ABSTRACT
Background: Malnutrition is an important factor in the survival of critically ill patients. The purpose of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of patients in the intensive care unit [ICU] on the days of admission and discharge via a detailed nutritional assessment
Methods: Totally, 125 patients were followed up from admission to discharge at SICUs in Shiraz, Iran. The patients' nutritional status was assessed using subjective global assessment [SGA], anthropometric measurements, biochemical indices, and body composition indicators. Diet prescription and intake was also evaluated
Results: Malnutrition prevalence significantly increased on the day of discharge [58.62%] compared to the day of admission [28.8%] according to SGA [P<0.001]. The patients' weight, mid-upper-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and calf circumference decreased significantly as well [P<0.001]. Lean mass weight and body cell mass also decreased significantly [P<0.001]. Biochemical indices showed no notable changes except for magnesium, which decreased significantly [P=0.013]. A negative significant correlation was observed between malnutrition on discharge day and anthropometric measurements. Positive and significant correlations were observed between the number of days without enteral feeding, days delayed from ICU admission to the commencement of enteral feeding, and the length of ICU stay and malnutrition on discharge day. Energy and protein intakes were significantly less than the prescribed diet [26.26% ancf 26.48%, respectively]
Conclusion: Malnutrition on discharge day increased in the patients in the ICU according to SGA. Anthropometric measurements were better predictors of the nutritional outcome of our critically ill patients than were biochemical tests
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Aged , Critical Illness , Intensive Care Units , Anthropometry , Nutritional Status , MalnutritionABSTRACT
Changes in lifestyle, especially in different aspects of nutrition and physical activity, have been associated with change in the patterns of diseases, from contagious diseases to non-communicable diseases, and with the prevalence of chronic diseases. Accordingly, this study is carried out within the framework of National Plan to Care for Risk Factors of Non-communicable Diseases with the aim of comparing the dietary patterns and physical activity of people under study in Fars province during 2006-2007. Using the WHO Step-by-step Evaluation Model for Risky Factors, the present study determined fifty 20-person clusters, totally 1,000 people within the age group of 15-64 for each year as the research population. After identifying the applicable people, they were visited at their homes and the questionnaires were filled out for them. The necessary analysis was carried out using Version 6 of EPI-info and Version 10 of STATA software. The findings of the present study indicated that men have more intense physical activity than women [p=0.001]. The results also indicated a significant increase in consumption of fruit [p=0.01], vegetable [p=0.001], and fish [p=0.001] in 2007 as compared with 2006. The average number of the consumed vegetable units in women was higher than that of men [p=0.01]. The findings of this study indicated that the average number of daily consumed units of fruit and vegetable as well as the frequencies of fish consumption per week was lower than the recommended amounts
ABSTRACT
To examine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid [ALA] treatment over a period of 2 months on fasting blood glucose [FBG], insulin resistance [IR], and glutathione peroxidase [GH-Px] activity in type 2 diabetes [T2DM] patients. This study took place in Motahari Clinic, Shiraz, Iran, which is affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from May to October 2006. Type 2 DM patients [n=57] were divided into 2 groups to receive either ALA [300 mg daily] or placebo by systematic randomization, and were followed-up for 8 weeks. After an overnight fasting and 2 hours after breakfast, patients' blood samples were drawn and tested for FBG, 2 hours PPG, serum insulin level, and GH-Px activity. The result of the study showed a significant decrease in FBG and PPG levels, IR-Homeostasis Model Assessment [IR-HOMA index] and GH-Px level in the ALA group. The comparison of differences between FBG and IR at the beginning and at the end of study in the ALA treated group and the placebo group were also significant. This study supports the use of ALA as an antioxidant in the care of diabetic patients