Selenium nutritional status and its association with SLEDAI-2K, HOMA-IR and lipid profile in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess nutritional status regarding selenium in adolescents with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (jSLE) and analyze possible associations with disease activity, insulin resistance and lipid profile. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study of 31 female adolescents with jSLE and 31 healthy female volunteers as a comparison group. We obtained demographic, anthropometric (weight, stature, waist, and neck circumferences), and clinical data (disease activity measured by SLEDAI-2K) from both groups; laboratory data including: lipid profile, plasma selenium, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), insulin levels, and glycemia (Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance-HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis of jSLE group was 15.9±1.7 years, with mean disease duration of 3.6±2.6 years. 48% of patients and controls had below-reference Se levels (≤46mcg/L). GPx was more frequently below reference levels (<4.171U/L) in the jSLE group, compared to controls. A ROC curve was used to assess the power of the variables to discriminate between both groups; insulin (AUC = 0.712; CI 95% 0.584-0.840), waist-to-height ratio (AUC = 0.704; CI 95% 0.572-0.837), and HOMA-IR (AUC = 0.689; CI 95% 0.556-0.822) were the variables with the greatest discriminatory power. Linear regression showed an independent inverse association between Se levels and c-LDL; no such correlation was found for GPx activity. SLEDAI-2 K and HOMA-IR showed no association with levels of Se and GPx activity. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately, 50% of jSLE adolescents had below reference Se levels. The frequency of inadequate GPx values was higher in patients, compared to controls. There was an independent inverse association between Se and c-LDL levels in both groups; this was not the case for HOMA-IR and SLEDAI-2K. The data show the importance of assessing Se nutritional status in jSLE patients.

Myeloperoxidase as cardiovascular risk marker in pre-pubertal preterm children?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To evaluate the biomarkers related to cardiovascular risk in pre-pubertal preterm children with a birth weight of less than 1,500 g and relate them to current nutritional status, insulin resistance, and inflammation. METHODS & RESULTS: This is a cross-sectional, controlled study with pre-pubertal preterm children aged 5-9 years with a birth weight of less than 1500 g (Preterm group, n = 44) compared to full term children of adequate weight for gestational age (Control group, n = 30). Clinical evaluation: anthropometry and pubertal staging. Laboratory tests: total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, paraoxonase 1, apolipoproteins A-I and B, myeloperoxidase (MPO), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycemia and insulin (to calculate HOMA-IR). In the preterm group, 19 (43.2%) were male, with mean birth weight and gestational age of 1157 ± 242 g and 30.0 ± 2.3 weeks, respectively. The preterm group showed lower concentrations of HDL-c (60.1 ± 10.1 vs. 69.0 ± 10.0 mg/dL; p < 0.001); higher concentrations of hs-CRP [0.55 mg/dL (0.30; 39.4) vs. 0.30 mg/dL (0.30; 10.80); p = 0.043], of MPO [21.1 ng/mL (5.7; 120.0) vs. 8.1 ng/mL (2.6; 29.6); p < 0.001] and of MPO/HDL-c ratio [0.39 (0.09; 2.07) ng/mg vs. 0.11 (0.05; 0.58)]. The MPO/HDL-c ratio was the variable that showed the best discriminatory power between the groups (AUC = 0.878; 95% CI; 0.795-0.961). MPO concentrations in the preterm group were correlated with those of hs-CRP (r = 0.390; p = 0.009), insulin (r = 0.448; p = 0.002) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.462; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Prepubertal preterm children show high MPO concentrations and MPO/HDL-c ratio that are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which, in turn, may be associated with atherosclerosis.

Vitamin D in Term Newborns: Relation with Maternal Concentrations and Birth Weight.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vitamin D serum levels of term newborns and relate them to maternal concentrations and birth weight. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with 225 mothers and their term newborns. Data collected were maternal health, prenatal care, gestational, and anthropometric data of the newborns. The following laboratory tests were performed: serum levels of 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase. RESULTS: Of the 225 newborns included in the study, 119 (52.9%) were males, the mean birth weight was 3,198 ± 421.4 g, and the gestational age was 39.1 ± 1.1 weeks. Of these, 20 (8.9%) were small and 12 (5.3%) were large for gestational age. A 25(OH)D sufficiency was found in 25.8% of mothers and 92% of newborns. The mean 25(OH)D concentrations of newborns was higher than that of the mothers 48.7 ± 15.2 ng/mL vs. 26.0 ± 6.7 ng/dL (p < 0.001), correlating inversely with birth weight (r = -0.249; p < 0.001). Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns had higher concentrations of 25(OH)D compared to adequate and large for age (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study showed strong positive correlation between maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D concentrations, with higher values in newborns. The highest 25(OH)D concentrations were found in SGA term infants. We speculated these findings could be influenced by newborn body composition.

