Patients' Perspectives on Determinants Avoidable Hospitalizations: Development and Validation of a Questionnaire.

Ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) can be avoided through effective care in the ambulatory setting. Patients are the most qualified individuals to express the social and individual contexts of their own experience. Thus, understanding why potentially preventable hospitalizations occur is important to develop patient-centred policies or interventions that may reduce them. This study aims to develop and validate a questionnaire to capture the patients' perspective on the causes of the hospitalizations for ACSC. The development of a new questionnaire involved four phases: a literature review, face validity, pre-test, and validation. We conducted a three-step face validity verification to confirm the relevance of the identified determinants and to collect determinants not previously identified by interviewing healthcare providers, representatives of patients' associations, and patients. Determinants were identified through the literature review predominantly in the "Healthcare Access", "Disease self-management", and "Social Support" domains. The validated resulting questionnaire comprises 25 questions, distributed by two dimensions (individual/contextual) covering seven domains and 20 determinants of ACSC hospitalization. Currently, there are no validated instruments as comprehensive and easy to use as the one described in this paper. This questionnaire should provide a base for further language/context validations.

O Cromo sérico baixo é raro em doentes submetidos a gastrostomia endoscópica para nutrição entérica de longa duração / Low serum chromium is rare in patients that underwent endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral feeding

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Patients that underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition. Trace elements are required in small quantities and Chromium (Cr) displays a major role in the metabolism. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate Cr levels and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and underlying diseases during the first 3 months of PEG feeding. METHODS Prospective observational study during 3-months, when PEG was performed (T0), after 4 (T1), and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, underlying disease, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Cr concentration. At T1 and T3 a blood sample was collected for Cr, albumin and transferrin. A Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess Cr. According with the underlying disease, patients were divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). All patients were fed with homemade meals. RESULTS A one hundred and twenty-nine patients (80 males), 26-95 years old were studied: HNC-52; ND-77. The observed data included low mean values of BMI from 71 patients; low Cr-8, low albumin-70, low transferrin-85 and 57 with both proteins low. Albumin was associated with survival time ( P =0.024) and there was a significant correlation between albumin and Cr (r=0.217, P =0.012). A good evolution of Cr and proteins values was observed, with no low Cr levels at T3. CONCLUSION Low serum Cr is rare in PEG-patients, with no relationship to other studied parameters. For the minority of patients displaying low Cr before gastrostomy, homemade PEG meals seem to be effective.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Doentes submetidos a gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea apresentam desnutrição energético-proteica. Os elementos traço são necessários em pequenas quantidades e o Cromo (Cr) tem um papel importante no metabolismo. OBJECTIVO Pretendeu-se avaliar os níveis séricos de Cr e sua relação com as proteínas séricas, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e as doenças subjacentes nos primeiros 3 meses de alimentação por gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea. MÉTODOS Estudo prospetivo observacional durando 3 meses: avaliações no momento do procedimento (T0), após 4 (T1) e 12 semanas (T3). A avaliação inicial incluiu: idade, gênero, doença subjacente, Nutricional Risk Screening 2002 , IMC, concentração sérica de Cr, albumina e transferrina. Em T1 e T3, colheu-se sangue para Cr, albumina e transferrina. Para avaliação do Cr, utilizou-se espectrometria de absorção atómica em forno de grafite. Classificaram-se os doentes em dois grupos: neoplasias cervicofaciais (NCF) e disfagia neurológica (DN). Todos foram alimentados com alimentos de preparação doméstica. RESULTADOS Avaliaram-se 129 doentes (80 homens), entre 26-95 anos: NCF-52; DN-77. Encontraram-se valores baixos do IMC-71; Cr-8, albumina-70, transferrina-85 e 57 com ambas as proteínas baixas. Identificou-se correlação com significado estatístico entre a albumina e Cr (r=0,217, P =0,012) e entre a albumina e tempo de sobrevivência ( P =0,024). Foi observada boa evolução do Cr e proteínas, não sendo encontrados valores baixos de Cr em T3. CONCLUSÃO O Cr baixo é raro em doentes com gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea, sem relação com outros parâmetros, incluindo o tipo de doença subjacente. Para a minoria dos doentes com Cr baixo antes da gastrostomia, refeições de preparação doméstica parecem ser adequadas.

