Association Between Serum Myostatin Levels, Hospital Mortality, and Muscle Mass and Strength Following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum myostatin levels, hospital mortality, and muscle mass and strength following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. Within 48 hours of admission, bioelectrical impedance and handgrip strength were assessed and blood samples collected for myostatin evaluation. Hospital mortality was recorded. A multiple logistic regression model was also constructed, adjusted by parameters that exhibited significant differences in the univariate analysis, to evaluate the association between myostatin levels and hospital mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and two (102) patients were included: mean age was 60.5±10.6 years, 67.6% were male, and 6.9% died during hospital stay. Univariate analysis showed that patients with lower myostatin levels had higher mortality rates. Serum myostatin levels positively correlated with handgrip strength (r=0.355; p<0.001) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (r=0.268; p=0.007). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that lower myostatin levels were associated with hospital mortality at the <2.20 ng/mL cut-off. Multiple logistic regression showed that higher serum myostatin levels were associated with reduced hospital mortality when adjusted by ß blocker use (OR, 0.228; 95% CI, 0.054-0.974; p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Serum myostatin concentrations positively correlated with muscle mass and strength in STEMI patients. Further assessment of serum myostatin association with mortality should be conducted using a larger sample and assessing the additive value to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) or thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk scores.

The role of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in cardiac remodelling induced by cigarette smoke exposure.

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the alterations in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance are mechanisms presented in cardiac remodelling induced by the toxicity of cigarette smoke. Male Wistar rats were assigned to the control group (C; n = 12) and the cigarette smoke-exposed group (exposed to cigarette smoke over 2 months) (CS; n = 12). Transthoracic echocardiography, blood pressure assessment, serum biochemical analyses for catecholamines and cotinine, energy metabolism enzymes activities assay; HOMA index (homeostatic model assessment); immunohistochemistry; and Western blot for proteins involved in energy metabolism were performed. The CS group presented concentric hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and higher oxidative stress. It was observed changes in energy metabolism, characterized by a higher HOMA index, lower concentration of GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) and lower 3-hydroxyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity, suggesting the presence of insulin resistance. Yet, the cardiac glycogen was depleted, phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased, with normal pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity. The activity of citrate synthase, mitochondrial complexes and ATP synthase (adenosine triphosphate synthase) decreased and the expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) increased. In conclusion, exposure to cigarette smoke induces cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. The mitochondrial dysfunction and heart damage induced by cigarette smoke exposure are associated with insulin resistance and glucose metabolism changes.

Protein Carbonyl, But Not Malondialdehyde, Is Associated With ICU Mortality in Patients With Septic Shock.

BACKGROUND: The objective of our study was to evaluate the association of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl concentration with intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with septic shock. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 175 patients aged over 18 years with septic shock upon ICU admission. However, 16 patients were excluded. Thus, 159 patients were enrolled in the study. In addition, we evaluated 16 control patients. At the time of the patients' enrollment, demographic information was recorded. Blood samples were taken within the first 24 hours of the patient's admission to determine serum MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations. RESULTS: The mean age was 67.3 ± 15.9 years, 44% were males, and the ICU mortality rate was 67.9%. Median MDA concentration was 1.53 (0.83-2.22) µmol/L, and median protein carbonyl concentration was 24.0 (12.7-32.8) nmol/mL. Patients who died during ICU stay had higher protein carbonyl concentration. However, there was no difference in MDA levels between these patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that higher levels of protein carbonyl were associated with ICU mortality (area under the curve: 0.955; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.918-0.992; P < .001) at the cutoff of >22.83 nmol/mL (sensibility: 80.4% and specificity: 98.1%). In the logistic regression models, protein carbonyl concentrations (odds ratio [OR]: 1.424; 95% CI: 1.268-1.600; P < .001), but not MDA concentrations (OR: 1.087; 95% CI: 0.805-1.467; P = .59), were associated with ICU mortality when adjusted for age, gender, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score; and when adjusted by APACHE II score, lactate, and urea; protein carbonyl concentrations (OR: 1.394; 95% CI: 1.242-1.564; P < .001); and MDA (OR: 1.054; 95% CI: 0.776-1.432; P = .73). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, protein carbonyl, but not MDA, concentration is associated with ICU mortality in patients with septic shock.

Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 concentration, but not PADI4 polymorphisms, is associated with ICU mortality in septic shock patients.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) concentration and its polymorphisms with mortality in patients with septic shock. We prospectively evaluated 175 patients aged over 18 years with septic shock upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission. However, 48 patients were excluded. Thus, 127 patients were enrolled in the study. At the time of the patients' enrollment, demographic information was recorded. Blood samples were taken within the first 24 hours of the patient's admission to determine serum PAD4 concentrations and its polymorphism PADI4_89 [rs11203366], PADI4_94 [rs2240340] and PADI4_104 [rs1748033]. The mean age was 63.3 ± 15.2 years, 56.7% were male, PAD4 concentration was 4.62 (2.48-6.20) ng/mL and the ICU mortality rate was 67.7%. The patients who died in the ICU had higher APACHE II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. In addition, PAD4 concentration was higher in patients who died during ICU stay. However, there were no differences regarding PADI4 polymorphisms and ICU mortality. In the logistic regression models, PAD4 concentrations were associated with ICU mortality when adjusted for APACHE II score and lactate (OR: 1.477; CI 95%: 1.186-1.839; P < .001), and when adjusted for age, gender and APACHE II score (OR: 1.392; CI 95%: 1.145-1.692; P < .001). In conclusion, PAD4 concentration, but not PADI4_89, PADI4_94 and PADI4_104 polymorphisms, is associated with ICU mortality in septic shock patients.

Pamidronate attenuates diastolic dysfunction induced by myocardial infarction associated with changes in geometric patterning.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of pamidronate on ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: a sham group, in which animals were submitted to simulated surgery and received weekly subcutaneous injection of saline (S group; n=14); a group in which animals received weekly subcutaneous injection of pamidronate (3 mg/kg of body weight) and were submitted to simulated surgery (SP group, n=14); a myocardial infarction group, in which animals were submitted to coronary artery ligation and received weekly subcutaneous injection of saline (MI group, n=13); and a myocardial infarction group with pamidronate treatment (MIP group, n=14). The rats were observed for three months. RESULTS: Animals submitted to MI had left chamber enlargement and worse diastolic and systolic function compared with SHAM groups. E/A ratio, LV posterior and relative wall thickness were lower in the MIP compared with the MI group. There was no interaction between pamidronate administration and MI on systolic function, myocyte hypertrophy, collagen content, and calcium handling proteins. CONCLUSION: Pamidronate attenuates diastolic dysfunction following MI.

Erythrocyte selenium concentration predicts intensive care unit and hospital mortality in patients with septic shock: a prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Selenoenzymes can modulate the extent of oxidative stress, which is recognized as a key feature of septic shock. The pathophysiologic role of erythrocyte selenium concentration in patients with septic shock remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association of erythrocyte selenium concentration with glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) activity, GPx1 polymorphisms and with ICU and hospital mortality in septic shock patients. METHODS: This prospective study included all patients older than 18 years with septic shock on admission or during their ICU stay, admitted to one of the three ICUs of our institution, from January to August 2012. At the time of the patients' enrollment, demographic information was recorded. Blood samples were taken within the first 72 hours of the patients' admission or within 72 hours of the septic shock diagnosis for determination of selenium status, protein carbonyl concentration, GPx1 activity and GPx1 Pro198Leu polymorphism (rs 1050450) genotyping. RESULTS: A total of 110 consecutive patients were evaluated. The mean age was 57.6 ± 15.9 years, 63.6% were male. Regarding selenium status, only erythrocyte selenium concentration was lower in patients who died in the ICU. The frequencies for GPx1 Pro198Leu polymorphism were 55%, 38% and 7% for Pro/Pro, Pro/Leu and Leu/Leu, respectively. In the logistic regression models, erythrocyte selenium concentration was associated with ICU and hospital mortality in patients with septic shock even after adjustment for protein carbonyl concentration and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (APACHE II) or sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). CONCLUSIONS: Erythrocyte selenium concentration was a predictor of ICU and hospital mortality in patients with septic shock. However, this effect was not due to GPx1 activity or Pro198Leu polymorphism.