Receitas para teste de provocação oral duplo-cego, controlado por placebo / Recipes for double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenge

Introdução: O teste de provocação oral (TPO) é o método mais confiável para verificar a relação entre o consumo de um alimento e o desencadeamento de reações adversas. Dentre as dificuldades na realização do TPO, destaca-se o mascaramento dos alimentos em TPO duplo-cego, controlado por placebo (TPODCCP). Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar receitas para uso em TPO-DCCP com leite de vaca, soja, ovo e trigo. Métodos: A elaboração das receitas considerou a necessidade de mascaramento do alimento a ser testado, de modo que a receita real e o placebo fossem indistinguíveis. Foram considerados também a quantidade de alimento a ser testado e o volume final das preparações, bem como a hipoalergenicidade dos demais ingredientes utilizados. Resultados: Foram desenvolvidas cinco receitas para TPO-DCCP, sendo duas para testes com leite de vaca, e as outras para testes com soja, ovo e trigo. As receitas placebo e real ficaram semelhantes em relação às cores, texturas, consistências, sabores e aromas. Conclusão: As receitas aqui apresentadas são de preparo fácil e rápido e atendem à maioria dos critérios exigidos para uso em TPO com alimentos. Há, porém, a necessidade de testá-las em estudos de validação para verificarse a possibilidade de serem usadas em protocolos científicos.

Introduction: Oral food challenge (OFC) is the most reliable method to assess the relationship between food consumption and onset of adverse reactions. Among the difficulties in performing OFC there is the masking of food in double-blind, placebocontrolled OFC (DBPC-OFC). Objective: The objective of this study was to prepare recipes to be used in DBPC-OFC with cow's milk, soy, egg and wheat. Methods: Recipe preparation focused on the need of masking the food to be tested, so that actual and placebo recipes were indistinguishable. Also, the amount of food to be tested and the final volume of preparations were considered, and the hypoallergenicity of other ingredients, as well. Results: Five recipes were developed for DBPC-OFC, two for cow's milk tests and the others for soy, egg and wheat tests. Placebo and actual recipes were similar in color, texture, consistency, taste and flavor. Conclusion: The present recipes are quick and easy to prepare and meet most of the criteria required for use in OFC. However, there is the need to test them in validation studies to assess the possibility of use in scientific protocols.

Is age a risk factor for liver disease and metabolic alterations in ataxia Telangiectasia patients?

BACKGROUND: Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes and the risk for development of cardiovascular disease was recently associated as an extended phenotype of the disease. We aimed to assess IR; liver involvement; carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and metabolic alterations associated to cardiovascular risk in A-T patients, and relate them with age. RESULTS: Glucose metabolism alterations were found in 54.6% of the patients. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed in 11/17 (64.7%) A-T patients. AST/ALT ratio > 1 was observed in 10/17 (58.8%). A strong positive correlation was observed between insulin sum concentrations with ALT (r = 0.782, p < 0.004) and age (r = 0.818, p = 0.002). Dyslipidemia was observed in 55.5% of the patients. The apolipoprotein (Apo-B)/ApoA-I ratio (r = 0.619; p < 0.01), LDL/HDL-c (r = 0.490; p < 0.05) and the Apo-B levels (r = 0.545; p < 0.05) were positively correlated to cIMT. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic disorders implicated in cardiovascular and liver diseases are frequently observed in adolescent A-T patients and those tend to get worse as they become older. Therefore, nutritional intervention and the use of drugs may be necessary.

Lipid profile among girls with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The aim of the study was to describe biomarkers of lipid metabolism associated with increased cardiovascular risk and their correlation with disease variables and markers of inflammation in adolescent females with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This cross-sectional controlled study evaluated 33 adolescent females with juvenile SLE and 33 healthy controls. Anthropometric data, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), medications, proteinuria, ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP), lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c and triglycerides), apolipoproteins A and B (Apo A-I and B), paraoxonase, and myeloperoxidase were evaluated. Median age of the patients and the median disease duration were 16.7 years and 54 months, respectively. SLEDAI scores above 4 were observed in 11 (33.3 %) patients. Moreover, 12 (36.4 %) patients were overweight, and 5 (15.2 %) had low height for age ratios. Dyslipidemia was observed in 13 (39.4 %) patients and in 7 (21.2 %) controls with a decrease in HDL-c concentrations in SLE patients even after adjustment for their nutritional status. In the group with SLE, us-CRP concentrations were inversely correlated with LDL-c/ApoB ratio (p = 0.031). After multivariate regression analysis, the SLE group showed lower concentration of Apo A-I and a decreased LDL-c/ApoB ratio. SLE adolescent females with low disease activity, with preserved kidney function and on low dose of corticosteroids, regardless of nutritional status and food intake, have proatherogenic lipid biomarkers, which may contribute to an increased atherosclerotic risk.

