Nutritional support and parenteral nutrition in cancer patients: an expert consensus report

Background. Malnutrition is a frequent medical problem of cancer patients that negatively impacts their quality of life. Methods. A multidisciplinary group of experts in Medical Oncology, Pharmacy, and Nutrition convened to discuss the management of the nutritional support in cancer patients. Results. Of the 18 questions addressed, 9 focused on nutritional support, 5 were related to parenteral nutrition (PN) and 4 about home PN (HPN). The panel of experts recommends using nutritional screening routinely, at diagnosis and throughout the disease course, for detecting the risk of malnutrition and, if it is positive, to perform a complete nutritional assessment, to diagnose malnutrition. Currently, there are different screening tools and methods that allow us to detect nutritional risk. Based on the evidence and experience, the panel stated that PN is indicated mainly when it is not possible to use the digestive tract and/or oral feeding and/or enteral nutrition is not sufficient or possible. The nutritional needs of the cancer patients, except in those cases where individualized measures are required, should be considered similar to healthy individuals (25-30 kcal/kg/day). The panel considers that the nutritional monitoring of the cancer patient should be multidisciplinary and adapted to the characteristics of each center. Additionally, the objective of the HPN is to improve or maintain the nutritional status of a patient at home. Conclusions. This document seeks to lay down a set of recommendations and to identify key issues that may be useful for the nutritional management of cancer patients

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Nutritional support and parenteral nutrition in cancer patients: an expert consensus report.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a frequent medical problem of cancer patients that negatively impacts their quality of life. METHODS: A multidisciplinary group of experts in Medical Oncology, Pharmacy, and Nutrition convened to discuss the management of the nutritional support in cancer patients. RESULTS: Of the 18 questions addressed, 9 focused on nutritional support, 5 were related to parenteral nutrition (PN) and 4 about home PN (HPN). The panel of experts recommends using nutritional screening routinely, at diagnosis and throughout the disease course, for detecting the risk of malnutrition and, if it is positive, to perform a complete nutritional assessment, to diagnose malnutrition. Currently, there are different screening tools and methods that allow us to detect nutritional risk. Based on the evidence and experience, the panel stated that PN is indicated mainly when it is not possible to use the digestive tract and/or oral feeding and/or enteral nutrition is not sufficient or possible. The nutritional needs of the cancer patients, except in those cases where individualized measures are required, should be considered similar to healthy individuals (25-30 kcal/kg/day). The panel considers that the nutritional monitoring of the cancer patient should be multidisciplinary and adapted to the characteristics of each center. Additionally, the objective of the HPN is to improve or maintain the nutritional status of a patient at home. CONCLUSIONS: This document seeks to lay down a set of recommendations and to identify key issues that may be useful for the nutritional management of cancer patients.

[Avascular necrosis of both hips and knees in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated for a long term with high-dose corticosteroids]. / Necrosis avascular de ambas caderas y rodillas en una paciente con colitis ulcerosa tratada prolongadamente con corticoides a dosis altas.

INTRODUCTION: Avascular necrosis represents the bone tissue death from vascularization failure, and it is mainly associated with the use of high-dose corticosteroids for a long time. CLINICAL CASE: A 25 years old female patient treated with high-dose corticosteroids for 7 months for ulcerative colitis presents with both knees pain and limited hip and knee motility. In a plain X-ray and in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) avascular necrosis was observed at these joints. Bone densitometry showed osteopenia at the femoral head and lumbar osteoporosis. DISCUSSION: We present a striking case for its large involvement of the joints (both knees and hips) with simultaneous osteoporosis and osteopenia in a young patient treated with corticosteroids for ulcerative colitis. It is necessary to recommend the judicious use of glucocorticoids, prescribing the minimal necessary dose and for the least amount of time necessary to control the underlying disease.