Impact of oral nutritional supplement composition on healing of different chronic wounds: A systematic review.

Chronic wounds are characterized by prolonged non-healing, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Oral formulas may enhance the wound healing process and contribute to cost reduction in care. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of oral nutritional supplementation on chronic wound healing and provide insights into formula characteristics. A comprehensive search across Cinahl, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases yielded nine studies from the past decade involving 741 patients ages 52 to 81.7 across various care settings: hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care. Primary wound types included pressure injuries (58%), diabetic foot ulcers (40%), and venous ulcers (2%). The intervention duration ranged from 2 to 16 wk, with sample sizes varying from 24 to 270 patients. Notably, four studies reported a reduction in wound area and an increased healing rate with a hypercaloric, hyperproteic formula enriched with zinc and vitamins A, C, and E. However, two studies found no significant differences compared with control groups. Two other studies investigated a combination of arginine, glutamine, and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate; however, they did not yield significant results, and one study favored a hyperproteic formula instead of a hyperproteic formula with arginine. This review provides evidence supporting the potential of oral nutritional supplementation to enhance the healing process of chronic wounds. Based on our findings, a desirable formula should be characterized by a high calorie and protein content and the inclusion of antioxidant micronutrients, including, but not limited to, vitamins A, E, C, and zinc.

Low handgrip strength is related to elevated echogenicity in patients with chronic kidney disease: A pilot, cross-sectional and exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate associations between triceps braqui muscle ultrasound measures (TB US) and handgrip strength (HGS), and the sensibility of TB US for low HGS in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (nd-CKD) patients. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This pilot, cross-sectional, and exploratory study evaluated TB cross-sectional images from A-mode US and processed by FIJI-Image J to obtain muscle thickness (MT), echogenicity (EI), cross-sectional area (CSA), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (Lf) associating them with absolute HGS by simple and, multiple linear regression. The HGS was normalized to body mass index (BMI) and separated into low HGS (HGS/BMI≤10p according to sex and age) and adequate HGS (HGS/BMI>10p) groups. The body composition was from multifrequency bioimpedance. ROC analysis verified the TB US diagnostic accuracy to low HGS. RESULTS: Were included 42 (21M/21F) adults with 65.5 (60-70) y median age, 47.22% in 3b CKD stage. The low HGS group (45.23%) showed a higher fat mass (FM), TB muscle medium head's PA, and EI than adequate HGS (p<0.05). In crude model, a pixels increase in EI was associated with a 0.452kgf HGS reduction (p=0.019); adjusted for sex, age, and FM, a one-unit increase in EI was associated with a 0.510kgf HGS reduction (p=0.011). The EI also showed moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.730; CI 95%=0.589; 0.919) to low HGS and a sensitivity of 86.9% (cutoff≥13.52 pixels). CONCLUSION: In nd-CKD patients, of all measurements from US, the EI was the most associated with HGS, and the only one sensitive to low HGS diagnosis.

Comparison between general obesity and abdominal adiposity to estimate cardiovascular disease prevalence in individuals with chronic kidney disease: results from NHANES 2005-2016.

Abdominal obesity, regardless of overall obesity, is associated with metabolic abnormalities and with direct impact on cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to compare body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to estimate cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The data analyzed is from 2005-2016 cycles of the NHANES. A total of 2,825 participants with CKD were included in this study, and most of them had a high BMI, 66.1%, to be exact (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² if age <65 or >27.0 if age ≥ 65). The prevalence rates of high WC (≥102 cm for men or ≥88 cm for women) and high WHtR (WHtR>0.5) in the study population were 70.0% and 91.0%, respectively. The results of this study suggest that BMI is a good indicator of the risk of CVDs in individuals with CKD. In addition, the results show that WC and WHtR are associated with CVDs in non-overweight individuals of both sexes. These results indicate that the assessment of abdominal fat is essential even in non-overweight patients because the risk of CVDs cannot be identified in this subpopulation using only BMI.