Assessment of nutritional status and eating disorders in female adolescents with fibromyalgia.

PURPOSE: To assess eating disorders, nutritional status, body composition, and food intake in adolescents presenting with fibromyalgia. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the nutritional status (z score of body mass index [ZBMI]), waist circumference, body fat percentage by bioelectrical impedance analysis, symptoms of disordered eating, and possible eating disorders (Kids' Eating Disorders Survey [KEDS]) of 23 female adolescents with fibromyalgia and 23 matched healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Median age for both groups was 15 years. In the fibromyalgia group, the median time for diagnosis was 13.5 months. We did not observe a statistically significant difference between the control and fibromyalgia groups in relation to ZBMI, fat mass percentage, food intake, and symptoms of disordered eating (KEDS). In the fibromyalgia group, there was a significant correlation between fat mass percentage and the total KEDS score (r = .587, p = .003); the same correlation was observed for ZBMI (r = .0778, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study verified an absence of nutritional and eating disorders in adolescents recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia that, in addition to the correlation between adiposity indexes and KEDS total score, emphasizes the importance of nutritional and body composition assessment, allowing an early and adequate nutritional intervention.

Micronutrientes e sistema imunológico / Micronutrients, immunologic system and allergic diseases

Objetivo: A ingestão inadequada de alguns nutrientes pode estar associada a diferentes prejuízos na capacidade normal de defesa celular e/ou humoral, bem como na predisposição de doenças alérgicas. A presença de radicais livres parece ter papel relevante no desenvolvimento de doenças relacionadas ao sistema imunológico. Tendo em vista a elevada prevalência das deficiências de ferro, zinco e vitamina A em nosso meio, o objetivo dessa revisão foi abordar a relação entre a deficiência desses micronutrientes e o sistema imunológico. Fontes dos dados: O estudo foi realizado com base em artigos relacionados à prevenção de doenças alérgicas em crianças, disponíveis nos bancos de dados PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCIELO e LILACS nos últimos 10 anos, ou anteriores a esta data, mas relevantes do ponto de vista nutricional/epidemiológico. Síntese dos dados: A deficiência de ferro, zinco e vitamina A pode levar a diversos prejuízos na função imunológica normal, incluindo defeitos nas respostas inata e adaptativa, redução na produção de interferon-α pelos leucócitos, diminuição na linhagem precursora de células B e prejuízo na resposta de células fagocitárias, entre outros. A presença de radicais livres, traduzindo um estado de estresse oxidativo, está relacionada com o desenvolvimento de doenças alérgicas crônicas, especialmente a asma. Conclusões: A adequação nutricional de micronutrientes está intimamente relacionada ao bom funcionamento do sistema imunológico. Apesar de não haver evidências claras sobre os benefícios de uma dieta rica em antioxidantes sobre a prevenção de alergias, existem indícios de seu potencial papel protetor.

Aim: The inappropriate ingestion of some nutrients can be related to different damages on functional capacity of cellular or humoral defenses, as well as on the predisposition of allergic diseases. The presence of free radicais seems to be relevant on the development of immune system diseases. Due to the high prevalence of zinc, iron and vitamin A deficiencies in Brazil, the goal of this review is to approach the relationship between the lack of these micronutrients on immune system. Data source: The study was conducted based on related articles about prevention of allergic diseases in infants, available on PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCIELO and LILACS data bases in the last 10 years, or previous, but relevant regarding to nutritional or epidemiological point of view. Data synthesis: lron, zinc and vitamin A deficiency can lead to several damages on regular immune function, including defects on inate and adaptative responses, reduction of interferon a by leucocytes and failure on phagocytes function. Free radicals, present in oxidative stress conditions, are related to the development of chronic allergic diseases, especially asthma. Conclusion: Adequate ingestion of micronutrients is related to the good functioning of immune system. Although there are no clear evidences about benefits of a diet with high amounts of antioxidants, there are some signs of their potential protective role.