LOW SERUM CHROMIUM IS RARE IN PATIENTS THAT UNDERWENT ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY FOR LONG TERM ENTERAL FEEDING.

BACKGROUND: Patients that underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition. Trace elements are required in small quantities and Chromium (Cr) displays a major role in the metabolism. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate Cr levels and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and underlying diseases during the first 3 months of PEG feeding. METHODS: Prospective observational study during 3-months, when PEG was performed (T0), after 4 (T1), and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, underlying disease, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Cr concentration. At T1 and T3 a blood sample was collected for Cr, albumin and transferrin. A Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess Cr. According with the underlying disease, patients were divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). All patients were fed with homemade meals. RESULTS: A one hundred and twenty-nine patients (80 males), 26-95 years old were studied: HNC-52; ND-77. The observed data included low mean values of BMI from 71 patients; low Cr-8, low albumin-70, low transferrin-85 and 57 with both proteins low. Albumin was associated with survival time ( P =0.024) and there was a significant correlation between albumin and Cr (r=0.217, P =0.012). A good evolution of Cr and proteins values was observed, with no low Cr levels at T3. CONCLUSION: Low serum Cr is rare in PEG-patients, with no relationship to other studied parameters. For the minority of patients displaying low Cr before gastrostomy, homemade PEG meals seem to be effective.

Serum zinc evolution in dysphagic patients that underwent endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral feeding.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients undergoing endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) but little is known about zinc status. Our aim was to evaluate serum zinc, its relationship with serum proteins and with the nature of the underlying disorder, during the first 3 months of PEG feeding. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study during a 3-month period after gastrostomy. Data was collected at initial PEG procedure (T0), after 4 (T1) and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, disorder causing dysphagia, Neurological Dysphagia (ND) or Head and Neck Cancer (HNC), NRS-2002, BMI, albumin, transferrin, zinc. At T1 and T3, a blood sample was collected for zinc, albumin, transferrin. Serum zinc evaluation was performed with ICP-AES - Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. Patients were fed with homemade meals. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients (89 males), 21-95 years were studied: HNC-56, ND-90 and low BMI in 78. Initial low zinc in 122; low albumin in 77, low transferrin in 94; low values for both proteins in 66. Regarding the serum protein evolution, their levels increase T0-T3, most patients reaching normal values. zinc has a slower evolution, most patients still displaying low zinc at T3. Significant differences between the 3 moments for zinc (p=0.011), albumin (p<0.0001) and transferrin (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: PEG patients are prone to PEM and zinc deficiency. Most patients present decreased zinc, suggesting that zinc deficiency is common in PEG candidates and is not corrected during 3 months of enteral feeding. Zinc deficiency should be expected and teams taking care of PEG patients should use zinc supplementation.

Serum copper evolution in patients that underwent endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral feeding / Evolución del cobre sérico en pacientes sometidos a gastrostomía endoscópica para nutrición enteral a largo plazo