FRAIL scale as a screening tool and a predictor of mortality in non-dialysis dependent patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic yield of the FRAIL scale with respect to the physical frailty phenotype measure and their association with mortality in non-dialysis-dependent patients. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, non-dialysis dependent patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3b-5 seen in the nephrology outpatient clinics of two university hospitals were included. The presence of frailty was evaluated by physical frailty phenotype measure and the FRAIL scale. Patients were evaluated for six months, and mortality was recorded. The Kappa test was used to evaluate the diagnostic properties between the methods, and logistic regression to test the association between frailty and mortality. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three patients were evaluated; average age was 65 (56-70) years, 50.9% were women, and the all-cause mortality rate was 2.6%. Forty-six patients were classified as living with frailty according to the physical frailty phenotype while 36 patients were rated frail by the FRAIL scale. In adults < 60 years of age, the FRAIL scale showed good accuracy (84.9%) and specificity (93.2%) but had low sensitivity (41.3%) and moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.41; p < 0.001) compared to the definition of the physical frailty phenotype. The adjusted logistic regression model showed that the patients with frailty assessed by the FRAIL scale had a greater chance of mortality than the non-frail patients (OR: 6.8; CI95%:1.477-31.513; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Physical frailty phenotype identifies more patients as having pre-frailty and frailty in non-dialysis dependent patients as compared to the FRAIL scale. However, the FRAIL scale is a simple bedside tool that can be useful for screening for frailty and whose results were associated with mortality.

Body fat predicts urinary tract infection in kidney transplant recipients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The association between obesity and infectious diseases is increasingly reported in the literature. There are scarce studies on the association between obesity and urinary tract infection after kidney transplantation (KTx). These studies defined obesity based on body mass index, and their results were conflicting. The present study aimed to evaluate this association using bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition evaluation, and obesity definition. METHODS: A single-center cohort study was conducted. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected at KTx admission, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed to measure the visceral fat area, waist circumference, and total fat mass. The occurrence of urinary tract infection (symptomatic bacteriuria and/or histological evidence of pyelonephritis) was evaluated within three months after KTx. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included in the cohort, and 67 were included in the final analysis. Urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 23.9% of the transplanted patients. Waist circumference (HR: 1.053; 95% CI 1.005-1.104; p = 0.032), visceral fat area (HR: 1.015; 95% CI 1.003-1.027; p = 0.014), and total fat mass (HR: 1.075; 95% CI 1.008-1.146; p = 0.028) were associated with urinary tract infection occurrence after KTx, using Cox regression models. Patients with high waist circumference (above 102 cm for men and above 88 cm for women) had a 4.7 times higher risk of a urinary tract infection than those with normal waist circumference (HR: 4.726; 95% CI 1.267-17.630; p = 0.021). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with high waist circumference, high visceral fat area, and high total fat mass had more urinary tract infections (Log-rank test p = 0.014, p = 0.020, and p = 0.018, respectively). Body mass index was not able to predict urinary tract infection in the study sample. CONCLUSIONS: Waist circumference, visceral fat area, and total fat mass, assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, were predictors of urinary tract infection risk within the first three months after KTx.

Age, hemodialysis time, gait speed, but not mortality, are associated with muscle quality index in end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: The muscle quality index (MQI) has proven to be an interesting clinical measurement in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In clinical practice, its interpretation can be biased by fat mass (FM) distribution. This study aims to explore the arm MQI association with body composition, clinical factors, and mortality. METHODS: It was analytical longitudinal and exploratory, that included patients from two-center, over 18 years old, of both genders in treatment by HD. The follow-up period was 32 months, and mortality was the clinical outcome. Demographical and clinical data were collected in the patient's medical records. Body composition was evaluated using octopolar multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA). Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by a dynamometer and the time required to walk 3 m was applied to obtain gait speed. The baseline associations with MQI (HGS/arm muscle mass) were examined by multivariate linear regression. Cox regressions evaluated the associations with mortality. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients in HD were included. Mean age was 50.93 ± 14.10 years, 71.13 % were male. Age (ß = -0,096, p = 0.024), HD time (ß = -0.023, p = 0.032), total skeletal muscle mass (ß = -0.475, p < 0.001) were inversely associated with MQI and gait speed had a direct association with MQI (ß = 8514, p = 0.002). The prevalence of mortality was 29.76 %, of which 37.29 % were men (p = 0.020). Low MQI was not associated with mortality (Hz = 0.80, CI95 % = 0.34; 1.91, p = 0.629). CONCLUSION: The arm MQI was associated with an indicator of general functional capacity (gait speed), but was not associated with fat measures in baseline and mortality after 32 months of follow-up.