Inadequação do consumo alimentar de crianças e adolescentes com artrite idiopática juvenil e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico / Inadequate dietary intake of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o consumo alimentar de crianças e adolescentes com artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) por recordatório de 24 horas e relacioná-lo com características clínicas e antropométricas e com os medicamentos empregados. MÉTODOS: Em estudo transversal, avaliamos os recordatórios de 24 horas de pacientes ambulatoriais. O estado nutricional foi classificado pelo CDC, 2000. Para o cálculo da ingestão, utilizamos o software NutWin UNIFESP-EPM. Para a análise quantitativa e qualitativa, adotamos as Recommended Dietary Allowances e a pirâmide alimentar brasileira. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi 12 na AIJ e 16,5 anos no LES. Na AIJ, 37,5 por cento dos pacientes estavam em atividade de doença, e, no LES, 68,2 por cento tinham Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index > 4. Foi encontrada desnutrição em 8,3 e 4,5 por cento dos pacientes com AIJ e com LES, respectivamente, e obesidade, em 16,7 e 18,2 por cento. Na AIJ, o consumo excessivo de energia, proteína e lipídios foi de 12,5, 75 e 31,3 por cento, respectivamente. No LES, o consumo excessivo de energia, proteína e lipídios foi de 13,6, 86,4 e 36,4 por cento, respectivamente. Consumo deficiente de ferro, zinco e vitamina A foi observado em 29,2 e 50, 87,5 e 86,4 e 87,5 e 95,2 por cento dos pacientes com AIJ e LES, respectivamente. Não houve relação significante entre consumo, atividade da doença e estado nutricional. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com doenças reumáticas apresentam inadequação do consumo alimentar. Ressaltamos a ingestão excessiva de lipídios e proteínas e a ingestão insuficiente de micronutrientes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dietary intake of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) using a 24-hour diet recall and relating it to the patients clinical and anthropometric characteristics and to the drugs used in their treatment. METHODS: By means of a cross-sectional study, we assessed the 24-hour diet recalls of outpatients. Their nutritional status was classified according to the CDC (2000). The computer program NutWin UNIFESP-EPM was used for food intake calculation. The Recommended Dietary Allowances and the Brazilian food pyramid were used for quantitative and qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Median age was 12 years for JIA patients and 16.5 years for JSLE patients. Among the JIA patients, 37.5 percent had active disease, and among the JSLE patients, 68.2 percent showed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) > 4. Malnutrition was found in 8.3 and 4.5 percent of the JIA and JSLE patients, respectively, and obesity was present in 16.7 and 18.2 percent. For JIA patients, the excessive intake of energy, protein, and lipids was 12.5, 75, and 31.3 percent, respectively. For JSLE patients, the excessive intake of energy, protein, and lipids was 13.6, 86.4, and 36.4 percent, respectively. Low intake of iron, zinc, and vitamin A was found in 29.2 and 50, 87.5 and 86.4, and 87.5 and 95.2 percent of the JIA and JSLE patients, respectively. There was not a significant association between intake, disease activity, and nutritional status. CONCLUSION: Patients with rheumatic diseases have inadequate dietary intake. There is excessive intake of lipids and proteins and low intake of micronutrients.

Inadequate dietary intake of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dietary intake of children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) using a 24-hour diet recall and relating it to the patients' clinical and anthropometric characteristics and to the drugs used in their treatment. METHODS: By means of a cross-sectional study, we assessed the 24-hour diet recalls of outpatients. Their nutritional status was classified according to the CDC (2000). The computer program NutWin UNIFESP-EPM was used for food intake calculation. The Recommended Dietary Allowances and the Brazilian food pyramid were used for quantitative and qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Median age was 12 years for JIA patients and 16.5 years for JSLE patients. Among the JIA patients, 37.5% had active disease, and among the JSLE patients, 68.2% showed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) > 4. Malnutrition was found in 8.3 and 4.5% of the JIA and JSLE patients, respectively, and obesity was present in 16.7 and 18.2%. For JIA patients, the excessive intake of energy, protein, and lipids was 12.5, 75, and 31.3%, respectively. For JSLE patients, the excessive intake of energy, protein, and lipids was 13.6, 86.4, and 36.4%, respectively. Low intake of iron, zinc, and vitamin A was found in 29.2 and 50, 87.5 and 86.4, and 87.5 and 95.2% of the JIA and JSLE patients, respectively. There was not a significant association between intake, disease activity, and nutritional status. CONCLUSION: Patients with rheumatic diseases have inadequate dietary intake. There is excessive intake of lipids and proteins and low intake of micronutrients.

