another 6 months. The order of the intervention (beginning with normal diet or with GFCF diet) was assigned randomly. Patients were evaluated at three time-points (at the beginning of the study, after normal diet and after GFCF diet). Questionnaires regarding behavior and autism and dietary adherence were completed and urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations were determined at each time-point. No significant behavioral changes and no association with urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations were found after GFCF diet. A 6-month GFCF diet do not induce significant changes in behavioral symptoms of autism and urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations. Further studies with a long follow-up period similar to ours and including placebo and blinding elements are needed to identify better those respondents to GFCF diets.

[Not Available]. / La desnutrición hospitalaria: un viejo problema sin resolver.

La detección de la desnutrición hospitalaria continúa de plena actualidad en la literatura médica y, a pesar de que desde hace dos décadas dejó de ser un tema novedoso, constituye un elemento recurrente en la bibliografía y motivo de abordajes monográficos en congresos y reuniones científicas.

Trends in Bariatric Surgery in Spain in the Twenty-First Century: Baseline Results and 1-Month Follow Up of the RICIBA, a National Registry.

BACKGROUND: Specific data is needed to safely expand bariatric surgery and to preserve good surgical outcomes in response to the non-stop increase in obesity prevalence worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to provide an overview of the baseline characteristics, type of surgery, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Spanish public hospitals, and evaluate changes throughout the 2000-2014 period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study using data from the RICIBA, a computerized multicenter and multidisciplinary registry created by the Obesity Group of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Spanish Society. Three periods according to the date of surgery were created: January 2000 to December 2004 (G1), January 2005 to December 2009 (G2), and January 2010 to December 2014 (G3). RESULTS: Data from 3843 patients were available (44.8 ± 10.5 years, a 3:1 female-to-male ratio, 46.9 ± 8.2 kg/m(2)). Throughout the 15-year period assessed, candidate patients for bariatric surgery were progressively older and less obese, with an increase in associated comorbidities and in the prevalence of men. The global trend also showed a progressive decrease in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most performed bariatric procedure (75.1 % in G1, 69.3 % in G2, and 42.6 % in G3; p < 0.001), associated with a parallel increase in sleeve gastrectomy (0.8 % in G1, 18.1 % in G2, and 39.6 % in G3; p < 0.001). An overall mortality rate of 0.3 % was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Data from Spain is similar to data observed worldwide. Information recorded in the National Registries like RICIBA is necessary in order to safely expand bariatric surgery in response to increasing demand.

Relationship between serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and markers of insulin resistance in a cohort of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between serum concentrations of several persistent organic pollutants and insulin resistance markers in a cohort of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. ∑POPs was computed as the sum of individual serum POP concentrations. No statistically significant associations were found between levels of any POP and fasting glucose. However, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners 138 and 180 were positively associated with 2-h glucose levels and PCB 180 also with fasting immunoreactive insulin (IRI). We also found a positive association of p,p'- dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'- DDE), PCBs (138, 153, and 180), hexachlorobenzene, and ∑POPs with 2-h IRI. Serum concentrations of PCBs (138, 153, and 180), hexachlorobenzene, and ∑POPs were also positively associated with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA2-IR) levels. Moreover, p,p'- DDE, PCBs (138, 153 and 180), hexachlorobenzene, and ∑POPs were negatively associated with Insulin Sensitivity Index (ISI-gly) levels. No significant association was found between glycated hemoglobin and the concentrations of any POP. The removal of women under blood glucose lowering treatment from the models strengthened most of the associations previously found for the whole population. Our findings suggest that exposure to certain POPs is a modifiable risk factor contributing to insulin resistance.

Clinical and hormonal variables related to bone mass loss in anorexia nervosa patients.

