Serum Albumin is Independent Predictor of Hospital Mortality in Patients with Cancer / A Albumina Sérica é Preditor Independente de Mortalidade Hospitalar em Pacientes com Câncer / La Albúmina Sérica es un Predictor Independiente de Mortalidad Hospitalaria en Pacientes con Cáncer

Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are few studies showing adjusted models with other predictors of mortality by a conceptual model perspective. Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the prediction of albumin and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) with in-hospital mortality in cancer patients. Method: Retrospective study was performed from 2014 to 2016 with 262 cancer patients (gastrointestinal tract, male genital organs, breast, metastasis, urinary tract, head and neck and others). Demographic data, blood counts, C-reactive protein, albumin, and haematological indexes (Prognosis nutritional index - PNI, Neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio - NLR, Monocytes lymphocytes ratio - MLR, Platelets to lymphocytes ratio - PLR and Platelets to albumin ratio - PAR), nutritional diagnoses and hospital outcomes (discharge or death) were collected. The cumulative probability of death was calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves, and survival analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The frequency of death among the study patients was 10.7% (28). Among the patients who died, 99.2% (26) presented some degree of malnutrition (p=0.004). In the multivariate analysis, serum albumin (<3 g/dL) was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (HR=3.43, 95% CI 1.11-10.63). On the other hand, the PNI was not associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Serum albumin levels during hospitalization were predictors of in-hospital mortality in the population evaluated. These results suggest that the serum levels of this protein can be used in clinical practice, adding prognostic information in patients with cancer

Introducción: El cáncer es una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. Hay pocos estudios que muestren modelos ajustados con otros predictores de mortalidad desde una perspectiva de modelo conceptual. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la predicción de la albúmina y el Índice Nutricional Pronóstico (IPN) con la mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con cáncer (tracto gastrointestinal, órganos genitales masculinos, mama, metástasis, tracto urinario, cabeza y cuello y otros). Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 2014 a 2016 con 262 pacientes con cáncer. Se recogieron datos demográficos, hemogramas, proteína C reactiva, albúmina y índices hematológicos (Índice de Pronóstico Nutricional - IPN, proporción neutrófilos/linfocitos - NLR, proporción monocitos/linfocitos - MLR, proporción plaquetas/linfocitos - PLR y proporción plaquetas/albúmina - PAR), diagnósticos nutricionales y resultados hospitalarios (alta o muerte). La probabilidad acumulada de muerte se calculó mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier y se realizaron análisis supervivencia utilizando el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: La frecuencia de muerte entre los pacientes del estudio fue del 10,7% (28). Entre los pacientes fallecidos, el 99,2% (26) presentaba algún grado de desnutrición (p=0,004). En el análisis multivariado, la albúmina sérica (<3 g/dL) se asoció de forma independiente con la mortalidad hospitalaria (HR=3,43, IC 95% 1,11-10,63). Por otro lado, el IPN no se asoció con mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Conclusión: Los niveles de albúmina sérica durante la hospitalización fueron predictores de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en la población evaluada. Nuestros resultados sugieren que los niveles séricos de esta proteína se pueden utilizar en la práctica clínica, agregando información de pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer.

Introdução: O câncer é uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo. Existem poucos estudos mostrando modelos ajustados com outros preditores de mortalidade por uma perspectiva de modelo conceitual. Objetivo: Verificar a predição de albumina e do Índice Nutricional Prognóstico (IPN) com mortalidade intra-hospitalar em pacientes com câncer. Método: Estudo retrospectivo realizado de 2014 a 2016 com 262 pacientes com câncer (trato gastrointestinal, órgãos genitais masculinos, mama, metástases, trato urinário, cabeça e pescoço e outros). Foram coletados dados demográficos, hemograma, proteína C reativa, albumina e índices hematológicos (índice de prognóstico nutricional - IPN; relação neutrófilo por linfócitos - RNL; relação monócitos por linfócitos - RML; relação plaquetas por linfócitos - RPL; e relação plaquetas por albumina ­ RPA), diagnósticos nutricionais e desfechos hospitalares (alta ou óbito). A probabilidade cumulativa de morte foi calculada pelas curvas de Kaplan-Meier e as análises de sobrevivência realizadas usando o modelo de risco proporcional de Cox. Resultados: A frequência de óbito entre os pacientes do estudo foi de 10,7% (28). Entre os pacientes que morreram, 99,2% (26) apresentavam algum grau de desnutrição (p=0,004). Na análise multivariada, a albumina sérica (<3 g/dL) associou-se de forma independente à mortalidade hospitalar (HR=3,43, IC95% 1,11-10,63). Por outro lado, o IPN não foi associado com mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Conclusão: Os níveis de albumina sérica durante a internação foram preditores de mortalidade intra-hospitalar na população avaliada. Esses resultados sugerem que os níveis séricos dessa proteína podem ser utilizados na prática clínica, agregando informações prognósticas em pacientes com câncer

