Nutritional support for critically ill patients: does duration correlate with mortality?

BACKGROUND: Few investigations have correlated long-term nutritional support (NS) with outcome in the intensive care unit, in comparison with NS for shorter periods. OBJECTIVE: In a retrospective protocol, duration of enteral and/or parenteral nutrition was analyzed in the light of severity of illness, targeting hospital mortality. RESULTS: Seriously ill patients (n = 100), nearly all (94/100) receiving enteral nutrition (51/100), parenteral nutrition (22/100), or both (21/100), were investigated. Mean age ± SD was 60.0 ± 19.5 years (54.0% males), 56.0% were in the trauma or surgery diagnostic category, Mean Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II ± SD was 14.2 ± 6.7, mechanical ventilation was necessary in 41.0%, and hospital mortality was 14.0%. Nutritional support of any modality administered for 18 days or less (mean ± SD, 4.3 ± 3.6 days) was associated with favorable survival rate, whereas for longer periods (mean ± SD, 48.5 ± 29.4 days), mortality substantially increased (7.7% vs 50.0%, P = .004). Results were confirmed when long-term patients were propensity matched regarding age, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Glasgow scale, and mechanical ventilation (6.3% vs 50.0%, P = 04). CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional support of more than 18 days was associated with higher mortality. This finding persisted after adjustment for major risk factors, in agreement with the hypothesis that prolonged impossibility of oral alimentation is a marker of mortality in the intensive care unit setting.

Bioimpedance analysis: should it be used in morbid obesity?

OBJECTIVES: Questions about reliability of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) in morbidly obese subjects have curtailed its use in this setting, but metabolic implications might reignite the debate. In a prospective study, it was aimed to analyze anthropometric and clinical associations. METHODS: Bariatric candidates (n = 94) with or without metabolic syndrome were consecutively investigated. Age was 34.9 ± 10.4 years (68.1% females), and BMI was 40.8 ± 4.6 kg m(-2) . Methods included single-frequency BIA, anthropometrics, inflammatory indices, and general biochemical profile. RESULTS: Body composition results (water, fat) in females, but not in males, were entirely consistent with the literature. In both genders good association was observed with anthropometrics (BMI, waist circumference), inflammatory indices (ferritin, C-reactive protein) and general biochemical variables. Anthropometric measurements also displayed comparable associations. Multivariate tests including the two sets of measurements indicated no predominance of one method over the other, one complementing the other as metabolic marker. CONCLUSIONS: BIA limitations were mostly relevant for males, not females. Despite such discrepancies, good associations with anthropometry were demonstrated for both genders. Correlations with liver enzymes, and indices of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism could be demonstrated. BIA deserves more investigations concerning liver steatosis and ongoing inflammation, and it could contribute as well, synergistically with anthropometry, to monitor weight loss, body fat shifts, and metabolic risk.

Inflammation and biochemical features of bariatric candidates: does gender matter?

BACKGROUND: Accumulated fat is an accepted trigger of inflammation and metabolic syndrome but specific biochemical associations in males and females are still debated. In a prospective study, multiple variables were analyzed to search for gender-related correlations. METHODS: Bariatric candidates (n = 94) were consecutively investigated. Age was 34.9 ± 10.4 years (68.1% females) and body mass index (BMI) was 40.8 ± 4.6 kg/m(2). Methods included anthropometrics, inflammatory indices (C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), ferritin) and general biochemical profile. RESULTS: Ferritin, but not CRP or WBC, was substantially more elevated in males. Serum albumin, uric acid, creatinine, and liver enzymes AST and ALT were also higher in men. Even after BMI was adjusted, all differences remained significant, and several, notably ferritin, withstood waist circumference control. Ferritin and CRP correlated with anthropometrics, glucose-related measurements, and liver enzymes, whereas WBC was only associated with triglycerides in females. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Males displayed more severe inflammation according to ferritin profile, and also more signs of liver derangement; (2) all differences continued after BMI discrepancies were adjusted for, and ferritin was significant also after control of waist girth; (3) in both genders inflammatory markers often correlated with different anthropometrics, liver enzymes, and markers of glucose homeostasis; and (4) inflammatory and biochemical gender-related dissimilarities might have prognostic implications for cardiovascular risk and other comorbidities, and deserve additional studies.

Is splenectomy a dyslipidemic intervention? Experimental response of serum lipids to different diets and operations.