Necrosis avascular de ambas caderas y rodillas en una paciente con colitis ulcerosa tratada prolongadamente con corticoides a dosis altas / Avascular necrosis of both hips and knees in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated for a long term with high-dose corticosteroids

INTRODUCCIÓN: La necrosis avascular representa la muerte del tejido óseo por fallo de su vascularización, y se asocia principalmente al uso de corticoides a dosis elevadas durante tiempo prolongado. CASO CLÍNICO: Una paciente de 25 años tratada con glucocorticoides a altas dosis durante 7 meses por colitis ulcerosa presenta dolor en ambas rodillas y movilidad limitada de caderas y rodillas. En la radiografía simple y la resonancia nuclear magnética (RNM) se observó necrosis avascular en dichas articulaciones; la densitometría ósea demostró osteopenia en cabeza femoral y osteoporosis lumbar. DISCUSIÓN: Presentamos un caso llamativo por la amplia afectación articular (ambas caderas y rodillas) con presencia simultánea de osteoporosis y osteopenia en una paciente joven tratada con corticoides por colitis ulcerosa. Es necesario recomendar el uso prudente de los glucocorticoides, prescribiendo la dosis mínima necesaria y durante el menor tiempo que sea posible para controlar la enfermedad de base (AU)

INTRODUCTION. Avascular necrosis represents the bone tissue death from vascularization failure, and it is mainly associated with the use of high-dose corticosteroids for a long time. CLINICAL CASE. A 25 years old female patient treated with high-dose corticosteroids for 7 months for ulcerative colitis presents with both knees pain and limited hip and knee motility. In a plain X-ray and in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) avascular necrosis was observed at these joints. Bone densitometry showed osteopenia at the femoral head and lumbar osteoporosis. DISCUSSION. We present a striking case for its large involvement of the joints (both knees and hips) with simultaneous osteoporosis and osteopenia in a young patient treated with corticosteroids for ulcerative colitis. It is necessary to recommend the judicious use of glucocorticoids, prescribing the minimal necessary dose and for the least amount of time necessary to control the underlying disease (AU)

[Study of energy expenditure in anorexia nervosa: agreement between indirect calorimatry and several equations]. / Estudio del gasto energético en la anorexia nerviosa: concordancia entre calorimetria indirecta y diferentes ecuaciones.

UNLABELLED: Nutritional management is essential in anorexia nervosa (AN), although nutrient replenishment must be done progressively to prevent the occurrence of re-alimentation syndrome. OBJECTIVE: to compare resting enengy expenditure (REE) by means of indirect calorimetry and by different equations in AN female patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we studied 21 women admitted for AN (DSM-IV), mean age 17 years (SD 5.9), range 12-34 years. Admission stay was 55.1 +/- 20.7 days (21-91). Initial nutritional assessment included anthropometrics (BMJ, TSF, SSE, MAC, MAMC) and tetrapolar bioimpedance (HoltainBC). Indirect calorimetry (IC) was done after overnight fasting (Deltatrac II MBM-200). In 9 patients, the same study was repeated before hospital discharge. We compared REE (Kcal/24 h) measured by IC with that obtained by several equations [Fleish, Harris- Benedict, FAO, Schofield-HW (SHW), Schebendach] through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: Nutritional status significantly improved during hospital admission. Fifty percent of the recovered weight was fat mass. REE significantly increased during admission. The equations overestimated REE as compared to IC (p < 0.05), except for the Schebendach equation that underestimated REE. The agreement between direct measurement of REE by IC and its estimation through equations was poor [Fleish (ICC = 0.21); HB (ICC = 0.21), SHW (ICC = 0.19), Schebendach (ICC = 0.15)]. Through the Bland-Altman method, we observed that there was a variable bias between IC and equations, with a clinically acceptable agreement for REW values of around 1200 Kcal/day. CONCLUSIONS: 1) In our study we obtained a poor agreement between REW values measured by indirect calorimetry and those estimated by equations. 2) Through the Bland-Altman method, we observed that all equations present a variable bias as for IC, the agreement being clinically acceptable for REE values of around 1200 Kcal/day. 3) Thus, indirect calorimetry seems to be a very useful tool to calculate the energy requirements of anorexia nervosa patients.

