Can the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) predict unfavorable clinical outcome in hospitalized elderly patients?

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized elderly patients (HEP) is high. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the behavior of several nutritional indicators and predictors of unfavorable clinical outcome. METHODS: Retrospective study with hospitalized elderly patients (N = 322). Nutritional instruments, indicators and outcome were investigated. Chi-square, Fisher and Mann-Whitney tests and univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: The variables that, jointly, were associated with hospital stay longer than 7 days, include: the presence of complications (p = 0.0328; OR 1.946; IC95% 1.056; 3.585) and nutritional risk according to the NRS-2002 (p = 0.0016; OR 2.080; IC95% 1.322; 3.275). The variable that remained associated with complications in the multiple model was the nutritional risk according to the NRS-2002 (p = 0.0018; OR 2.587; IC95% 1.423; 4.703). CONCLUSION: Nutritional risk using the NRS-2002 is a predictor of clinical outcome in hospitalized elderly patients.

Genetic polymorphisms are not associated with energy intake 1 year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in women.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the influence of food intake on body weight loss (WL) and the association of gene polymorphisms, 1 year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. METHODS: In total, 95 obese women (age ranged 20-50 years) in a Brazilian cohort underwent RYGB surgery and completed the study. Anthropometric measurements and food intake were assessed before and 1 year after surgery. Twelve gene polymorphisms (GHRL rs26802; GHSR rs572169; LEP rs7799039; LEPR rs1137101; 5-HT2C rs3813929; UCP2 rs659366; UCP2 rs660339; UCP3 rs1800849; SH2B1 rs7498665; TAS1R2 rs35874116; TAS1R2 rs9701796; and FTO rs9939609) were determined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction and a TaqMan assay. The subjects were divided into quartiles regarding percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL). The effect of genetic variants on energy and macronutrient intake was evaluated by simple logistic regression, followed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Subjects in the first and second quartiles showed a higher initial body mass index. Energy and macronutrient intake before and 1 year after RYGB surgery did not differ between the %EWL quartiles. None of gene polymorphisms investigated showed an association with the estimated energy intake 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the estimate energy and food intake did not predict a greater body WL 1 year after RYGB surgery. In addition, the 12 gene polymorphism investigated did not affect the energy intake among female patients.

Lack of association between 11 gene polymorphisms on weight loss 1 year after Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery in woman.

BACKGROUND: Although effective, the impact of bariatric surgery on weight loss is variable, and little is known about the influence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The present study investigated the association of eleven SNPs related to obesity with weight loss 1 year after Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery in female patients. METHODS: This prospective study included 351 women with obesity. The genotypes for eleven SNPs (GHRL-rs26802; GHSR-rs572169; LEP-rs7799039; LEPR-rs1137101; 5HT2C-rs3813929; UCP2-rs659366; UCP3-rs1800849; SH2B1-rs7498665; TAS1R2-rs35874116; TAS1R2-rs9701796; FTO-rs9939609) were determined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction and TaqMan assays. Anthropometric measurements were performed before and 1 year after RYGB surgery. To evaluate the factors that influenced the proportion of weight loss 1 year after surgery, beta regression analysis was used. The models were estimated using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS statistical software. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean ± SD percentage of total body weight loss in 1 year was 64.4 ± 5.8% and the median was 65.0%. When assessing the proportion of weight loss in 1 year after surgery, using univariate analysis (beta regression), no SNPs influenced weight loss. Furthermore, in the multiple analysis, with stepwise process of variable selection, no variable was significant to compose the multiple model. CONCLUSIONS: The 11 SNPs investigated did not influence weight loss 1 year after RYGB surgery in female patients. This result indicates that individual behaviours and other factors might better contribute to the magnitude of loss weight loss in a short period after bariatric surgery.

Predictors of Nutritional Risk According to NRS-2002 and Calf Circumference in Hospitalized Older Adults with Neoplasms.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate nutritional markers that better predict nutritional risk according to the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002), to verify agreement between indicators, and to identify the calf circumference cut-off point for diagnosing nutritional risk. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with older patients hospitalized for neoplasms. The nutritional risk was assessed by NRS-2002 and the nutritional status by Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA long form), calf circumference (CC), and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analyses included the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, Kappa coefficient, univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses to analyze the risk factors, and the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the cut-off point. RESULTS: The NRS-2002 and MNA had good agreement (k = 0.5281), but the NRS-2002 did not agree with the other nutritional indicators. According to regression analysis, the predictors of nutritional risk were the MNA (p = 0.0010, OR = 28.270); BMI (p = 0.0419, OR = 4.681), and age (p = 0.0021, OR = 1.309). The best CC cut-off point for predicting nutritional risk according to the NRS-2002 was ≤32.25 cm. CONCLUSION: Both the NRS-2002 and MNA are useful for the nutritional diagnosis of older adults hospitalized for neoplasms. When the MNA, BMI, and age are used together, they can better predict nutritional risk according to the NRS-2002.

