Dietitians' practices in dialysis units in Brazil: nutritional assessment and intervention / Práticas de nutricionistas em unidades de diálise no Brasil: avaliação e intervenção nutricionais

ABSTRACT Introduction: The importance of dietitians in dialysis units is indisputable and mandatory in Brazil, but little is known about the practices adopted by these professionals. Objective: To know practices adopted in routine nutritional care, focusing on nutritional assessment tools and treatment strategies for people at risk or diagnosed with malnutrition. Methodology: Electronic questionnaire disseminated on social media and messaging applications. It included questions that covered dietitians' demographic and occupational profile characteristics and of the dialysis unit, use and frequency of nutritional assessment tools, nutritional intervention strategies in cases of risk or diagnosis of malnutrition, prescription and access to oral supplements. Results: Twenty four percent of the Brazilian dialysis units (n = 207) responded electronically. The most used nutritional assessment tools with or without a pre-established frequency were dietary surveys (96%) and Subjective Global Assessment (83%). The strategies in cases of risk or presence of malnutrition used most frequently (almost always/always) were instructions to increase energy and protein intake from foods (97%), and increasing the frequency of visits (88%). The frequency of prescribing commercial supplements with standard and specialized formulas was quite similar. The availability of dietary supplements by the public healthcare system to patients varied between regions. Conclusion: Most dietitians use various nutritional assessment tools and intervention strategies in cases of risk or malnutrition; however, the frequency of use of such tools and strategies varied substantially.

Resumo Introdução: A importância da atuação do nutricionista em unidades de diálise é indiscutível e obrigatória no Brasil, porém pouco sabemos sobre as práticas adotadas por esses profissionais. Objetivo: Conhecer práticas adotadas na rotina dos atendimentos nutricionais, com foco nas ferramentas de avaliação nutricional e nas estratégias de tratamento das pessoas com risco ou diagnóstico de desnutrição. Metodologia: Questionário eletrônico divulgado em mídias sociais e aplicativos de mensagens. Incluiu questões que abrangiam características do perfil demográfico e ocupacional do profissional e da unidade de diálise, utilização e frequência de ferramentas de avaliação nutricional, estratégias de intervenção nutricional em casos de risco ou diagnóstico de desnutrição e prescrição e acesso a suplementos alimentares orais. Resultados: Foram recebidos eletronicamente o equivalente a 24% das unidades de diálise brasileiras (n = 207). As ferramentas de avaliação nutricional mais utilizadas com ou sem frequência pré-estabelecida foram inquéritos dietéticos (96%) e Avaliação Global Subjetiva (83%). As estratégias em casos de risco ou presença de desnutrição utilizadas com mais frequência (quase sempre/sempre) foram a orientação de incremento energético e proteico por meio de alimentos (97%) e o aumento da periodicidade das visitas (88%). A frequência de prescrição de suplemento industrializado de fórmula padrão e especializada foi bastante semelhante. A disponibilização de suplementos alimentares pelo Sistema Único de Saúde aos pacientes variou entre as regiões. Conclusão: A maior parte dos nutricionistas utiliza diversas ferramentas de avaliação nutricional e estratégias de intervenção em casos de risco ou desnutrição, porém a frequência de utilização de tais ferramentas e estratégias foi bastante variada.

Dietitians' practices in dialysis units in Brazil: nutritional assessment and intervention.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of dietitians in dialysis units is indisputable and mandatory in Brazil, but little is known about the practices adopted by these professionals. OBJECTIVE: To know practices adopted in routine nutritional care, focusing on nutritional assessment tools and treatment strategies for people at risk or diagnosed with malnutrition. METHODOLOGY: Electronic questionnaire disseminated on social media and messaging applications. It included questions that covered dietitians' demographic and occupational profile characteristics and of the dialysis unit, use and frequency of nutritional assessment tools, nutritional intervention strategies in cases of risk or diagnosis of malnutrition, prescription and access to oral supplements. RESULTS: Twenty four percent of the Brazilian dialysis units (n = 207) responded electronically. The most used nutritional assessment tools with or without a pre-established frequency were dietary surveys (96%) and Subjective Global Assessment (83%). The strategies in cases of risk or presence of malnutrition used most frequently (almost always/always) were instructions to increase energy and protein intake from foods (97%), and increasing the frequency of visits (88%). The frequency of prescribing commercial supplements with standard and specialized formulas was quite similar. The availability of dietary supplements by the public healthcare system to patients varied between regions. CONCLUSION: Most dietitians use various nutritional assessment tools and intervention strategies in cases of risk or malnutrition; however, the frequency of use of such tools and strategies varied substantially.