Estudio del gasto energético en la anorexia nerviosa: concordancia entre calorimetría indirecta y diferentes ecuaciones / Study of energy expenditure in anorexia nervosa: agreement between indirect calorimatry and several equations

El tratamiento nutricional es fundamental en la anorexia nerviosa (AN), si bien la reposición de nutrientes debe hacerse de forma progresiva para evitar la aparición del síndrome de realimentación. Objetivo: Comparar el gasto energético en reposo (GER) mediante calorimetría indirecta con el estimado con diferentes fórmulas en mujeres con AN. Material y Métodos: Estudiamos 21 mujeres ingresadas con AN (DSM-IV), edad 17 (DE 5,9) rango 12-34 años. El tiempo de ingreso fue 55,1 ± 20,7 días (21-91). La valoración nutricional inicial incluyó antropometría (IMC, PTC, PSE, CMB,CMMB) y bioimpedancia tetrapolar (HoltainBC). La calorimetría indirecta (CI) se realizó tras ayuno nocturno (Deltatrac TM II MBM-200). En 9 pacientes se repitió el mismo estudio antes del alta. Comparamos el GER (kcal/24 h) medido por CI con el obtenido por diferentes ecuaciones [Fleisch, Harris-Benedict (HB), FAO, Schofield-HW (SHW), Schebendach] mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y el método de Bland y Altman. Resultados: El estado nutricional mejoró significativamente durante la hopitalización. El 50% del peso recuperado fue masa grasa. El GER aumentó significativamente durante el ingreso. Las fórmulas sobrestimaron el GER respecto al obtenido por CI (p < 0,05), con excepción de la ecuación de Schebendach que infravaloró el GER. La concordancia entre la medida directa del GER por CI y su estimación por las fórmulas fue mala [Fleish (CCI = 0,21), HB (CCI = 0,21), FAO (CCI = 0,21), SHW (CCI = 0,19), Schebendach (CCI = 0,15)]. Mediante el método de Bland y Altman observamos que existía un sesgo variable entre la medida de la CI y las fórmulas, existiendo una concordancia clínicamente aceptable para valores de GER de aproximadamente 1.200 kcal/día. Conclusiones: 1) En nuestro estudio obtuvimos una baja concordancia entre los valores de GER medidos por calorimetría indirecta y los estimados por las fórmulas. 2) Mediante el método de Bland y Altman observamos que todas las fórmulas presentan un sesgo variable respecto a la CI, siendo la concordancia clínicamente aceptable para valores de GER alrededor de 1200 kcal/día. 3) Por tanto, la calorimetría indirecta parece una herramienta muy útil en el cálculo de los requerimientos energéticos de las pacientes con Anorexia Nerviosa (AU)

Nutritional management is essential in anorexia nervosa (AN), although nutrient replenishment must be done progressively to prevent the occurrence of re-alimentation syndrome. Objective: to compare resting energy expenditure (REE) by means of indirect calorimetry and by different equations in AN female patients. Material and methods: we studied 21 women admitted for AN (DSM-IV), mean age 17 years (SD 5.9), range 12-34 years. Admission stay was 55.1 ± 20.7 days (21-91). Initial nutritional assessment included anthropometrics (BMJ, TSF, SSE, MAC, MAMC) and tetrapolar bioimpedance (HoltainBC). Indirect calorimetry (IC) was done after overnight fasting (DeltatracTM II MBM-200). In 9 patients, the same study was repeated before hospital discharge. We compared REE (Kcal/24 h) measured by IC with that obtained by several equations [Fleish, Harris- Benedict, FAO, Schofield-HW (SHW), Schebendach] through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method. Results: Nutritional status significantly improved during hospital admission. Fifty percent of the recovered weight was fat mass. REE significantly increased during admission. The equations overestimated REE as compared to IC (p < 0.05), except for the Schebendach equation that underestimated REE. The agreement between direct measurement of REE by IC and its estimation through equations was poor [Fleish (ICC = 0.21); HB (ICC = 0.21), SHW (ICC = 0.19), Schebendach (ICC = 0.15)]. Through the Bland-Altman method, we observed that there was a variable bias between IC and equations, with a clinically acceptable agreement for REW values of around 1200 Kcal/day. Conclusions: 1) In our study we obtained a poor agreement between REW values measured by indirect calorimetry and those estimated by equations. 2) Through the Bland-Altman method, we observed that all equations present a variable bias as for IC, the agreement being clinically acceptable for REE values of around 1200 Kcal/day. 3) Thus, indirect calorimetry seems to be a very useful tool to calculate the energy requirements of anorexia nervosa patients (AU)

Soporte nutricional basado en la evidencia en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Evidence-based nutritional support in inflammatory bowel disease