Health-related quality of life became worse in short-term during treatment in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) is influenced in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients by a set of factors related to diagnosis, treatment and tumor impacts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) changes in Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients during treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy). METHODS: QoL was evaluated prospectively in 63 HNC patients during radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy at three moments: before or at beginning (T0), in the middle (T1 ~ four weeks) and immediately at the end (T2 ~ eight weeks) of treatment. The differences between the scores at different time points was verified using Friedman's non-parametric test. Negative changes between time points were evaluated, with differences (delta) of ±10 points being considered to be clinically significant. RESULTS: The total mean age was 59.1 ± 9.5y, and 82.5% were male. The oral cavity and larynx were more frequent tumors. The functional score for 'role' was decreased at time points T1 and T2 as compared to T0, while an improvement in scores was observed for cognitive function. Several physical symptoms also worsened over time, such as: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth and sticky saliva, swallowing and skin symptoms, senses and teeth problems. A high frequency of altered and clinically meaningful values were observed for most of domains, ranging from 6 to 74%. CONCLUSIONS: The QoL became worse at approximately one month after treatment beginning in HNC patients, and this remained until the end of therapy. Protocols directing to early nutritional counseling and management of symptoms of nutritional impact are important to improve clinical outcomes. This is part of preventive actions aiming to make the exhausting treatment process less traumatic and easier to complete.

Oral Nutritional Supplementation Affects the Dietary Intake and Body Weight of Head and Neck Cancer Patients during (Chemo) Radiotherapy.

Considering the symptoms of (chemo) radiotherapy and the reduction in food intake in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, this study aimed to investigate the association between treatment time points and oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) on dietary intake to estimate the frequency of energy and nutrient inadequacy, and also to evaluate body weight changes (BWC). Dietary intake data of 65 patients were obtained from 24-h dietary recalls and prevalence of inadequacy was calculated before or at the beginning (T0), in the middle (T1), and at the end of treatment (T2). BWC were calculated as the weight difference considering the previous weight reported and/or measured. Energy and macronutrient intake decreased in T1 and then improved in T2 (p < 0.001 for both). Micronutrient intake increased during treatment due to ONS use, but still presented a high probability of inadequate intake. In particular, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 showed almost 100% of probability of inadequacy for those who did not use ONS. Finally, overweight patients suffered a higher weight accumulated deficit with a delta of -15 kg compared to other BMI (body mass index) categories. Therefore, we strongly recommend initiating nutritional counseling in conjunction with prophylactic ONS prescription from diagnosis to adjust nutrient intake and minimize weight loss.

The impact of a higher eating frequency on the diet quality and nutritional status of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

The present study investigated the association between eating frequency (EF), diet quality and nutritional status of fifty-five women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT), with three follow-ups, before the first cycle (T0), after the intermediate cycle (T1) and after the last cycle of CT (T2). Dietary data were obtained by nine 24-h dietary recalls (24HR), and the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised (BHEI-R) was used for qualitative analysis of diet. The average EF was established by adding the number of daily eating episodes in the three 24HR of each time. Anthropometric variables were obtained at three times. Women who reported higher EF (equal to or above median value (T0 and T1: 4·67; T2: 4·33 eating episodes)) presented better anthropometric parameters, in T0 and T1, as well as higher scores for BHEI-R specific groups and BHEI-R Total score in T1 and T2. In generalised linear models, the continuous variable EF was negatively associated with all the anthropometric variables in T0 and with the waist:height ratio in T1. There were positive associations for the BHEI-R groups at the three times: Total Fruit; Whole Fruit; Total Vegetables; Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes. At T1 and T2 the EF was positively associated with the BHEI-R Total score, and also with Whole Grains in T1. The results suggest that a higher EF was associated with a better diet quality during CT in women with BC. In contrast, an inverse association was observed between EF and anthropometric parameters before the first cycle of treatment.