Beans comsumption can contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of global mortality, accounting for 31% of deaths worldwide. Healthy eating habits based on the consumption of bioactive molecules present in plant-based diets can contribute to the prevention of CVD. In this context, the consumption of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is relevant. There are several species of beans, all of which provide proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds. More recently, the complexity of phytochemical components has expanded, including the role of antinutritional factors in nutrient bioavailability and immune responses. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that the consumption of beans results in less food consumption, control of body weight, and improvement of metabolic biochemical parameters. Thus, the consumption of beans is associated with a decrease in CVD risk factors. To date, there have been no interventional studies assessing CVD outcomes, such as hospitalization, infarction, and mortality, in the context of bean consumption. Furthermore, studies on the effect of bean consumption on metabolomics and intestinal microbiota are lacking. The purpose of this review is to explore the nutritional properties of beans and discuss the main effects of the consumption of beans on cardiovascular health. In conclusion, eating habits based on the consumption of bioactive molecules present in beans can contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, there is a large gap in the literature regarding the consumption of beans associated with clinical outcomes, such as hospitalization and mortality.

Higher urea-to-albumin ratio is associated with mortality risk in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the urea-to-albumin ratio (UAR) to predict mortality in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included adult patients admitted with COVID-19 at two intensive care units (ICUs) at the University Hospital. Serum urea and albumin concentrations at ICU admission were used to calculate the UAR. All patients were followed up during hospitalization, and the ICU mortality rate was recorded. RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven patients were evaluated. The mean age was 57.8 ± 15.5 years, and 54% were male. Approximately 84.4% of patients were considered to be at nutritional risk by the NRS 2002, and the median UAR was 18.3 (10.5-34.8). The length of stay in the ICU was 10 (6-16) days, 38.4% of the patients required dialysis, and 64.9% died. Age, male sex, need of hemodialysis, lactate level, and inflammatory parameters were associated with higher mortality. Patients non-survivors had a higher UAR (23.7 [13.6-41.8] vs. 10.9 [8.5-16.8]; p < 0.001). The cutoff point with the best performance of UAR in the ROC curve for predicting mortality was ≥12.17 (AUC: 0.7201; CI 95%: 0.656-0.784). Additionally, the risk of mortality was 2.00-fold in the group of patients with UAR ≥12.17 (HR: 2.00 CI: 1.274-3.149; p = 0.003) and remained significant after adjusted analyzes (models 1 and 2). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a UAR ≥12.17 increased the risk of mortality by 2.00-fold in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Comparison between FRAIL Scale and Clinical Frailty Scale in predicting hospitalization in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence of frailty by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the 5-item FRAIL scale and their association with hospitalization in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. We included patients of both genders ≥ 18 years old in HD treatment for at least 3 months. Demographic, clinical, and routine laboratory data were retrieved from the medical charts. Two different frailty assessment tools were used, the CFS and the FRAIL scale. Participants were followed up for 9 months and hospitalizations for all causes were evaluated. A Venn diagram was constructed to show the overlap of possible frailty and pre-frailty. Cox regression was used to identify the association between frailty and hospitalization. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: A total of 137 subjects were included in the analysis. The median age was 61 (52-67) years and 60% were male. The hospitalization rate and mortality in 9 months were 22.6% and 7.29%, respectively. Regarding frailty, the overall prevalence was 13.8% assessed by CFS and 36.5% according to the FRAIL scale. In the Cox regression, frailty by FRAIL scale was associated with a 2.8-fold increase in the risk of hospitalization (OR = 2.880; 95% CI = 1.361-6.096; p = 0.006), but frailty assessed by the CFS was not associated with the need for hospitalization. CONCLUSION: In HD patients, the FRAIL scale proved to be an easy-to-apply tool, identifying a high prevalence of frailty and being a predictor of hospital admission.