A better understanding of the prognostic factors of low bone mass in anorexia nervosa (AN) and development of effective therapeutic strategies is critical. In order to determine which clinical, biochemical, and/or hormonal parameters could be related to bone mineral density (BMD), 47 female AN patients were classified according to the WHO osteoporosis criteria at lumbar spine (LS). This was a cross-sectional study of 16 AN women with osteoporosis criteria and 31without. Control group was 25 healthy, normal-weight, age-matched women. We assessed BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the LS and body composition. We measured serum fasting cortisol, estradiol, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptin, sex hormone-binding globulin, albumin and retinol binding protein levels. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 34% and osteopenia 19% at the LS. The AN group with osteoporosis had lower IGF-1 and estradiol levels (both p<0.001), lower serum leptin (p<0.02), and higher cortisolemia (p<0.03) levels compared with AN group without osteoporosis. The BMD and T-score at LS was inversely related to the duration of amenorrhea (p<0.02) and directly related to body mass index (BMI, p<0.002), total fat mass (p<0.03), serum IGF-1 (p<0.01), and estradiol levels (p<0.001) in AN patients. We conclude that AN women with a significant BMD loss have a high risk of developing osteoporosis. A low BMD is a consequence of hormonal alterations which include hypoestrogenism, hypoleptinemia, hypercortisolism, and decreases in IGF-1 levels, as well as a low BMI and fat mass.

Metabolismo mineral y riesgo de fracturas en la anorexia nerviosa / Bone metabolism and fracture risk in anorexia nervosa

El diagnóstico de anorexia nerviosa (AN) se hace habitualmente en la adolescencia, por lo que la osteoporosis es una complicación relevante al incidir en una etapa crítica del desarrollo esquelético. Hasta un 50% de las pacientes con AN presenta una densidad mineral ósea alterada en el momento del diagnóstico, con riesgo de fracturas precoces o en la vida adulta. Se afecta fundamentalmente el hueso trabecular y los factores de mal pronóstico son el diagnóstico tardío, la persistencia de la amenorrea y del peso bajo. Las bases actuales del tratamiento serían la ganancia de peso, la recuperación de las menstruaciones y la suplementación con calcio y vitamina D. La densitometría ósea es una prueba diagnóstica necesaria en el estudio y en el seguimiento de las pacientes. La atención primaria debe identificar y derivar de forma precoz a unidades especializadas para mejorar el pronóstico de la enfermedad (AU)

The prevalence of anorexia nervosa has increased in recent years and a large proportion of patients with this disorder have low bone density at diagnosis and, therefore, an increased risk of early and late fractures. The mechanism of bone loss in anorexia nervosa is not well understood, yet it likely includes hypogonadism, alterations of the GH-IGF-1 axis and hypercortisolism. DEXA is the most effective tool for assessing and monitoring bone density in these patients, and it is important to improve or at least stabilize bone metabolism in those with low bone mass. No agent has yet been proven to be effective in improving bone density. However, sustained weight recovery and menses besides an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are recommended to optimize the conditions in which bone mass accrual may occur (AU)

[Bone metabolism and fracture risk in anorexia nervosa]. / Metabolismo mineral y riesgo de fracturas en la anorexia nerviosa.

The prevalence of anorexia nervosa has increased in recent years and a large proportion of patients with this disorder have low bone density at diagnosis and, therefore, an increased risk of early and late fractures. The mechanism of bone loss in anorexia nervosa is not well understood, yet it likely includes hypogonadism, alterations of the GH-IGF-1 axis and hypercortisolism. DEXA is the most effective tool for assessing and monitoring bone density in these patients, and it is important to improve or at least stabilize bone metabolism in those with low bone mass. No agent has yet been proven to be effective in improving bone density. However, sustained weight recovery and menses besides an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are recommended to optimize the conditions in which bone mass accrual may occur.

[Social profiles, diet, and prediction of eating disorders in urban andalusian adolescents]. / Perfiles sociales, alimentación y predicción de trastornos de la alimentación en adolescentes urbanos andaluces.