Combination of red blood cell distribution width and body mass index (COR-BMI) predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with different diagnoses?

BACKGROUND: The combination of red blood cell distribution width and body mass index (COR-BMI) is indicated as a new prognostic index of survival in patients with laryngeal cancer. However, the ability of this prediction in other types of cancer or whether its use can be expanded to non-oncological patients is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prediction of prognosis of in-hospital mortality of the COR-BMI in oncological and non-oncological patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with all hospitalized patients between 2014 and 2016, totaling 2930 patients, 262 oncological and 2668 non-oncological. The COR-BMI was divided into three classes: 0, RDW ≤ 13.1% and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; 1, RDW ≤ 13.1% and BMI < 18.5 or ≥ 18.5 but < 25 kg/m2 and RDW > 13.1% and BMI ≥ 18.5 but < 25 or BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; and 2, RDW > 13.1% and BMI < 18.5 kg/m2. In order to analyze the relationship between COR-BMI and in-hospital mortality in the studied population, the Cox Proportional Hazards Model was used in a multivariate analysis based on a conceptual model. RESULTS: The COR-BMI was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in non-oncological patients (1 versus 0: HR = 3.34; CI = 1.60-6.96, p = 0.001; 2 versus 0: HR = 3.38; CI = 1.22-9.39, p = 0.019). The survival rate of these patients was lower among those with the highest scores on the COR-BMI. This prediction was not found in oncological patients. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the COR-BMI may have its practical use expanded to non-oncological patients as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality.

Relationship between food perceptions and health-related quality of life in a prospective study with breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the perceptions related to dietary intake with the domains and subscales of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with breast neoplasms receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: In this prospective study, 55 women with breast cancer were followed up during chemotherapy at three different times (T0, T1, T2). Before chemotherapy, perceptions related to food consumption were evaluated. HRQL was analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 instruments 21 days after each investigated cycle. The differences (T2-T0) in the subscales and HRQL domains were correlated with the differences (T2-T0) in the appetite scores. Spearman's correlation was used to verify a possible correlation between differences in functional and overall HRQL domains (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain foods and between the differences in some subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain food groups (T2-T0). RESULTS: Correlations between pain and appetite for bitter taste and between an increased appetite for juices and pain intensification or fatigue were identified, and pain was correlated with an appetite for starchy foods. An appetite for vegetables, legumes and meat/eggs was correlated with physical function. The only significant correlation with social functions occurred between the appetite for sweet foods and these functions. We found a correlation between overall health, emotional function, social function and physical function and the appetite for juices. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy alters the individual's relationship with food and, consequently, the individual's HRQL.

Relationship between food perceptions and health-related quality of life in a prospective study with breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the perceptions related to dietary intake with the domains and subscales of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with breast neoplasms receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: In this prospective study, 55 women with breast cancer were followed up during chemotherapy at three different times (T0, T1, T2). Before chemotherapy, perceptions related to food consumption were evaluated. HRQL was analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 instruments 21 days after each investigated cycle. The differences (T2-T0) in the subscales and HRQL domains were correlated with the differences (T2-T0) in the appetite scores. Spearman's correlation was used to verify a possible correlation between differences in functional and overall HRQL domains (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain foods and between the differences in some subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 and Br23 (T2-T0) and differences in appetite scores for certain food groups (T2-T0). RESULTS: Correlations between pain and appetite for bitter taste and between an increased appetite for juices and pain intensification or fatigue were identified, and pain was correlated with an appetite for starchy foods. An appetite for vegetables, legumes and meat/eggs was correlated with physical function. The only significant correlation with social functions occurred between the appetite for sweet foods and these functions. We found a correlation between overall health, emotional function, social function and physical function and the appetite for juices. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy alters the individual's relationship with food and, consequently, the individual's HRQL.

Impact of chemotherapy on perceptions related to food intake in women with breast cancer: A prospective study.