Los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal se encuentran en riesgo de desnutrición, por lo que debería realizarse un cribado nutricional en todos ellos para identificar a los enfermos que requerirán una valoración nutricional formal. En los pacientes en los que esté indicado iniciar un soporte nutricional debería utilizarse la nutrición enteral (por vía oral o por sonda). No existen diferencias significativas entre las dietas enterales elementales y no elementales para inducir la remisión en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn. No obstante, dada la mejor tolerancia de estas últimas, las dietas poliméricas son preferidas por la mayoría de autores. La nutrición enteral no debería utilizarse como tratamiento primario de elección en los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn, ya que induce un número de remisiones inferior al tratamiento esteroideo. Aunque se ha especulado que la grasa de la dieta (cantidad y tipo de grasa) podría tener influencia en la evolución de la enfermedad, los estudios de que disponemos son insuficientes para hacer recomendaciones a este respecto. Tampoco existe evidencia en la actualidad de que la glutamina sea eficaz para inducir la remisión en la enfermedad de Crohn. La utilización de probióticos presenta un alto nivel de evidencia en el tratamiento de mantenimiento y en la prevención de la pouchitis postoperatoria, aunque menor en la colitis ulcerosa y la enfermedad de Crohn. Se necesitan más estudios para investigar algunos problemas, como la dosis, la duración del tratamiento, la utilización por separado o asociando varias cepas, así como el uso concomitante de prebióticos, simbióticos o antibióticos (AU)

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at risk for malnutrition. Consequently all patients with inflammatory bowel disease should undergo nutritional screening to identify those who require thorough nutritional evaluation. When nutritional support is indicated, enteral nutrition (oral or through a tube) should be used. There are no significant differences between elemental and non-elemental enteral diets in inducing remission of Crohn's disease (CD). Nevertheless, given that non-elemental diets are better tolerated, most authors prefer polymeric diets. Enteral nutrition should not be used as the primary treatment of choice in patients with CD, since they are less effective in inducing remission than steroid therapy. Although dietary fat (quantity and type of fat) might influence the course of the disease, recommendations cannot be made on the basis of the available studies. Equally, there is insufficient evidence that glutamine is effective in inducing remission in CD. The use of probiotics presents a high level of evidence in maintenance treatment and in the prevention of postoperative pouchitis, although the level of evidence is lower in ulcerative colitis and CD. Further studies are required to investigate several issues such as dose, treatment duration, the separate or combined use of several strains, as well as the concomitant use of prebiotics, symbiotics or antibiotics (AU)

[Refeeding syndrome. A review]. / Síndrome de realimentación. Revisión.

Refeeding syndrome is a complex clinical picture that encompass all those alterations that can occur as a consequence of the nutritional support (oral, enteral or parenteral) in malnourished patients. Refeeding syndrome is classically characterized by neurological alterations, respiratory symptoms, cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure few days after beginning of refeeding, with life-threatening outcome. Its pathogenesis includes alterations in the corporal fluids, and in some electrolytes, minerals and vitamins. In this article a review of refeeding syndrome pathogenesis and clinical manifestations is carried out, with a final series of recommendations for lowering the risk of this syndrome and for facilitate the early diagnosis and the treatment.

Síndrome de realimentación. Revisión / Refeeding syndrome. A review

El síndrome de realimentación es un cuadro clínico complejo que engloba todas aquellas alteraciones que pueden ocurrir como consecuencia del soporte nutricional (oral, enteral o parenteral) en pacientes malnutridos. Clásicamente se caracteriza por la aparición de alteraciones neurológicas, r espiratorias, arritmias e insuficiencia cardíaca que ocurren pocos días después del inicio de la realimentación y que pueden tener un desenlace fatal. En su patogenia intervienen alteraciones en los fluidos corporales, en algunos electrolitos, minerales y vitaminas. En este artículo se hace una revisión de su patogenia y características clínicas, haciendo finalmente una serie de recomendaciones encaminadas a disminuir el riesgo de aparición, facilitar el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento

Refeeding syndrome is a complex clinical picture that encompass all those alterations that can occuras a consequence of the nutritional support (oral, enteral or parenteral) in malnourished patients. Refeeding syndrome is classically characterized by neurological alterations, respiratory symptoms, cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure few days after beginning of refeeding, with life-threatening outcome. Its pathogenesis includes alterations in the corporal fluids, and in some electrolytes, minerals and vitamins. In this article a review of refeeding syndrome pathogenesis and clinical manifestations is carried out, with a final series of recommendations for lowering the risk of this syndrome and for facilitate the early diagnosis and the treatment

[Colonic metabolism of fiber]. / Metabolismo colónico de la fibra.