Determinants of malnutrition and post-operative complications in hospitalized surgical patients.

The study aimed to determine the nutritional status (NS) of hospitalized surgical patients and investigate a possible association between NS and type of disease, type of surgery and post-operative complications. The gender, age, disease, surgery, complications, length of hospital stay, number of medications, laboratory test results, and energy intake of 388 hospitalized surgical patients were recorded. NS was determined by classical anthropometry. The inclusion criteria were: nutritional status assessment done within the first 24 hours of admission, age ≥ 20 years, and complete medical history. Univariate and multiple Cox's regression analyses were employed to determine which variables were possible risk factors of malnutrition and complications. Malnutrition was more common in males (p=0.017), individuals aged 70 to 79 years (p=0.000), and individuals with neoplasms and digestive tract diseases (p=0.000). Malnourished individuals had longer hospital stays (p=0.013) and required more medications (p=0.001). The risk of malnutrition was associated with age and disease. Individuals aged 70 years or more had a two-fold increased risk of malnutrition (p=0.014; RR=2.207; 95% CI 1.169-4.165); those with neoplasms (p=0.008; RR=14.950; 95% CI 2.011-111.151) and those having digestive tract diseases (p=0.009; RR=14.826; 95% CI 1.939-113.362) had a 14-fold increased risk of malnutrition. Complications prevailed in older individuals (p=0.016), individuals with longer hospital stays (p=0.007), and individuals who died (p=0.002). The risk of complications was associated with age and BMI. In the present study, the risk of malnutrition was associated with age and type of disease; old age and low BMI may increase complications.

SEX AND ASA CLASSIFICATION, NOT FASTING TIME, ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE LIKELIHOOD OF COMPLICATIONS IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD.

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, some factors are associated with the development of postoperative complications including surgical approach, smoking, comorbidities, nutritional status, classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), fasting time period, and others. In the case of surgical patients, some factors are important for the assessment of the outcomes. AIMS: To investigate the factors associated with the likelihood of postoperative complications in surgical patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted with patients who were admitted to hospital more than 24 h. The following variables were investigated: nutritional risk screening, body mass index, ASA classification, fasting time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. For statistical analysis, the Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney tests were used. To investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative complications, simple and multiple Cox regression analyses were used. RESULTS: In the total group of patients, there was an association between postoperative complications and men (p=0.0197), surgical risk (ASA) (p=0.0397) and length of hospital stay (p<0001); men showed a risk 2.2 times greater than women for some kind of postoperative complication (p=0.0456; PR=2.167; 95%CI 1.015-4.624). In patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, there was an association between postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (p<0001). In patients undergoing other surgeries, there was an association between postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (p<0001) and ASA classification (p=0.0160); ASA classification was considered a factor associated with the probability of postoperative complications (p=0.0335; PR=4.125; 95%CI 1.117-15.237). CONCLUSIONS: Men in the total group of patients and the ASA 3 or 4 criteria in the group of patients undergoing other surgeries were considered factors associated with the occurrence of complications in the postoperative period.

Association between Frequency of Seizures and Number of Antiseizure Medications (ASM) in Patients with Epilepsy.