Demographic and occupational profile of dietitians working in dialysis centers in Brazil / Perfil demográfico e ocupacional de nutricionistas que atuam em unidades de diálise no Brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: In 2004, the Ministry of Health stipulated that dialysis centers were required to have at least one dietitian on their staff. However, the regulation did not include recommendations regarding the number of dietitians or the workload based on the number of patients assisted. Objective: To describe the demographic and occupational profiles of dietitians working in dialysis centers in Brazil. Methodology: An electronic questionnaire was disseminated in social media and messaging apps with questions about the demographic and occupational profile of dietitians working in dialysis centers and matters related to patient care. Results: A total of 207 questionnaires were answered, covering 24% of the dialysis centers in Brazil. More than half of the dietitians (58%) had worked for more than five years in dialysis centers, and 83% reported additional training in Nephrology. The median (interquartile range) number of patients per monthly working hour was 1.6 (1.0-2.3). Considering all dialysis centers, 64% of the patients were seen at least once a month. Differences in demographic/occupational profiles and patient care were associated with workload, the main source of dialysis funding, and Brazilian geographical region. Conclusion: Most dietitians were experienced and trained in Nephrology. Substantial variability was found in the number of patients per dietitian workload, and proportion of patients receiving monthly nutritional care. Further studies are needed to discuss the demands of dietitians, dialysis centers, and patients.

RESUMO Introdução: Em 2004, o Ministério da Saúde estabeleceu que cada serviço de diálise deve ter no mínimo um nutricionista vinculado a ele. Porém, a regulamentação não incluiu recomendações em relação ao número de profissionais ou à carga horária de acordo com o número de pacientes assistidos. Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil e as práticas de nutricionistas que atuam em unidades de diálise brasileiras. Metodologia: O questionário eletrônico divulgado em mídias sociais e aplicativos de mensagens incluiu questões que abrangiam características do perfil demográfico e ocupacional do profissional e da unidade de diálise, além de perguntas relacionadas ao atendimento dos pacientes. Resultados: Foram recebidos eletronicamente 207 questionários, o equivalente a 24% das unidades de diálise brasileiras. Mais da metade dos nutricionistas (58%) atuava havia mais de cinco anos em unidades de diálise e 83% referiram formação complementar na área da Nefrologia. A mediana (interquartis) do número de pacientes por hora mensal de trabalho foi 1,6 (1,0-2,3). Considerando todas as unidades, o percentual de pacientes atendidos mensalmente foi correspondente a 64%. Diferenças no perfil e nas práticas foram encontradas de acordo com a carga horária, principal fonte financiadora da unidade de diálise e região demográfica brasileira. Conclusão: A maioria dos nutricionistas tem boa experiência e formação na área. Foi encontrada uma grande variabilidade em relação ao número de pacientes por carga horária do profissional e do percentual de indivíduos que recebiam atendimento nutricional mensal. São necessárias investigações que avaliem questões relacionadas tanto às demandas dos profissionais quanto às das unidades contratantes e dos pacientes.

Demographic and occupational profile of dietitians working in dialysis centers in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: In 2004, the Ministry of Health stipulated that dialysis centers were required to have at least one dietitian on their staff. However, the regulation did not include recommendations regarding the number of dietitians or the workload based on the number of patients assisted. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and occupational profiles of dietitians working in dialysis centers in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: An electronic questionnaire was disseminated in social media and messaging apps with questions about the demographic and occupational profile of dietitians working in dialysis centers and matters related to patient care. RESULTS: A total of 207 questionnaires were answered, covering 24% of the dialysis centers in Brazil. More than half of the dietitians (58%) had worked for more than five years in dialysis centers, and 83% reported additional training in Nephrology. The median (interquartile range) number of patients per monthly working hour was 1.6 (1.0-2.3). Considering all dialysis centers, 64% of the patients were seen at least once a month. Differences in demographic/occupational profiles and patient care were associated with workload, the main source of dialysis funding, and Brazilian geographical region. CONCLUSION: Most dietitians were experienced and trained in Nephrology. Substantial variability was found in the number of patients per dietitian workload, and proportion of patients receiving monthly nutritional care. Further studies are needed to discuss the demands of dietitians, dialysis centers, and patients.