Organizational climate and nurses' turnover intention: a mixed method study.

OBJECTIVES: to describe the organizational climate perceived by nurses of a hospital linked to the Brazilian Hospital Services Company and the reasons for the turnover intention. METHODS: mixed, concomitant triangulation type. Qualitative data were analyzed according to the discourse of the collective subject, in addition to quantitative data analysis, descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Data collection was carried through a semi-structured interview with 116 nurses. RESULTS: the study presented the speeches in five categories: Leadership and organization support; Reward; Physical comfort; Control/pressure; and Cohesion among colleagues. It showed that, with increased Reward factor, there is a decrease in turnover intention; and, with decreased Physical comfort, there is an increase in turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS: there is a dichotomy in the organizational climate perceived by nurses, and personal reasons mainly justify the turnover intention. The reason could be the current processes of institutional reorganization and the hiring of experienced staff.

Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) to 7-point Subjective Global Assessment for the diagnosis of malnutrition.

INTRODUCTION: Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a non-invasive and low-cost strategy. The methods used to assess malnutrition in patients undergoing HD are still a challenge. The aim of the present study was to compare BIVA to 7-Point Subjective Global Assessment (7-point SGA) to identify malnutrition. We also investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the previously proposed cutoffs point for BIVA parameters. METHODS: Patients of both sexes, over 20 years of age, on HD treatment were included. Anthropometric parameters, laboratory data, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were evaluated. Values of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) obtained by mono-frequency BIA were normalized to body height (H) to generate a graph of the bioimpedance vector with the BIVA software. The analysis of the area under the receiver operating curve ROC (AUC) was performed. RESULTS: Among the included 104 patients, the mean age was 51.70 (±15.10) years, and 52% were male. The BIVA had a sensitivity of 35% for diagnosing malnutrition. The specificity of BIVA for identifying the well-nourished patients was 85.7%. The diagnostic accuracy between the BIVA and 7-point SGA was AUC=0.604; 95%CI 0.490-0.726, higher than the previously established cutoff values (AUC=0.514; 95%CI: 0.369-0.631). The 95% confidence ellipses did not overlap (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed low accuracy of BIVA for diagnosing malnutrition using a 7-point SGA as a reference standard. However, it is a complementary method for assessing nutritional status as it provides data on cellularity and hydration, which are important aspects for the HD population.

The relationship between grip strength with health-related quality of life and mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Purpose: Hemodialysis (HD) is a therapeutic modality that enables the highest survival for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In contrast, HD contributes to the pro-inflammatory state and may negatively affect the muscle strength and quality of life (QoL) of these individuals. To date, few studies have evaluated the association between decrease in strength and QoL in HD patients. Thus, our objective was to assess whether diminished muscle strength is associated with worse health related QoL and mortality. Methods: We included patients aged ≥ 18 years on HD. Clinical and demographic data were collected from patients' medical records. Clinical data, nutritional status (laboratory, anthropometry, bioimpedance analysis) and health-related QoL (World Health Organization's quality of life questionnaire, WHOQOL-Bref) were analyzed at baseline. Mortality was recorded for 32 months. Results: Among the 105 patients evaluated, the median age was 52 (43-64) years, and males were predominant (n = 73; 70%). The general median of QoL was 66.8 ± 11.9. Approximately 30% of patients were considered to have a worse QoL and 12,4% to have low muscle strength. This was not associated with QoL and mortality. HD vintage greater then to 5 years was associated with higher dissatisfaction in the perception of the environmental domain and overall QoL. Conclusion: Our data suggest that low muscle strength was not associated with health-related QoL using the WHOQOL-Bref instrument and mortality.