Breast cancer (BC) treatment includes mostly chemotherapy (CT), which can cause side effects like nausea, taste changes, early satiety, slow gastric emptying and xerostomia. In this way, the individual's relationship with food may change during the treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on perceptions related to food intake of women with BC. Fifty-five women with BC were followed, and data were collected at three periods during first-line CT: beginning (T0), intermediate (T1) and end (T2). A visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 to 10 cm) for hunger, appetite for various food categories and meal enjoyment was investigated. The frequency and intensity of side effects were evaluated using a 4 cm scale. The results showed a higher prevalence of taste changes in T1 (p = 0.044) and more nausea in T1 and T2 (p = 0.018). Furthermore, the intensity of nausea was higher in T2 (p = 0.01) than in the other periods. We observed moderate hunger in T0, T1 and T2 (p = 0.113), but the overall appetite increased between T0 and T2 (p = 0.003). Meal enjoyment was reduced from T0 to T1and returned back to the initial value in T2 (p = 0.021). The appetite for salty (p = 0.004) and spicy (p = 0.03) foods was increased in T1. There was an increase of body weight (p = 0.008), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.009) and waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.03) during CT. CT changes food hedonism, increasing the overall appetite and the appetite for salty and spicy foods. Moreover, we observed the negative impact of CT on meal enjoyment and an increase in side effects and anthropometric parameters.

Food intake and the nutritional status of women undergoing chemotherapy. / Consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de mulheres em quimioterapia.

The objective behind this study was the analysis of food intake and the nutritional status of women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT). The quantitative dietary evaluation was performed in accordance with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), whereas the qualitative evaluation was performed through the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index - Revised (BHEI-R).From among the total number of patients (n = 20), 60% (n = 12) presented waist circumference, equal to or higher than 88cm. It was noted that 75% (n = 15) individuals were overweight. The average intake for calcium, copper, iron, dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6 and zinc, were found to be below adequate intake levels, while the intake of vitamin C, phosphorus, manganese, sodium and thiamine were all found to be above DRIs recommendations. As for the analysis of the BHEI-R, 80% (n = 16) of the patients presented a "diet that needs modifications", while 20% (n = 4) presented a "healthy diet". Noted from these observations was the presence of a high overweight rate, a discrepancy in the intake of micronutrients and a diet that needed improvements. In this manner, the establishment and use of a nutritional intervention protocol are very important when it comes to the improvement of the diet in patients with BC and who are undergoing CT.

Consumo alimentar e estado nutricional de mulheres em quimioterapia / Food intake and the nutritional status of women undergoing chemotherapy

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o consumo alimentar e o estado nutricional de mulheres com câncer de mama (CM) em quimioterapia (QT). A avaliação dietética quantitativa foi realizada de acordo com as Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) e a avaliação qualitativa pelo Índice de Qualidade da Dieta Revisado (IQD-R). Dentre o total de pacientes (n = 20), 60% (n = 12) apresentaram circunferência da cintura igual ou superior a 88 cm. Foi verificado 75% (n = 15) de indivíduos com excesso de peso. A média da ingestão de cálcio, cobre, ferro, fibra alimentar, magnésio, potássio, vitamina A, niacina, vitamina B6 e zinco encontrava-se abaixo da recomendação de ingestão adequada e o consumo de vitamina C, fósforo, manganês, sódio e tiamina encontrava-se acima. Quanto à análise do IQD-R, 80% (n = 16) das pacientes apresentaram uma “dieta que requer modificações”, enquanto que 20% (n = 4) apresentaram uma “dieta saudável”. Observou-se elevado excesso de peso, desequilíbrio na ingestão de micronutrientes e dieta que necessita melhorias. Dessa forma, a criação e a utilização de um protocolo de intervenção nutricional são de grande relevância para melhorar a dieta de pacientes com CM que realizam QT.

Abstract The objective behind this study was the analysis of food intake and the nutritional status of women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy (CT). The quantitative dietary evaluation was performed in accordance with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), whereas the qualitative evaluation was performed through the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index – Revised (BHEI-R).From among the total number of patients (n = 20), 60% (n = 12) presented waist circumference, equal to or higher than 88cm. It was noted that 75% (n = 15) individuals were overweight. The average intake for calcium, copper, iron, dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6 and zinc, were found to be below adequate intake levels, while the intake of vitamin C, phosphorus, manganese, sodium and thiamine were all found to be above DRIs recommendations. As for the analysis of the BHEI-R, 80% (n = 16) of the patients presented a “diet that needs modifications”, while 20% (n = 4) presented a “healthy diet”. Noted from these observations was the presence of a high overweight rate, a discrepancy in the intake of micronutrients and a diet that needed improvements. In this manner, the establishment and use of a nutritional intervention protocol are very important when it comes to the improvement of the diet in patients with BC and who are undergoing CT.