Ventricular hypertrophy and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients with low educational level.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a strong predictor of mortality in chronic kidney patients. A previous study of our group has shown that chronic kidney patients with low educational level has more severe ventricular hypertrophy. OBJECTIVE: To extend a previous study and to assess whether left ventricular hypertrophy can explain the association between schooling and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This study assessed 113 patients from January 2005 to March 2008 and followed them up until October 2010. Survival curves were built to compare all-cause and cardiovascular mortality of patients with up to three years of schooling (median schooling) and those with schooling of four years and over. Cox multiple models were built and adjusted to confounding variables. RESULTS: Association between educational level and ventricular hypertrophy was observed. Statistical difference in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality between the different educational levels was observed at 5.5 years of follow-up. In the Cox model, ventricular hypertrophy and C-reactive protein associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The etiology of kidney failure associated with all-cause mortality, and creatinine associated with cardiovascular mortality. The association between educational level and mortality lost statistical significance in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm those of a previous study. In addition, they show that the higher cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with low educational level can be explained by risk factors of biochemical and cardiac morphological origin.

Hipertrofia ventricular e mortalidade cardiovascular em pacientes de hemodiálise de baixo nível educacional / Ventricular hypertrophy and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients with low educational level / Hipertrofia ventricular y mortalidad cardiovascular en pacientes de hemodiálisis de bajo nivel educativo

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda é potente preditor de mortalidade em renais crônicos. Estudo prévio de nosso grupo mostrou que renais crônicos com menor escolaridade têm hipertrofia ventricular mais intensa. OBJETIVO: Ampliar estudo prévio e verificar se a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda pode justificar a associação entre escolaridade e mortalidade cardiovascular de pacientes em hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 113 pacientes entre janeiro de 2005 e março de 2008 e seguidos até outubro de 2010. Foram traçadas curvas de sobrevida comparando a mortalidade cardiovascular, e por todas as causas dos pacientes com escolaridade de até três anos (mediana da escolaridade) e pacientes com escolaridade igual ou superior a quatro anos. Foram construídos modelos múltiplos de Cox ajustados para as variáveis de confusão. RESULTADOS: Observou-se associação entre nível de escolaridade e hipertrofia ventricular. A diferença estatística de mortalidade de origem cardiovascular e por todas as causas entre os diferentes níveis de escolaridade ocorreu aos cinco anos e meio de seguimento. No modelo de Cox, a hipertrofia ventricular e a proteína-C reativa associaram-se à mortalidade por todas as causas e de origem cardiovascular. A etiologia da insuficiência renal associou-se à mortalidade por todas as causas e a creatinina associou-se à mortalidade de origem cardiovascular. A associação entre escolaridade e mortalidade perdeu significância estatística no modelo ajustado. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente trabalho confirmam estudo prévio e demonstram, ademais, que a maior mortalidade cardiovascular observada nos pacientes com menor escolaridade pôde ser explicada por fatores de risco de ordem bioquímica e de morfologia cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a strong predictor of mortality in chronic kidney patients. A previous study of our group has shown that chronic kidney patients with low educational level has more severe ventricular hypertrophy. OBJECTIVE: To extend a previous study and to assess whether left ventricular hypertrophy can explain the association between schooling and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This study assessed 113 patients from January 2005 to March 2008 and followed them up until October 2010. Survival curves were built to compare all-cause and cardiovascular mortality of patients with up to three years of schooling (median schooling) and those with schooling of four years and over. Cox multiple models were built and adjusted to confounding variables. RESULTS: Association between educational level and ventricular hypertrophy was observed. Statistical difference in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality between the different educational levels was observed at 5.5 years of follow-up. In the Cox model, ventricular hypertrophy and C-reactive protein associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The etiology of kidney failure associated with all-cause mortality, and creatinine associated with cardiovascular mortality. The association between educational level and mortality lost statistical significance in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm those of a previous study. In addition, they show that the higher cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with low educational level can be explained by risk factors of biochemical and cardiac morphological origin.