UNLABELLED: Spleen removal may be recommended during organ transplantation in ABO-incompatible recipients as well as for hypoperfusion of the grafted liver, besides conventional surgical indications, but elevation of serum lipids has been observed in certain contexts. Aiming to analyze the influence of two dietary regimens on lipid profile, an experimental study was conducted. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 86, 333.0 +/- 32.2 g) were divided in four groups: group 1: controls; group 2: sham operation; group 3: total splenectomy; group 4: subtotal splenectomy with upper pole preservation; subgroups A (cholesterol reducing chow) and B (cholesterol-rich mixture) were established, and diet was given during 90 days. Total cholesterol (Tchol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides were documented. RESULTS: After total splenectomy, hyperlipidemia ensued with cholesterol-reducing chow. Tchol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and HDL changed from 56.4 +/- 9.2, 24.6 +/- 4.7, 9.7 +/- 2.2, 48.6 +/- 11.1, and 22.4 +/- 4.3 mg/dL to 66.9 +/- 11.4, 29.9 +/- 5.9, 10.9 +/- 2.3, 54.3 +/- 11.4, and 26.1 +/- 5.1 mg/dL, respectively. Upper pole preservation inhibited abnormalities of Tchol, HDL, VLDL, and triglycerides, and LDL decreased (23.6 +/- 4.9 vs. 22.1 +/- 5.1, P = 0.002). Higher concentrations were triggered by splenectomy and cholesterol-enriched diet (Tchol 59.4 +/- 10.1 vs. 83.9 +/- 14.3 mg/dL, P = 0.000), and upper-pole preservation diminished without abolishing hyperlipidemia (Tchol 55.9 +/- 10.0 vs. 62.3 +/- 7.8, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: After splenectomy, hyperlipidemia occurred with both diets. Preservation of the upper pole tended to correct dyslipidemia in modality A and to attenuate it in subgroup B.

Nutritional profile and inflammatory status of hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition and abnormal inflammatory markers are prominent features of the uremic syndrome, but associations and repercussions are somewhat controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine nutritional and clinical profile of hemodialysis patients, aiming at potential diagnostic recommendations for stable subjects with elevated C-reactive protein. DESIGN: Prospective observational cross-sectional clinical study in a stable chronic hemodialysis population; SETTING: Renal and Nutritional Service of a mid-size charity academic hospital; PATIENTS: Subjects (n=44) were analyzed concerning nutritional status and C-reactive protein. Some displayed acute infections (Group I, n=9) and others did not (Group II, n=35). Age was 47.0 +/- 16.9 years with 63.6% males. Body mass index (BMI) was 22.2 +/- 3.9 kg/m2, calorie intake was 1262 +/- 601 kcal/day (20.7 +/- 6.7 kcal/kg/day), and protein ingestion was 74.3 +/- 16.6 g protein/day (1.2 g/kg/day); INTERVENTION: No nutritional supplement or artificial modality of alimentation was employed in this series; MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective global assessment and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Malnutrition estimated by subjective global assessment (SGA) was very common (>90%), despite acceptable BMI and serum albumin. C-reactive protein was moderately elevated in 40.9% and was positively associated with SGA and negatively with plasma proteins. Comorbidities were associated positively with extracellular water and negatively with reactance (bioimpedance). When infected versus non-infected cases were analyzed, 100% of the former displayed high CRP concentrations in contrast with 22.9% of remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Malnutrition profile was rather unique, with relatively favorable objective findings (body mass index, serum albumin) and more deranged SGA; (2) Bioimpedance analysis suggested that phase angle could be used as an indicator of nutritional status; (3) Creactive protein was negatively associated with plasma proteins; (4) Infected subjects, although few and displaying moderate clinical troubles, were responsible for most C-reactive protein determinations above 8 mg/L; (5) Investigation of occult infectious foci is advised in these circumstances.

Correlation of nutritional status and food intake in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients in end-stage renal disease often suffer from poor appetite, various comorbidities, and dietary restrictions. Despite regular hemodialysis, nutritional imbalances are frequently reported. Aiming to correlate nutritional status with food ingestion, a prospective study was done in an outpatient group. METHODS: Stable patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis for at least 3 months (n=44) were investigated by dietary recall and standard anthropometric, biochemical, and bioimpedance determinations, including subjective and objective global assessment. The mean age of the group was 47.0+/-16.9 years, and 63.6% were men. Body mass index was 22.2+/-3.9 kg/m2 (mean+/-SD), calorie intake was 1471+/-601 kcal/day (20.7+/-6.7 kcal/kg/day), and protein ingestion was 74.3+/-16.6 g protein/day (1.2 g/kg/day). Dietary and clinical findings were correlated with nutritional indices by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Malnutrition estimated by subjective global assessment was very common (>90%), despite the fact that body mass index and serum albumin were within an acceptable range in the majority of the population. Objective global assessment yielded roughly comparable numerical findings, with 6.8% being well nourished, 61.4% at nutritional risk or lightly undernourished, 29.6% moderately malnourished, and 2.3% severely malnourished. Total calorie intake was devoid of associations, but protein, carbohydrate, and lipid input positively correlated with triceps skinfold (P=.02). Lipid ingestion was the only marker directly associated with arm circumference, and it correlated with body mass index, as well as with total body fat (bioimpedance analysis) (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Bioimpedance analysis was useful and was correlated with clinical findings; 2) Lipid intake was the best dietary index in this experience, surpassing protein or total energy; 3) Despite its shortcomings, dietary recall was useful in the assessment of hemodialysis patients.