Background and aims: Copper (Cu) is a well studied trace element but little is known about Cu evolution in long term endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding. We aimed to evaluate the evolution serum Cu since the gastrostomy until 12 weeks after the procedure in PEG patients fed with homemade meals. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed evaluating serum copper, albumin, transferrin and body mass index (BMI) at the time of the gastrostomy, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after. Data also included age, gender, NRS 2002 and nature of the underlying disease causing dysphagia: head and neck cancer (HNC) or neurological dysphagia (ND). After gastrostomy, patients were fed with homemade PEG meals. Results: One hundred and forty-six patients enrolled, 89 men, aged 21-95 years, 90 with neurologic dysphagia (ND), and 56 with head and neck cancer (HNC). 78 (53%) showed low BMI. Initially, Cu ranged 42-160 µg/dl (normal: 70-140 µg/dl); 130 patients (89%) presented normal Cu, 16 (11%) presented hypocupremia, 53% low albumin (n = 77), and 94 (65%) low transferrin. After 4 weeks, 93% presented normal Cu, 7% presented hypocupremia, low albumin was present in 34%, and low transferrin in 52%. After 12 weeks, 95% presented normal Cu, 5% presented hypocupremia, low albumin was present in 25%, and low transferrin in 32%. Comparing age, gender, underlying disease, BMI, albumin and transferrin, there were no significant differences on serum Cu. Conclusions: Most patients present normal serum Cu when gastrostomy is performed. For patients presenting hypocupremia before gastrostomy, homemade meals are effective for normalizing serum Cu (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: el cobre (Cu) es un oligoelemento muy estudiado, pero poco se sabe de su evolución en los pacientes alimentados por gastrostomía endoscópica (GEP). Pretendemos evaluar la evolución del Cu sérico desde la gastrostomía hasta 12 semanas después de la intervención en estos pacientes alimentados con preparaciones domésticas. Métodos: realizamos un estudio observacional prospectivo para evaluar el Cu sérico, la albúmina, la transferrina y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en el momento de la GEP, tras 4 semanas y 12 semanas después de la intervención. Los datos incluyen edad, género, NRS 2002 y enfermedad subyacente: cánceres de cabeza y cuello (CCC) y disfagia neurológica (DN). Después de la intervención, estos pacientes fueron alimentados con preparaciones domésticas. Resultados: 146 enfermos (89 hombres), entre 21-95 años: CCC-56, DN-90. Valores de Cu entre 42-160 µg/dl (normal: 70-140 µg/dl); normales 89% (n = 130); bajos 11% (n = 16), albúmina baja: 53% (n = 77), transferrina baja: 65% (n = 94), IMC bajo: 53% (n = 78). Después de 4 semanas: valores normales de Cu en 93% y bajos en 7%, albúmina baja en 34%, transferrina baja en 52%. Tras 12 semanas: valores normales de Cu en 95% y bajos en 5%, albúmina baja en 25%, transferrina baja en 32%. No encontramos diferencias significativas en el Cu sérico cuando se compara edad, género, enfermedad subyacente, IMC, albúmina y transferrina. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los enfermos presentan Cu sérico normal en el momento de la gastrostomía. Para los enfermos con Cu sérico bajo antes del procedimiento, la alimentación con preparaciones domésticas parece suficiente para su normalización progresiva (AU)

Infections on the rise: Raoultella spp., clinical and microbiological findings from a retrospective study, 2010-2014.

We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory data over 5 years in a tertiary centre to assess clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with Raoultella spp. infection. Raoultella spp. were deemed responsible for clinical infections in 57 patients (R. planticola, n = 32 and R. ornithinolytica, n = 25). The most prevalent diagnoses for R. planticola were cystitis (50%; n = 16) followed by bacteraemia and pneumonia (9.4%; n = 3); for R. ornithinolytica, cystitis (36%; n = 9) followed by pneumonia (24%; n = 6). Immunodeficiency was present in 18 patients (56.3%) with R. planticola and in 16 patients (64%) with R. ornithinolytica infection. Of these, 55.6% and 37.5% had diabetes and 27.8% and 18.% were solid organ transplant recipients, respectively. All isolates were sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Mortality of infections with R. planticola (n = 5; 15.6%) was higher than for R. ornithinolytica (n = 2; 8.0%), but the difference was not statistically significant.

Serum trace elements in dysphagic gastrostomy candidates before endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral feeding.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) present protein-energy malnutrition, but little is known about Trace Elements (TE), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr). Our aim was the evaluation of serum TE in patients who underwent PEG and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and nature of underlying disorder. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed collecting: patient's age, gender, underlying disorder, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and TE concentration. We used ferrozine colorimetric method for Fe; Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy for Zn/Cu; Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for Se/Cr. The patients were divided into head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). RESULTS: 146 patients (89 males), 21-95 years: HNC-56; ND-90. Low BMI in 78. Low values mostly for Zn (n = 122) and Fe (n = 69), but less for Se (n = 31), Cu (n = 16), Cr (n = 7); low albumin in 77, low transferrin in 94 and 66 with both proteins low. Significant differences between the groups of underlying disease only for Zn (t140.326 = -2,642, p < 0.01) and a correlation between proteins and TE respectively albumin and Zn (r = 0.197, p = 0.025), and albumin and Fe (r = 0.415, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: When gastrostomy was performed, patients display low serum TE namely Zn, but also Fe, less striking regarding others TE. It was related with prolonged fasting, whatever the underlying disease. Low proteins were associated with low TE. Teams taking care of PEG-patients should use Zn supplementation and include other TE evaluation as part of the nutritional assessment of PEG candidates.