FUNDAMENTO: La hipertrofia ventricular izquierda es potente predictor de mortalidad en renales crónicos. Estudio previo de nuestro grupo mostró que renales crónicos con menor escolaridad tienen hipertrofia ventricular más intensa. OBJETIVO: Ampliar estudio previo y verificar si la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda puede justificar la asociación entre escolaridad y mortalidad cardiovascular de pacientes en hemodiálisis. MÉTODOS: Fueron evaluados 113 pacientes entre enero de 2005 y marzo de 2008 y seguidos hasta octubre de 2010. Fueron trazadas curvas de sobrevida comparando la mortalidad cardiovascular, y por todas las causas de los pacientes con escolaridad de hasta tres años (mediana de la escolaridad) y pacientes con escolaridad igual o superior a cuatro años. Fueron construidos modelos múltiples de Cox ajustados para las variables de confusión. RESULTADOS: Se observó asociación entre nivel de escolaridad e hipertrofia ventricular. La diferencia estadística de mortalidad de origen cardiovascular y por todas las causas entre los diferentes niveles de escolaridad ocurrió a los cinco años y medio de seguimiento. En el modelo de Cox, la hipertrofia ventricular y la proteína-C reactiva se asociaron a la mortalidad por todas las causas y de origen cardiovascular. La etiología de la insuficiencia renal se asoció a la mortalidad por todas las causas y la creatinina se asoció a la mortalidad de origen cardiovascular. La asociación entre escolaridad y mortalidad perdió significación estadística en el modelo ajustado. CONCLUSÓN: Los resultados del presente trabajo confirman estudio previo y demuestran, además, que la mayor mortalidad cardiovascular observada en los pacientes con menor escolaridad puede ser explicada por factores de riesgo de orden bioquímico y de morfología cardíaca.

Relevância do estado de hidratação na interpretação de parâmetros nutricionais em diálise peritoneal / Relevance of hydration status on the interpretation of nutritional parameters in peritoneal dialysis

OBJETIVO: Identificar determinantes do estado de hidratação de pacientes em diálise peritoneal crônica, bem como investigar os efeitos da sobrecarga líquida sobre o estado nutricional. MÉTODOS: Foi feito estudo transversal, realizado em 2006, avaliando 27 pacientes em diálise peritoneal crônica, acompanhados no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu (SP), quanto a parâmetros clínicos, dialíticos, laboratoriais, antropométricos e de bioimpedância elétrica. Para avaliar a influência de parâmetros sobre o estado de hidratação empregou-se modelo de regressão linear múltipla. A amostra foi estratificada quanto ao estado de hidratação pela relação entre água extracelular e água corporal total (0,47 para homens e 0,52 para mulheres), parâmetros obtidos por meio de bioimpedância elétrica. Comparações foram realizadas por análise de covariância, Mann-Whitney, Qui-quadrado ou teste exato de Fisher. Considerou-se significância estatística quando p≤0,05. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com maior volume urinário e em modalidade dialítica automatizada apresentaram melhor estado de hidratação. Pacientes com maior sobrecarga líquida, comparados àqueles com menor sobrecarga, apresentaram menor ângulo de fase (M=4,2, DP=0,9 vs M=5,7, DP=0,7º; p=0,006), menor albumina (M=3,06, DP=0,46 vs M=3,55, DP=0,52g/dL; p=0,05) e maior por cento prega cutânea tricipital (M=75,3, DP=36,9 vs M=92,1, DP=56,9 por cento; p=0,058), sem outras evidências antropométricas. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se sugerir que os níveis reduzidos de albumina e ângulo de fase nos pacientes com maior sobrecarga líquida não estiveram relacionados a pior estado nutricional. Para o diagnóstico nutricional em vigência de sobrecarga líquida, deve-se considerar o conjunto de variáveis obtidas por diversos métodos, buscando relacioná-las e interpretá-las de maneira abrangente, possibilitando um diagnóstico nutricional fidedigno.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified determinants of the hydration status of chronic peritoneal dialysis patients and investigated the effects of fluid overload on their nutritional status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006 to evaluate 27 chronic peritoneal dialysis patients from the Dialysis Center of the Medical School Hospital of Botucatu (SP), considering clinical, dialytic, laboratory, anthropometric and bioimpedance parameters. A linear multiple regression model was used to evaluate the influence of these parameters on hydration status. The sample was stratified according to hydration status, given by the ratio between extracellular water and total body water (0.47 for males and 0.52 for females), obtained by bioelectrical impedance. Analysis of covariance, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used for making comparisons. The significance level was set at 5 percent (p≤0.05). RESULTS: Patients with greater urine volume and receiving automatic dialysis presented better hydration status. Patients with higher fluid overload, compared with those with lower overload, presented lower phase angle (M=4.2, SD=0.9 vs. M=5.7, SD=0.7º; p=0.006), lower albumin levels (M=3.06, SD=0.46 vs. M=3.55, SD=0.52g/dL; p=0.05), and higher percentage of triceps skinfold thickness (M=75.3, SD=36.9 vs. M= 92.1, SD=56.9; p=0.058). No other anthropometric differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Low levels of albumin and phase angle in patients with higher fluid overload were not related to worse nutritional status. This result suggests that one must consider the set of variables obtained by many methods and relate and interpret them comprehensively in order to obtain a reliable nutritional diagnosis of patients with fluid overload.