The literature has shown the relevance of nutritional and metabolic aspects in patients with epilepsy. This study evaluated the relationship between clinical variables and plasma proteins and compared the variables between seizure frequency and neurological examination. A pilot study was carried out with eighty-four (n = 84) adults patients with epilepsy. The relationship between clinical variables of the disease (age at disease onset, neurological examination, current type and frequency of seizures, duration of disease, amount of antiseizure medications-ASM used and type and etiology of epilepsy) and plasma proteins (albumin and transferrin) was investigated. In the statistical analysis, the chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman coefficient and univariate logistic regression were used. There was a significant association between the use of antiseizure medications (ASM) (p = 0.0105) and altered neurological examination (p = 0.0049), compared with the frequency of seizures, and between albumin and gender (p = 0.0005), and albumin and etiology of epilepsy (p = 0.0186). There was a significant low-intensity and inverse linear correlation (coefficient = -0.31363, p = 0.0037) between albumin and disease duration. In the logistic regression model, a significant association was only observed between the number of ASM and the frequency of seizures (p = 0.0120; OR = 3.368; 95% CI = 1.305-8.691). There was no association between plasma proteins and the outcomes of seizure frequency and neurological examination. The number of ASM and not protein metabolism was associated with frequency of seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels, diabetes and age are associated with foot and ankle fracture treatment complications.

Objective: This study investigated the nutritional status, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), albumin and risk factors associated with complications in patients with foot and ankle fragility fractures. Subjects and methods: Prospective study, developed with patients who suffered fractures due to fragility of the foot and ankle (n = 108); the type of fractured bone, fracture mechanisms and classification were studied and also pseudoarthrosis, treatment, surgical dehiscence, anthropometry, 25OHD and albumin. The Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in the statistical analysis and the multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with complications. Results: The factors that, together, were associated with treatment complications were the level of 25OHD (p = 0.0055; OR = 0.868 [1,152]; 95% CI = 0.786; 0.959 [1.043;1.272]) and diabetes (p = 0.0034; OR = 30,181; 95% CI = 3.087; 295.036). The factors that, together, were associated with the presence of any complication, were age (p = 0.0139; OR = 1.058; 95% CI = 1.011; 1,106) and 25OHD level (p = 0.0198; OR = 0.917; 95% CI = 0.852; 0.986). There was a complication probability above 0.40 associated with lower 25OHD levels (values below 20 ng/mL) and older age (over 50 years). Conclusion: Lower or abnormal levels of 25OHD were associated with pseudoarthrosis, and age and 25OHD were both risk factors for treatment complications in patients with foot and ankle fractures.

Physical activity in adults with epilepsy: clinical aspects and relationship with cognition and quality of life.

There are several factors associated with lower participation in regular physical activity (PA) in adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs). Objective: To assess the relationship between the regular practice of PA with clinical and cognitive variables and quality of life (QoL) in PWEs. Methods: Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (HPAQ) was related to clinical variables, scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), on the Brief Cognitive Battery-Edu (BCB-Edu), on the Satisfaction Scale for Physical Activity (SSPA), and on the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE)-31 in 60 PWEs, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The PWEs had a mean age of 42.4±13.6 years, 50% of whom were female. Longer length of epilepsy correlated with lower PA in leisure time (Pearson correlation [r]= -0.276; p-value [p]=0.036). The occupational physical activity scores of the HPAQ correlated positively with perception (r=0.300; p=0.021), memory (r=0.381; p=0.003), semantic verbal fluency test (SVF) (r=0.427; p=0.001), and with the total score in the MMSE (r=0.327; p=0.012). The total HPAQ score correlated with the SVF (r=0.336; p=0.009) and with the MMSE (r=0.254; p=0.049). There was no correlation among the QOLIE-31, the HPAQ, and the SSPA. Conclusions: Longer duration of epilepsy was associated with the lower practice of PA. Physical activity was associated with better performance in aspects of cognition. There was no relationship between QoL and practice and satisfaction with PA, suggesting different psychosocial aspects involved.

Existem vários fatores associados à menor participação em atividade física regular (AF) em pacientes adultos com epilepsia (PCE). Objetivo: Avaliar em PCEs a relação entre a prática regular de AF com as variáveis clínicas e cognitivas e com a qualidade de vida (QV). Métodos: Foi relacionado o Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire (HPAQ) com as variáveis clínicas, escores no Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), no Brief Cognitive Battery-Edu (BCB-Edu), Satisfaction Scale for Physical Activity (SSPA) e no Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE­31) de 60 PCE, com nível de significância p<0,05. Resultados: Idade média 42,4±13,6 anos, 50% do sexo feminino. O maior tempo de epilepsia correlacionou-se com a menor prática de AF no lazer (Correlação de Person, r= -0,276; p=0,036). Escores da AF ocupacional do HPAQ correlacionaram-se positivamente com a percepção (r=0,300; p=0,021) e a memória (r=0,381; p=0,003) no teste de fluência verbal (SVF); (r=0,427; p=0,001) e com o escore total no MMSE (r=0,327; p=0,012). O escore total do HPAQ correlacionou-se com o SVF (r=0,336; p=0,009) e com o MMSE (r=0,254; p=0,049). Não houve correlação entre o QOLIE­31 com o HPAQ e a SSPA. Conclusão: A maior duração da epilepsia associou-se com a menor prática de AF. A AF associou-se com o melhor desempenho em aspectos da cognição. Não houve relação entre QV com a prática e a satisfação e a AF, sugerindo diferentes aspectos psicossociais envolvidos.