OBJECTIVE: To know the social profile of Andalusian urban adolescents and analyse the similarities and differences they have with those at risk of presenting with eating disorders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional community study. Stratified cluster sampling. SETTING: Public and private education institutions in Andalusian cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants (Sevilla, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, Huelva, Almeria, Jaen, Algeciras, and Jerez). PARTICIPANTS: Pupils from 12 to 16 years, attending an academic course in the year 2002-2003 (N=1667). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: To compare the results of the sample with adolescents who are at risk of presenting with eating disorders (those who scored more than 20 in the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test [EAT-26]) we used the chi2 test for the nominal variables and the Spearman rho for the interval variables, with a significance level of P=.05. RESULTS: There were no differences between either group as regards family structure, friend relationships, academic performance, and sporting activities. The differences centred on disciplinary practices, the number of friends diagnosed with an eating behavioural disorder, the objectives for practicing sports, and the type of diet that they followed. The subjects who scored highest on the EAT-26 were those who had a higher body mass index and a lower social status. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that diet changes are a response to certain social conditions. It would be speculative to include subjects who obtain high EAT-26 scores in the population at risk of anorexia.

Perfiles sociales, alimentación y predicción de trastornos de la alimentación en adolescentes urbanos andaluces / Social profiles, diet, and prediction of eating disorders in urban andalusian adolescents

Objetivo. Conocer el perfil social de los adolescentes urbanos andaluces y analizar las similitudes y diferencias que muestran con los que están en riesgo de presentar trastornos alimentarios. Diseño. Estudio transversal, comunitario. Muestra estratificada por conglomerados. Emplazamiento. Centros educativos públicos y privados de ciudades andaluzas de más de 100.000 habitantes (Sevilla, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, Cádiz, Huelva, Almería, Jaén, Algeciras y Jerez). Participantes. Alumnado de 12 a 16 años, escolarizado en el curso académico 2002-2003 (n = 1.667). Mediciones principales. Para comparar los resultados de la muestra con los adolescentes que están en riesgo de presentar trastornos alimentarios (los que puntúan más de 20 en la Escala de Actitud Alimentaria 26 [EAT-26]) utilizamos el test de la χ2 para las variables nominales y la correlación de rho de Spearman para las variables de intervalo, con un nivel de significación de p < 0,05. Resultados. No hay diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos con respecto a la estructura familiar, la relación de amistad, el rendimiento académico y las prácticas deportivas. Las diferencias se centran en las prácticas disciplinarias, el número de amigos y amigas diagnosticados de trastorno de la conducta alimentaria, los objetivos para practicar deporte y el tipo de dieta que realizan. Las personas que puntúan más alto en el EAT-26 son las que tienen mayor índice de masa corporal y menor posición social. Conclusiones. Es conveniente contemplar las alteraciones alimentarias como una respuesta a determinadas condiciones sociales. Resulta aventurado considerar como incluidas en población de riesgo de anorexia a las personas que obtienen altas puntuaciones de la EAT-26

Objective. To know the social profile of Andalusian urban adolescents and analyse the similarities and differences they have with those at risk of presenting with eating disorders. Design. Cross-sectional community study. Stratified cluster sampling. Setting. Public and private education institutions in Andalusian cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants (Sevilla, Malaga, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, Huelva, Almeria, Jaen, Algeciras, and Jerez). Participants. Pupils from 12 to 16 years, attending an academic course in the year 2002-2003 (N=1667). Main measurements. To compare the results of the sample with adolescents who are at risk of presenting with eating disorders (those who scored more than 20 in the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test [EAT-26]) we used the χ2 test for the nominal variables and the Spearman rho for the interval variables, with a significance level of P=.05. Results. There were no differences between either group as regards family structure, friend relationships, academic performance, and sporting activities. The differences centred on disciplinary practices, the number of friends diagnosed with an eating behavioural disorder, the objectives for practicing sports, and the type of diet that they followed. The subjects who scored highest on the EAT-26 were those who had a higher body mass index and a lower social status. Conclusions. It appears that diet changes are a response to certain social conditions. It would be speculative to include subjects who obtain high EAT-26 scores in the population at risk of anorexia