Anthropometric evaluation, risk factors for malnutrition, and nutritional therapy for children in teaching hospitals in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate risk factors for malnutrition, nutritional status and nutritional support provided in hospitalized children. METHODS: This longitudinal study prospectively followed, for 3 consecutive months, all children under 5 years of age (n = 907) hospitalized in general pediatric medical wards of 10 Brazilian university-based hospitals. For data collection, a standard questionnaire was used and nutritional condition was evaluated at hospital admission and discharge: weight-for-height, weight-for-age and height-for-age z score. RESULTS: Only 56.7% of the children had their nutritional classification documented in the medical record. At hospital admission, 16.3 and 30.0% of the children had moderate/severe malnutrition and low stature, respectively. Risk of malnutrition was associated with low birth weight and younger age. A high percentage of nutritional deficiencies was observed in the children analyzed, although child's nutritional condition and the adoption of appropriate nutritional therapy were not documented in the medical records of the malnourished children. CONCLUSION: These data underscore the importance of developing qualified hospital medical wards regarding diagnosis and therapeutic approach to malnutrition, based on the conduct guidelines already available in Brazil.

Avaliação antropométrica, fatores de risco para desnutrição e medidas de apoio nutricional em crianças internadas em hospitais de ensino no Brasil / Anthropometric evaluation, risk factors for malnutrition, and nutritional therapy for children in teaching hospitals in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores de risco para desnutrição, estado nutricional e medidas de apoio nutricional em crianças hospitalizadas. MÉTODOS: Por meio de estudo longitudinal, prospectivo, avaliou-se por 3 meses consecutivos todas as crianças hospitalizadas (< 5 anos) em enfermarias de pediatria geral de 10 hospitais universitários brasileiros. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se questionário padrão e avaliação da condição nutricional, obtida na internação e alta: escore z peso/estatura, peso/idade e estatura/idade. RESULTADOS: Somente 56,7 por cento das crianças tinham classificação do estado nutricional registrada no prontuário. Observou-se, na admissão, 16,3 e 30 por cento de crianças com desnutrição moderada/grave e baixa estatura, respectivamente. O risco de desnutrição associou-se com o baixo peso ao nascer e com a baixa idade das crianças. Houve alto percentual de agravos nutricionais nas crianças avaliadas, não sendo verificada a anotação da condição nutricional no prontuário e nem adoção de medidas de terapia nutricional apropriadas para crianças desnutridas. CONCLUSÕES: Salienta-se a importância da capacitação das unidades hospitalares quanto ao diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica da desnutrição baseado nos guias de conduta já disponíveis em nosso país.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for malnutrition, nutritional status and nutritional support provided in hospitalized children. METHODS: This longitudinal study prospectively followed, for 3 consecutive months, all children under 5 years of age (n = 907) hospitalized in general pediatric medical wards of 10 Brazilian university-based hospitals. For data collection, a standard questionnaire was used and nutritional condition was evaluated at hospital admission and discharge: weight-for-height, weight-for-age and height-for-age z score. RESULTS: Only 56.7 percent of the children had their nutritional classification documented in the medical record. At hospital admission, 16.3 and 30.0 percent of the children had moderate/severe malnutrition and low stature, respectively. Risk of malnutrition was associated with low birth weight and younger age. A high percentage of nutritional deficiencies was observed in the children analyzed, although child's nutritional condition and the adoption of appropriate nutritional therapy were not documented in the medical records of the malnourished children. CONCLUSION: These data underscore the importance of developing qualified hospital medical wards regarding diagnosis and therapeutic approach to malnutrition, based on the conduct guidelines already available in Brazil.

Perspectivas futuras no tratamento da alergia alimentar / Future perspectives in the treatment of food allergy

Embora a restrição do alimento ao qual o paciente é sensível seja o único tratamento preconizado para as alergias alimentares, na atualidade, várias alternativas terapêuticas têm sido estudadas, sobretudo para serem administradas aos que apresentam manifestações mais graves, com risco de vida, de alergia alimentar. Entre elas destacam-se a imunomodulação realizada via imunoterapia específica com proteínas e peptídeos recombinantes, imunoestimulação por DNA, vacinas de DNA, e pelas controversas ervas medicinais chinesas. Além destas, a imunoterapia não-específica realizada com o emprego de anticorpo monoclonal anti-IgE e de anti-citocinas. Aquele impedindo a fixação da IgE ao receptor de alta presente na superfície dos mastócitos e os outros bloqueando a ação das citocinas determinantes da resposta inflamatória. Como medidas preventivas destacam-se o aleitamento materno exclusivo por tempo prolongado e os probióticos