Cognition and obesity in adults with epilepsy.

Introduction: Objective: to assess the occurrence of overweight/obesity in patient with epilepsy (PWEs) and to relate it to cognitive aspects and clinical variables. Methodology: the measurements of waist circumference, calf circumference, arm circumference, and the body mass index were related to the scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Brief Cognitive Battery-Edu, as well as to the clinical variables of 164 PWEs, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Data were compared to a similar control group (CG) comprising 71 cases. Linear and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess factors related to cognitive aspects. Results: the mean age of the PWEs was 49.8 ± 16.6 years with a mean length of epilepsy of 22 ± 15.9 years. Overweight/obesity occurred in 106 (64.6 %) PWEs and in 42 (59.1 %) CG subjects. The PWEs had a worse performance in several cognitive functions when compared to CG subjects. In the PWEs, overweight/obesity was associated with lower educational level, older age, and cognitive impairment. Greater waist circumference, overweight, age at the first seizure, and use of polytherapy with antiseizure medications were predictive factors of memory impairment in multiple linear regression. Greater arm and calf circumference values were associated with better performance in several cognitive areas. Conclusion: the occurrence of overweight/obesity in PWEs and CG subjects was high. Cognitive impairment occurred in a high number of PWEs and was associated with overweight, greater waist circumference values, and clinical aspects of epilepsy. Better cognitive performance was associated with greater arm and calf circumference.

Introducción: Objetivo: evaluar la ocurrencia de sobrepeso/obesidad en pacientes con epilepsia y relacionarla con aspectos cognitivos y variables clínicas. Metodología: las medidas de circunferencia de cintura, circunferencia de pantorrilla, circunferencia de brazo e índice de masa corporal se relacionaron con los puntajes del Mini-Mental State Exam y de la Batería Cognitiva Breve-Edu, así como con las variables clínicas de 164 pacientes con epilepsia, con un nivel de significación de p < 0,05. Los datos se compararon con un grupo de control similar (GC) compuesto por 71 casos. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística lineal y múltiple para evaluar factores relacionados con aspectos cognitivos. Resultados: la edad media de las pacientes con epilepsia fue de 49,8 ± 16,6 años con una duración media de la epilepsia de 22 ± 15,9 años. Presentaron sobrepeso/obesidad 106 (64,6 %) pacientes con epilepsia y 42 (59,1 %) sujetos del GC. Los pacientes con epilepsia tuvieron un peor desempeño en varias funciones cognitivas en comparación con los sujetos del GC. En las pacientes con epilepsia, el sobrepeso/obesidad se asoció con menor nivel educativo, mayor edad y deterioro cognitivo. La mayor circunferencia de la cintura, el sobrepeso, la edad de la primera convulsión y el uso de politerapia con medicamentos anticonvulsivos fueron factores predictivos del deterioro de la memoria en la regresión lineal múltiple. Los valores mayores de circunferencia del brazo y la pantorrilla se asociaron con un mejor rendimiento en varias áreas cognitivas. Conclusión: la incidencia de sobrepeso/obesidad en sujetos pacientes con epilepsia y GC fue alta. El deterioro cognitivo ocurrió en un alto número de pacientes con epilepsia y se asoció con sobrepeso, mayores valores de circunferencia de la cintura y aspectos clínicos de la epilepsia. Un mejor rendimiento cognitivo se asoció con una mayor circunferencia del brazo y la pantorrilla.

Family support in adults with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: The perception of family support in chronic disease can be relevant. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of family support in adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs) and relate it to quality of life (QoL) and clinical aspects. METHODS: Data from the Perceived Family Support Inventory (IPFS) of 130 PWEs were related to the clinical variables, QOLIE-31 scores, and the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) with statistical tests, with p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age was 49.9 ± 17.2 years, and the duration of epilepsy was 20.8 ± 15.4 years. The presence of depression (scores ≥ 15) was associated with lower family support. Being married and non-occurrence of depression were the variables associated with a higher IPFS score (R = 0.2112), in the multiple linear regression. CONCLUSION: The perception of greater family support was associated with demographic aspects, the absence of depression, and better QoL. Family relationships may play an essential role in health adjustment behaviors and QoL in epilepsy.