SELENIUM IN DYSPHAGIC PATIENTS WHO UNDERWENT ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY FOR LONG TERM ENTERAL FEEDING.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) patients usually present protein-energy malnutrition, but little is known about selenium deficiency. We aimed to assess serum selenium evolution when patients underwent PEG, after 4 and 12 weeks. We also evaluated the evolution of albumin, transferrin and Body Mass Index and the influence of the nature of the underlying disease. METHODS: a blood sample was obtained before PEG (T0), after 4 (T1) and 12 (T3) weeks. Selenium was assayed using GFAAS (Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). The PEG patients were fed through homemade meals. Patients were studied as a whole and divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). RESULTS: we assessed 146 patients (89 males), between 21-95 years old: HNC-56; ND-90. Normal values of selenium in 79% (n=115); low albumin in 77, low transferrin in 94, low values for both serum proteins in 66. Low BMI in 78. Selenium has slow evolution, with most patients still displaying normal Selenium at T3 (82%). Serum protein levels increase from T0 to T3, most patients reaching normal values. The nature of the underlying disease is associated with serum proteins but not with selenium. CONCLUSIONS: low serum selenium is uncommon when PEG is performed, after 4 and 12 weeks of enteral feeding and cannot be related with serum proteins levels or dysphagia cause. Enteral nutrition using customized homemade kitchen meals is satisfactory to prevent or correct Selenium deficiency in the majority of PEG patients.

Introducción y objetivos: los pacientes con gastrostomía endoscópica (GEP) presentan malnutrición calórica- proteica, pero poco se conoce sobre la deficiencia de selenio. Estudiamos la evolución del selenio sérico en el momento de la GEP y después 4 y 12 semanas. Además, evaluamos la evolución de albúmina, transferrina, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la influencia de la enfermedad subyacente. Métodos: obtenemos una muestra de sangre antes de la gastrostomía (T0), y después de 4 (T1) y 12 (T3) semanas. El selenio fue valorado mediante GFAAS (Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). Los enfermos consumieron alimentos de preparación doméstica. Los pacientes fueron estudiados como un grupo y después separados en dos grupos: cánceres de cabeza y cuello (CCC) y disfagia neurológica (DN). Resultados: 146 enfermos (89 hombres), entre 21­95 años: CCC-56, DN-90. Valores normales de selenio en 79% (n = 115), albúmina baja: 77 enfermos, transferrina baja: 94, las dos proteínas bajas: 66, IMC bajo: 78. El selenio ha demostrado una evolución lenta en el 82% de los enfermos presentando selenio normal en T3. Las proteínas séricas incrementaron sus valores en T0-T3, la mayoría de los enfermos alcanzó niveles normales. La enfermedad subyacente, CCC o DN, se relacionó con las proteínas, pero no con el selenio. Conclusiones: el selenio sérico bajo es poco común antes de la gastrostomía; después de 4 y 12 semanas de nutrición enteral no tiene relación con las proteínas séricas ni con la enfermedad que causa la disfagia. La nutrición con alimentación de preparación doméstica es suficiente para prevenir o corregir la deficiencia de selenio de la mayoría de los enfermos.