Over the last few years, the colon has come to be considered more and more as a central digestive organ. This is where bacterial fermentation takes place to eliminate the substrates, mostly carbohydrates, that have avoided digestion by human enzymes within the small intestine. Of these, fibre plays a prominent role. As a result of this colonic fermentation, short-chain fatty acids are created and these have an important function at the level of the colon (reduction in pH, trophic effect, energy production, etc.) and at the systemic level (lipid metabolism, glycaemic metabolism, etc.) No less important are the effects of this colonic metabolism of fibre on proliferation of bacteria, thus giving fibre probiotic effects.

Metabolismo colónico de la fibra / Colonic metabolism of fibre

En los últimos años cada vez más se considera al colon como un órgano central de la digestión. En él tiene lugar la fermetación bacteriana de aquellos sustratos, fundamentalmente hidratos de carbono, que escapan de la digestión por los enzimas humanos en el intestino delgado. De ellos, la fibra ocupa un lugar preferente. Como resultado de esa fermentación colónica se producen ácidos grasos de cadena corta, con funciones importantes a nivel del colon (disminución del pH, efecto trófico, producción de energía, etc.), y a nivel sistémico, (metabolismo lípído, glucémico, etc.). No más importantes que éstas son los efectos que a nivel de proliferación bacteriana produce ese mismo metabolismo colónico de la fibra y que le confiere a ésta efectos prebióticos (AU)

Over the last few years, the colon has come to be considered more and more as a central digestive organ. This is where bacterial fermentation takes place to eliminate the substrates, mostly carbohydrates, that have avoided digestion by human enzymes within the small intestine. Of these, fibre plays a prominent role. As a result of this colonic fermentation, short-chain fatty acids are created and these have an important function at the level of the colon (reduction in pH, trophic effect, energy production, etc.) and at the systemic level (lipid metabolism, glycaemic metabolism, etc.) No less important are the effects of this colonic metabolism of fibre on proliferation of bacteria, thus giving fibre probiotic effects (AU)

[Antioxidant micronutrients and human pathology]. / Micronutrientes antioxidantes y patología humana.

The harmful oxidation by free radicals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many illnesses, including, as the most significant from the epidemiological standpoint, cardiovascular disease and cancer. This paper reviews the physio-pathological foundations of this relationship and describes the possible usefulness of anti-oxidant therapy in these and other conditions.

[Dietary fiber: concept, classification and current indications]. / Fibra: concepto, clasificación e indicaciones actuales.

Fiber is a concept that refers to or encompasses several carbohydrates and lignine that resist hydrolysis by human digestive enzymes and that are fermented by the microflora of the colon. From a practical point of view, fibers can be divided into soluble and insoluble. There is general acceptance of the concepts soluble fiber, fermentable, viscous and insoluble fiber, and non-viscous and barely fermentable fiber. The physiological effects and therefore the clinical applications of both fibers are different. In general, the insoluble fiber is barely fermentable and has a marked laxative and intestinal regulatory effect. Soluble fiber is fermented to a high degree, showing a powerful trophic effect at the colon level. Soluble fiber is also attributed a positive role in the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism due to the effects that this has at the intestinal and the systemic level on the glucose and the cholesterol metabolism. The goal of this article is to review the current concept of fiber based on the existing bibliography (it is thought that perhaps the current classification should be changed and that fiber should be talked about depending on its degree of polymerization), its physiologic effects and the possible indications that this may have from a clinical point of view, be this at the level of oral or enteral nutrition.

[Pharmacological modulation of the appetite]. / Modulación farmacológica del apetito.

The hypothalamus plays an essential role in the regulation of the body weight of all living creatures. In it there is a convergence of signals from the nervous system and signals from the peripheral tissues, through a complex system of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. The ever increasing understanding of this field, opens up new therapeutic possibilities, both current and future, in the treatment of eating disorders.