ANTECEDENTES: A percepção do suporte familiar nas doenças crônicas pode ser relevante. OBJETIVO: Avaliar em pacientes adultos com epilepsia (PCE) a percepção do suporte familiar e relacioná-la com os aspectos clínicos e com a qualidade de vida (QV). MéTODOS: Os dados do Inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar (IPSF) de 130 PCE foram relacionados com as variáveis clínicas, os escores do QOLIE-31 e com o Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), com testes estatísticos, com p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi 49.9 ± 17.2 anos e o tempo de epilepsia foi de 20.8 ± 15.4 anos. Escores ≥ 15 no NDDI-E (presença de depressão) associaram-se a menor suporte familiar. Ser casado e não ter depressão são as variáveis associadas a maiores escores no IPSF (R = 0.2112), na regressão linear múltipla. CONCLUSãO: A percepção de maior suporte familiar associou-se à aspectos demográficos, a ausência de depressão e a melhor QV. As relações familiares podem ter papel essencial nos comportamentos de ajustamento na saúde e na QV na epilepsia.

The number of antiseizure medications taken and not the lipid profile was associated with seizure control in adult patients with epilepsy.

Previous studies show changes in lipid metabolism in epilepsy. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lipid profile and clinical variables in adult patients with epilepsy (APE). Seventy-two APE participated in this pilot study at an outpatient neurology service. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides), age at disease onset, disease duration, seizures frequency, and the number of antiseizure medications (ASM) used were investigated. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Spearman coefficient, and logistic regression tests. There were significant differences in HDL (p = 0.0023) and total cholesterol (p = 0.0452) levels in connection with the number of ASM used. There was a significant difference in seizure control among the different numbers of ASM used (p = 0.0382). Higher HDL values were found in females (p = 0.0170). The logistic regression showed that only the number of ASM used was associated with seizure control (p = 0.0408; OR = 2.800; 95% CI = 1.044; 7.509). The number of ASM taken and not the lipid profile was associated with seizure control in APE.

Nutritional indicators' performance in malnutrition diagnosis of hospitalized elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Several nutritional diagnosis methods and their relationship with clinical outcomes have been described. This study investigated malnutrition in hospitalized elderly patients (HEP) using different nutritional indicators and determined criteria to identify malnutrition and explore the variables that discriminate the risk of malnutrition. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 500 HEP; different methods of nutritional diagnosis, their relationship with clinical outcomes and criteria for defining malnutrition were investigated. The GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition was applied in this study. In the statistical analysis, the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, univariate and multiple logistic regression and the ROC curve were used. RESULTS: Patients aged 65-79 years, at nutritional risk or with malnutrition, had longer hospital stays (p = 0.0099; OR = 1.047; 95% CI = 1.011; 1.084) and lower body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.0001; OR = 0.867 (1153)); 95% CI = 0.813; 0.924 (1085; 1225). Patients aged ≥80 years had a lower BMI (p = 0.0053; OR = 0.779 (1284); 95% CI = 0.653; 0.928 (1078; 1531)). Accuracy was significant in both age groups for BMI (p < 0.0001; 65-79 years and p = 0.001; ≥80 years); for the lymphocyte count (p = 0.0167; 65-79 years and p = 0.0028; ≥80 years), and for the calf circumference (CC) (p < 0.0001; 65-79 years and p = 0.001; ≥80 years). Using the GLIM criteria, 27.78% of patients were considered malnourished. CC showed good accuracy, good specificity, but low sensitivity while BMI was more accurate to detect malnutrition in both age groups. CONCLUSION: CC showed good accuracy, good specificity, but low sensitivity to detect malnutrition. BMI was more accurate in both age groups to detect malnutrition.

HIGH-FIBER DIET PROMOTES METABOLIC, HORMONAL, AND SATIETY EFFECTS IN OBESE WOMEN ON A SHORT-TERM CALORIC RESTRICTION.