Selenium in dysphagic patients who underwent endoscopic gastrostomy for long term enteral feeding / Selenio sérico en pacientes con disfagia sometidos a gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea para nutrición enteral prolongada

Background and aims: endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) patients usually present protein-energy malnutrition, but little is known about selenium deficiency. We aimed to assess serum selenium evolution when patients underwent PEG, after 4 and 12 weeks. We also evaluated the evolution of albumin, transferrin and Body Mass Index and the influence of the nature of the underlying disease. Methods: a blood sample was obtained before PEG (T0), after 4 (T1) and 12 (T3) weeks. Selenium was assayed using GFAAS (Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). The PEG patients were fed through homemade meals. Patients were studied as a whole and divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). Results: we assessed 146 patients (89 males), between 21-95 years old: HNC-56; ND-90. Normal values of selenium in 79% (n=115); low albumin in 77, low transferrin in 94, low values for both serum proteins in 66. Low BMI in 78. Selenium has slow evolution, with most patients still displaying normal Selenium at T3 (82%). Serum protein levels increase from T0 to T3, most patients reaching normal values. The nature of the underlying disease is associated with serum proteins but not with selenium. Conclusions: low serum selenium is uncommon when PEG is performed, after 4 and 12 weeks of enteral feeding and cannot be related with serum proteins levels or dysphagia cause. Enteral nutrition using customized homemade kitchen meals is satisfactory to prevent or correct Selenium deficiency in the majority of PEG patients (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: los pacientes con gastrostomía endoscópica (GEP) presentan malnutrición calórica-proteica, pero poco se conoce sobre la deficiencia de selenio. Estudiamos la evolución del selenio sérico en el momento de la GEP y después 4 y 12 semanas. Además, evaluamos la evolución de albúmina, transferrina, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la influencia de la enfermedad subyacente. Métodos: obtenemos una muestra de sangre antes de la gastrostomía (T0), y después de 4 (T1) y 12 (T3) semanas. El selenio fue valorado mediante GFAAS (Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). Los enfermos consumieron alimentos de preparación doméstica. Los pacientes fueron estudiados como un grupo y después separados en dos grupos: cánceres de cabeza y cuello (CCC) y disfagia neurológica (DN). Resultados: 146 enfermos (89 hombres), entre 21-95 años: CCC-56, DN-90. Valores normales de selenio en 79% (n=115), albúmina baja: 77 enfermos, transferrina baja: 94, las dos proteínas bajas: 66, IMC bajo: 78. El selenio ha demostrado una evolución lenta en el 82% de los enfermos presentando selenio normal en T3. Las proteínas séricas incrementaron sus valores en T0-T3, la mayoría de los enfermos alcanzó niveles normales. La enfermedad subyacente, CCC o DN, se relacionó con las proteínas, pero no con el selenio. Conclusiones: el selenio sérico bajo es poco común antes de la gastrostomía; después de 4 y 12 semanas de nutrición enteral no tiene relación con las proteínas séricas ni con la enfermedad que causa la disfagia. La nutrición con alimentación de preparación doméstica es suficiente para prevenir o corregir la deficiencia de selenio de la mayoría de los enfermos (AU)

Role of 13C-urea breath test in experimental model of Helicobacter pylori infection in mice.

BACKGROUND: Animal models have been widely used to study Helicobacter pylori infection. Evaluation of H. pylori infection status following experimental inoculation of mice usually requires euthanasia. The (13) C-urea breath test ((13) C-UBT) is both sensitive and specific for detection of H. pylori in humans. Thus, it would be very useful to have such a test with the same accuracy for the follow-up of this infection in animal models of gastric infection. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a (13) C-UBT method for following the course of H. pylori infection in a mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 50 female C57BL/6 mice were gavaged three times with either 10(8) colony-forming units of H. pylori (n=29) or saline solution only (n=21). After 2 months of infection, mice were fasted for 14 hours and (13) C-UBT was performed using 300 µg of (13) C-urea. The mice were killed, and the stomach was removed and processed for immunohistochemistry and PCR. RESULTS: The optimal time for breath sample collection in mice was found to be 15 minutes. The (13) C-UBT cutoff was set at 3.0‰ δPDB. Using PCR as the gold standard, the sensitivity of (13) C-UBT and immunohistochemistry was 96.6 and 72.4%, respectively, while the specificity was 85.7 and 95.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: (13) C-UBT was shown to be a reliable method for the detection of H. pylori infection in C57BL/6 mice and was even more accurate than immunohistochemistry. The use of (13) C-UBT in the mouse model of H. pylori infection can be very useful to detect the bacterium without the need to kill the animals in long-term time course studies.