Current practice in nutrition after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - Results from a survey among hematopoietic stem cell transplant centers.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is frequently associated with impaired oral intake and malnutrition, which potentially increases morbidity and mortality. Therefore, nutrition is one of the major challenges in the post-transplant period. METHODS: To document the current clinical approach in nutritional treatment, we designed a questionnaire concerning the current practice in nutrition after alloHSCT and distributed it to German speaking centers performing alloHSCT in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between November 2018 and March 2020. Twenty-eight (39%) of 72 contacted centers completed the survey, 23 from Germany, two from Austria and three from Switzerland, representing 50% of alloHSCT activity within the participating countries in 2018. RESULTS: All centers reported having nutritional guidelines for patients undergoing alloHSCT, whereby 86% (n = 24) provided a low-microbial diet during the neutropenic phase. The criteria to start parenteral nutrition (PN) directly after alloHSCT seemed to be consistent, 75% (n = 21) of the corresponding centers started PN if the oral nutritional intake or the bodyweight dropped below a certain limit. In the setting of intestinal graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) the current practice appeared to be more heterogenous. About 64% (n = 18) of the centers followed a special diet, added food stepwise modulated by GvHD symptoms, while only four centers regularly stopped oral intake completely (intestinal GvHD grade >1). Half of the centers (54%, n = 15) applied a lactose-free diet, followed by 43% (n = 12) which provided fat- and 18% (n = 5) gluten-free food in patients with intestinal GvHD. Supplementation of micronutrients in acute intestinal GvHD patients was performed by 54% (n = 15) of the centers, whereas vitamin D (89%, n = 25) and vitamin B12 (68%, n = 19) was added regularly independently of the presence of GvHD. Only 5 (18%) participating centers ever observed a food-associated infection during hospitalization, whereas food-associated infections were reported to occur more often in the outpatient setting (64%, n = 18). CONCLUSION: The survey documented a general consensus about the need for nutritional guidelines for patients undergoing alloHSCT. However, the nutritional treatment in clinical practice (i.e. lactose-, gluten- or fat-free in intestinal GvHD) as well as the use of food supplements was very heterogeneous. In line with current general recommendations the centers seemed to focus on safe food handling practice rather than providing a strict neutropenic diet. More high-quality data are required to provide evidence-based nutrition to patients during and after alloHSCT.

[Antihypertensives always evenings-absolutely not or sensible?] / Antihypertensiva immer abends ­ bloß nicht oder sinnvoll?

The Spanish Hygia study has led to considerable irritation due to the general recommendation to prescribe antihypertensives preferably to be taken in the evening, especially since the lay press as well as medical media made enthusiastic comments. The discussion about the optimal time to take antihypertensive drugs shows once again how dangerous the uncritical handling of study data can be. No possible risks were pointed out. The Hygia study compared 19,084 patients with morning and evening intake of antihypertensive drugs under the control of a 48­h blood pressure measurement (!). There was a significantly better reduction in blood pressure and the rate of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events with evening intake. The data are scientifically valuable; however, the conclusions are incomprehensible based on the data, contradict many other studies and are dangerous for certain patient groups. There are also methodological shortcomings. Therefore, a general evening intake is not justified and nonsensical due to the diverse, individually very different pathophysiological findings of the nocturnal blood pressure behavior. Basically, the outpatient 24­h blood pressure measurement (ABPM) enables a better assessment of the individual cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks and prevents an incorrect assessment of the blood pressure and thus unnecessary or sufficient treatment. Instead of a general recommendation, the ABPM offers the option of an individually tailored treatment. Taking antihypertensive drugs in the evening should always be preceded by an ABDM in the case of prognostically unfavorable nocturnal hypertension in order to avoid the risk of nocturnal ischemic risks due to excessive drops in blood pressure.

[Antihypertensive drug therapy : Where do we stand?]. / Medikamentöse antihypertensive Therapie : Wo stehen wir?

Antihypertensive drug therapy is one of the most successful medical measures ever, at all levels. The treatment situation in Germany has clearly improved in recent years. Nowadays, a wide range of very effective and well-tolerated hypertensive substances is available. Combination therapy has a long and successful tradition in hypertensive treatment, especially with suitable fixed combinations. Furthermore, the administration of fixed combinations is very beneficial to therapy adherence because it is essentially dependent on the number of drugs to be taken. The value of beta blockers and the double blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are under discussion and the interpretation of corresponding studies must be conducted very carefully. The hypertensive effect of a substance cannot be comprehensively assessed without taking the time of day, the time point of measurement and the time point of intake into consideration. This is particularly important with respect to the effect over 24 h. Optimal antihypertensive therapy must also take into consideration the individual blood pressure rhythm with respect to the dose and dosing intervals. The importance of the central (aortic) blood pressure as target blood pressure will increase.

[Salt consumption and cardiovascular risk : a plea for salt reduction]. / Salzkonsum und kardiovaskuläres Risiko : Plädoyer für eine Salzreduktion.

High salt intake over long term is associated with increased incidence of arterial, predominantly systolic, hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, e.g., stroke, heart failure, and renal insufficiency. High salt consumption is a vascular risk factor generating aortic stiffness and decreased vascular compliance leading to central blood pressure augmentation, higher cardiac load, and diminished diastolic perfusion. The development of heart failure can be a consequence of this sequelae. Randomized trials show a reduction in blood pressure with lower sodium intake. In long-term clinical trials, a reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been demonstrated. Recommendations should emphasize the simultaneous reduction in sodium intake and increase in potassium intake.

[Telemedicine in chronic heart failure: patient selection is a prerequisite for success]. / Telemedizin bei chronischer Herzinsuffizienz: Patientenselektion ist entscheidend für den Erfolg.

The two biggest studies worldwide on telemedicine in chronic heart failure were conducted in Germany. The study design, patient selection and equipment as well as the mode of therapeutic intervention varied between the two studies as much as their outcomes. A comparison of the two studies allows conclusions to be drawn as regards achieving effective telemedical intervention in chronic heart failure. Patient age, medication and degree of heart failure and the telemedical program itself are decisive factors in attaining a successful approach. It is best to induct patients into the program after hospitalisation for decompensated heart failure, especially in cases where the maximum drug therapy could not be administered.

[Restriction of salt intake in the whole population promises great long-term benefits]. / Die Beschränkung der Kochsalzaufnahme in der Gesamtbevölkerung verspricht langfristig grossen Nutzen.

Restricting salt intake not only leads to a decrease of blood pressure and a reduction in the incidence of arterial hypertension but also to a fall in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. But high sodium intake is not only a risk factor for hypertension but also for cardiovascular diseases. Moderate reduction of daily salt intake in the entire population of Germany from the present level of 8-10 mg to 5-6 mg is of great benefit for disease load and to the economy. Any possible risk for a few groups of persons is predictable and can be coped with. General sodium reduction cannot be achieved only by individual advice, instruction or information campaigns but requires a reduction in the sodium content of industrially processed foods, in fast-food chains, restaurants and canteens because they supply 80% of total daily sodium intake. To achieve the target of restricting the sodium intake of the whole population it is recommended that an interdisciplinary and interprofessional task force, "Less salt for all" be established. This is to bring together the expertise of scientific societies and institutions that see their main task in the reduction of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity by primary prevention. Individual prevention in patients at risk can be very significantly improved by population-related preventive measures. These include, in addition to general limitation of sodium intake, continuing change in lifestyle.