•Body weight and BMI decrease in both the EG and CG groups during the period of caloric restriction. •For both the EG and CG groups, fat-free mass decreases during food restriction. •Subjects on a high-fiber diet have reduced fasting glucose and basal insulin as well as improved insulin resistance, as attested by the lower HOMA-IR index. •Obese women on a high-fiber diet have suppressed postprandial (after 60 min) acylated ghrelin, confirming that the diet composition influences ghrelin levels from the first day. •In the present study, it was possible to verify that fasting leptin concentration diminishes in obese women on a high-fiber diet. Background - Several mechanisms, including excessive hunger, account for patients' difficulties in maintaining weight loss and dietary changes after caloric restriction. Objective - To evaluate the effect of short-term high-fiber calorie-restricted diet in appetite-regulating hormones, and hunger and satiety sensations in women with obesity. In a randomized controlled trial study, thirty women with body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 kg/m2, and aged from 20 to 50 years were hospitalized following a calorie-restricted diet (1000 kcal/day) for three days. The experimental group (n=15) received high-fiber diet and the control group (n=15), conventional diet. Results - Body weight, BMI, resting energy expenditure (REE), acylated and total ghrelin, leptin, insulin and glucose, and hunger and satiety sensations were evaluated. Linear regression models with mixed effects (fixed and random effects) helped to assess the variables between the two groups and within the groups. Body weight and BMI decreased in both the experimental and control groups (P<0.001). After the high-fiber diet, postprandial acylated ghrelin (P=0.04), glucose (P<0.001), insulin (P=0.04), and leptin (P=0.03) levels as well as the HOMA-IR index (P=0.01) decreased, whereas satiety improved (P=0.02). Obese women that followed the conventional diet had increased body fat percentage (P=0.04) and lower REE (P=0.02). The two diets did not differ in terms of hunger sensation. Conclusion - A short-term high-fiber diet improves satiety sensations and metabolic parameters while suppressing postprandial acylated ghrelin (60 minutes) and maintaining the resting energy expenditure.

IS CALF CIRCUMFERENCE ASSOCIATED WITH CLINICAL AND NUTRITIONAL OUTCOME IN OLDER PATIENTS?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between calf circumference (CC) and outcomes in hospitalized patients. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between CC and clinical and nutritional outcomes in older in-patients (OiP) in a surgery ward. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 417 OiP in a surgery ward. Clinical variables, anthropometry, and nutritional screening instruments such as subjective global assessment (SGA), mini nutritional assessment (MNA), and nutritional risk screening (NRS) were used in the investigation. The tests Pearson's chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's coefficient, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to review the factors associated with CC. RESULTS: Lower CC values were found in the age group 80 years and over (p<0.0001), presence of complications (p=0.0269), NRS (p<0.0001), SGA (p<0.0001), and MNA (p<0.0001). Gender (p=0.0011; partial R2=0.01151), age (p=0.0002; partial R2=0.06032), body mass index (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.40820), and arm circumference (p≤0.0001; partial R2=0.11890) are variables that together were associated with CC. There was also a relationship between SGA (p=0.0166; partial R2=0.00605) and absence of complications during hospitalization (p=0.0047; R2=0.01154) with CC. CONCLUSIONS: Gender, age, body mass index, and arm circumference were jointly associated with CC, in addition to SGA and absence of complications. The CC is a relevant indicator for OiP in the clinical practice.

INVERSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLASMA PROTEINS AND SATISFACTORY SURGICAL WOUNDS OUTCOME.

Objective: This study investigated the factors associated with satisfactory early postoperative wound conditions. Method: A prospective study was conducted with patients (n=179) submitted to osteosynthesis in general, in a hospital orthopedics service. In the preoperative period, patients underwent laboratory exams and the surgical indications were based on the type of fracture and the patient's clinical conditions. In the postoperative period, patients were evaluated based on the presence of complications and considering their surgical wounds. Chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in the analysis. To identify the factors associated with wound condition, univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was used. Results: In the univariate analysis, each transferring unit reduction increased the chance of satisfactory outcome by 1.1% (p=0.0306; OR= 0.989 (1.011); 95%CI= 0.978;0.999; 1.001;1.023). The presence of SAH increased 2.7 fold the chance of satisfactory outcome (p=0.0424; OR= 2,667; 95%CI= 1,034;6,877). Hip fracture increased 2.6 fold the chance of satisfactory outcome (p=0.0272; OR=2.593; IC95%=1.113; 6.039). And the absence of a compound fracture increased 5.5 fold the chance of satisfactory wound outcome (p=0.0004; OR=5,493; 95%CI=2,132;14,149). In the multiple analysis, patients with non compound fractures were 9.7 times more likely to experience a satisfactory outcome when compared to patients with compound fractures (p=0.0014; OR=9,687; 95%CI= 2,399; 39,125). Conclusion: There was an inverse relationship between plasma proteins levels and satisfactory surgical wounds outcome. Only exposure remained associated with wound conditions. Level Of Evidence: II, Prospective Study.