Correlation of nutritional status and food intake in hemodialysis patients

OBJETIVOS: Pacientes em fase final de enfermidade renal frequentemente sofrem de falta de apetite, várias comorbidades e restrições dietéticas, e a despeito de hemodiálise regular, desequilíbrios nutricionais são frequentemente relatados. Com o propósito de correlacionar estado nutricional com ingestão alimentar, um estudo prospectivo foi realizado com pacientes ambulatoriais. MÉTODOS: Doentes estáveis sibmetidos a hemodiálise crônica por no mínimo 3 meses (n= 44) foram investigados mediante recordatório alimentar e determinações convencionais antropométricas, bioquímicas e de bioimpedância , incluindo-se avaliação global subjetiva e também objetiva. A idade do grupo era de 47.0 ± 16.9 anos com 63.6% de homens. O índice de massa corporal situava-se em 22.2 ± 3.9 kg/m2, a ingestão calórica foi de 1471 ± 601 kcal/dia (20.7 ± 6.7 kcal/kg/dia) e o consumo proteico atingiu 74.3 ± 16.6 g proteina/dia (1.2 g/kg/dia) . As variáveis dietéticas e clínicas foram correlacionadas com os índices nutricionais através da análise de regressão linear. RESULTADOS: A desnutrição estimada pela avalia;áo global subjetiva foi muito comum (>90%), apesar de que o índice de massa corporal e a taxa de albumina estavam aceitáveis na maioria da população. A avaliação objetiva global evidenciou resultados numericamente parecidos, com 6,8% bem nutridos, 61,4% com risco nutricional ou desnutrição leve, 29,6% no patamar moderado e 2,3% exibindo desnutrição grave. O ganho calórico total não apresentou associações, todavia ingressos de proteina, carboidratos e lípides se correlacionaram positivamente com a prega cutânea do tríceps (P=0.02). Apenas a ingestão lipídica associou-se diretamente com a circunferência do braço, demonstrando ainda correlação com o índice de massa corporal bem como com a gordura corpórea total (bioimpedância) (P<0.001). CONCLUSÕES: 1) 0s teores de proteinas, lípides e carboidratos na dieta exibiram um certo número de correlações com variáveis antropométricas e de bioimpedância; 2) A ingestão lipídica foi o melhor índice nesta experiência, ultrapassando a proteina ou o ganho energético total; 3) Em que pesem algumas limitações, o recordatório alimentar foi útil na avaliação destes pacientes de hemodiálise.

Interest of conventional clinical, biochemical and bioimpedance measurements as indicators of mortality, risk in critical patients

A avaliacao risco e atualmente um componente essencial do manejo de individuos seriamente enfermos, e multiplos sistemas de categorizacao estao disponiveis, com base em determinacoes isoladas ou preferencialmente multiplas. Alguns destes protocolos foram implementados com sucesso em todo o mundo, e se prestam para a previsao do curso clinico em diferentes populacoes. Nao obstante, estes indices tendem a consumir mao-de-obra ou requerem provas bioquimicas adicionais, convertendo-se numa sobrecarga economica. Tendo como proposito avaliar o interesse prognostico de variaveis comuns ja presentes na observacao clinica, 50 pacientes consecutivos admitidos em uma unidade de cuidados intensivos foram estudados prospectivamente. Os metodos incluiram anotacoes clinicas (idade, sexo, duracao da permanencia da UTI, FIO2), bioquimicas (albumina, hemoglobina, glicemia, creatinina, contagem de leucocitos) bioimpedancia (resistencia, reactancia, e coeficiente de impedancia corporal)...

Measurement of body composition changes during hemodialysis by bioimpedance analysis

A monitorizacao das trocas hidricas durante a hemodialise e essencial para a segurança e eficácia do procedimento. A bioimpedancia tem sido usada para a aferiçäo dos compartimentos corporais em muitas circunstäncias, mas a experiência durante a hemodialise e relativamente escassa. Num estudo prospectivo de 28 casos de insuficiencia renal crônica tratados por dialise crônica ambulatorial, os estudos de composicao corporea foram realizados imediatamente antes e após a sessäo de dialise. Os métodos abrangiam peso corporal, albumina serica, hematocrito, hemoglobina, sodio e osmolaridade plasmatica. Estas variáveis foram comparadas com os achados de bioimpedancia, nominalmente massa magra, gordura corporal, agua total, agua intra e extracelular, terceiro espaço, e relaçäo sódio/potassio permutavel. Os pacientes perderam peso e melhoraram o hematocrito, hemoglobina, osmolaridade e sódio serico no decurso da terapeutica, e as medidas de impedancia revelaram-se compativeis com estas modificaçöes...