Objetivo: Este estudo investigou os fatores associados à condição satisfatória de ferida pós-operatória precoce. Método: Foi desenvolvido um estudo prospectivo com pacientes (n=179) submetidos a osteossínteses em geral, em um serviço de ortopedia hospitalar. No período pré-operatório os pacientes foram submetidos a exames laboratoriais e as indicações cirúrgicas foram baseadas no tipo de fratura e condições clínicas. No período pós-operatório, os pacientes foram avaliados conforme a presença de complicações e feridas operatórias. Foram utilizados na análise os testes Qui-quadrado, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis. Para identificar os fatores associados à condição da ferida, foi utilizada a análise de regressão logística univariada e múltipla. Resultados: Na análise univariada, cada unidade a menos de transferrina, aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória em 1.1% (p= 0.0306; OR= 0.989 (1.011); IC95%= 0.978;0.999; 1.001;1.023). A presença de HAS aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória em 2.7 vezes (p=0.0424; OR= 2.667; IC95%= 1.034;6.877). Fratura de quadril aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória em 2.6 vezes (p=0.0272; OR=2.593; IC95%=1.113;6.039). E não apresentar fratura exposta, aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória da ferida em 5.5 vezes (p=0.0004; OR=5.493; IC95%=2.132;14.149). Na análise múltipla, fraturas sem exposição, apresentaram chance 9.7 vezes maior de apresentar condição satisfatória do que insatisfatória; quando comparadas às que apresentaram exposição (p=0.0014; OR=9.687; IC95%= 2,399; 39.125). Conclusão: Houve uma relação inversa entre proteínas plasmáticas e presença de feridas operatórias satisfatórias. Apenas a exposição se manteve associada à condição da ferida. Nível de Evidência: II; Estudo Prospectivo.

Gauging food and nutritional care quality in hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Food and nutritional care quality must be assessed and scored, so as to improve health institution efficacy. This study aimed to detect and compare actions related to food and nutritional care quality in public and private hospitals. METHODS: Investigation of the Hospital Food and Nutrition Service (HFNS) of 37 hospitals by means of structured interviews assessing two quality control corpora, namely nutritional care quality (NCQ) and hospital food service quality (FSQ). HFNS was also evaluated with respect to human resources per hospital bed and per produced meal. RESULTS: Comparison between public and private institutions revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the number of hospital beds per HFNS staff member (p = 0.02) and per dietitian (p < 0.01). The mean compliance with NCQ criteria in public and private institutions was 51.8% and 41.6%, respectively. The percentage of public and private health institutions in conformity with FSQ criteria was 42.4% and 49.1%, respectively. Most of the actions comprising each corpus, NCQ and FSQ, varied considerably between the two types of institution. NCQ was positively influenced by hospital type (general) and presence of a clinical dietitian. FSQ was affected by institution size: large and medium-sized hospitals were significantly better than small ones. CONCLUSIONS: Food and nutritional care in hospital is still incipient, and actions concerning both nutritional care and food service take place on an irregular basis. It is clear that the design of food and nutritional care in hospital indicators is mandatory, and that guidelines for the development of actions as well as qualification and assessment of nutritional care are urgent.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL SCREENING INSTRUMENTS IN HOSPITALIZED OLDER PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hospitalized elderly patients has grown substantially and has impacted the hospital health services. Thus, it is believed that an investigation of the nutritional status associated with different clinical situations in elderly patients could contribute to multidisciplinary hospital intervention and nutritional care actions suitable for this population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between two nutritional screening instruments in hospitalized older patients and to compare clinical variables between these two instruments. METHODS: Retrospective study with hospitalized older patients (n=277), investigating the agreement between two nutritional screening instruments. The data were analyzed using the McNemar, chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney tests and the kappa coefficient for the agreement assessment. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (P=0.0002) between the nutritional risk classifications of the two nutritional screening instruments and moderate agreement (k=0.5430) between them. The association between nutritional risk screening and age (P=0.0255), length of hospital stay (P<0.0001), gender (P=0.0365) and illness (P=0.0001) were assessed. There was an association between Mini Nutritional Assessment and length of stay (P<0.0001), illness (P=0.0001) and body weight evolution (P=0.0479). CONCLUSION: The nutritional risk screening and Mini Nutritional Assessment showed moderate agreement in the assessment of elderly patients.

Factors associated with patient weight loss and prescribed diet during hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: the aim of this study was to assess weight loss, diet prescribed, and nutritional status in hospitalized patients, as well as their associated factors. Methods: weight loss during hospitalization, nutritional status, disease type, and prescribed diet were investigated in a retrospective study in 621 hospitalized patients. The chi-squared, Fisher's, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. To identify factors associated with weight loss a logistic regression analysis was performed. The significance level adopted for statistical tests was 5 %. Results: patients who experienced weight loss during hospitalization were associated with longer hospital stays (p < 0.0001; OR = 1.052; 95 % CI = 1.030 to 1.073), malnourishment according to the subjective global assessment (p = 0.0358; OR = 1.520; 95 % CI = 1,028 to 2,248), digestive disorders (p = 0.0081; OR = 3.177; 95 % CI = 1.351 to 7.469), and digestive neoplasms (p = 0.0407; OR = 2.410; 95 % CI = 1.038 to 5.597). Conclusion: weight loss during hospitalization was associated with neoplasms, digestive diseases, malnutrition, and length of stay.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la pérdida de peso, la dieta prescrita y el estado nutricional de pacientes hospitalizados y sus factores asociados. Métodos: se investigó la pérdida de peso durante la hospitalización, el estado nutricional, el tipo de enfermedad y la dieta prescrita en un estudio retrospectivo de 621 pacientes hospitalizados. Las pruebas del chi cuadrado, Fisher, Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis se utilizaron para el análisis estadístico. Para identificar los factores asociados con la pérdida de peso se utilizó la regresión logística. El nivel de significación adoptado para las pruebas estadísticas fue del 5 %. Resultados: los casos de pérdida de peso durante la hospitalización se asociaron a las estancias hospitalarias más largas (p < 0,0001; OR = 1,052; IC 95 % = 1,030; 1,073), la desnutrición según la evaluación global subjetiva (p = 0,0358; OR = 1,520; IC 95 % = 1,028; 2,248) los trastornos digestivos (p = 0,0081; OR = 3,177; IC 95 % = 1,351; 7,469) y las neoplasias digestivas (p = 0,0407; OR = 2,410; IC 95 % = 1,038; 5,597). Conclusión: la pérdida de peso durante la hospitalización se asoció con las neoplasias y las enfermedades digestivas, la desnutrición y la duración de la estancia.

GASTROINTESTINAL CHANGES DURING NUTRITIONAL FOLLOW-UP OF CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING OUTPATIENT CHEMOTHERAPY.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients may have gastrointestinal changes that influence nutritional status. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal changes resulting from outpatient chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients. METHODS: In a retrospective longitudinal study, the nutritional status and chemotherapy gastrointestinal changes (nausea, vomit, diarrhea, constipation, mucositis, dysphagia, xerostomia, inappetence, dysgeusia and heartburn) in cancer patients (n=187) were investigated in an outpatient follow-up. For the study of the parameters over time, the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method was used. Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman coefficient, at a significance level of 5% were also used. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (63.64%) and the mean age was 57.5±12.1 years. The most frequent symptoms were nausea (18.54%); inappetence (18.31%); intestinal constipation (11.58%); diarrhea (7.98%); xerostomia (7.59%) and vomiting (7.43%). The nutritional status did not exhibit any relevant changes (P=0.7594). However, a higher prevalence of eutrophy was observed, followed by overweight; vomiting exhibited a significant difference (P=0.0211). The nausea symptom exhibited a significant difference with a higher prevalence of colorectal neoplasia when compared to breast neoplasia (P=0.0062); as well as vomiting in lung and colorectal neoplasias (P=0.0022), and dysphagia, in head and neck neoplasia, when compared to other neoplasms (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the number of medical appointments and gender (P=0.0102) and between dysphagia and gender (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study findings enhance the need for signs and symptoms follow up, as well as nutritional status follow up of patients undergoing outpatient chemotherapy.