Standardized phase angle: relationship with functionality, muscle mass and postoperative outcomes in surgical cancer patients.

To evaluate the association of standardized phase angle (SPA) with nutritional status, functional parameters, and postoperative outcomes in surgical cancer patients. This prospective study includes 59 cancer patients from Pelotas (Brazil) admitted for elective cancer surgery. We obtained the phase angle through Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and standardized it according to the population's reference values. We estimated the muscle mass using BIA for later calculation of the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) and performed handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed (GS) tests. We used the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) to assess the nutritional status. Postoperative complications and duration of hospital stay were evaluated as the outcomes. The prevalence of malnutrition in the sample was 28.8%, according to ASG-PPP. SPA was statistically lower in patients with malnutrition, with lower HGS and reduced GS. For postoperative outcomes, patients with severe complications and those with prolonged hospitalization also had lower SPA values. The greater the number of functional alterations in patients, the lower the SPA value, mainly when associated with reduced muscle mass assessed by BIA, suggesting that muscle mass reduction plays an important role in the association between functional alterations and phase angle in patients with cancer. According to the parameters used in this study, low SPA value was associated with impaired nutritional and functional status and negative outcomes in the analyzed sample.

Phase angle, physical quality of life and functionality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional deficiency, especially malnutrition, is frequent in cancer patients and is associated with changes in body composition, such as low muscle mass. Phase angle (PhA) has been used as a prognostic indicator and may be related to nutritional status, functionality, and quality of life in these patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of chemotherapy treatment on PhA values, comparing the PhA variation before and after treatment, and to evaluate the PhA correlation, as a muscle mass surrogate, with the physical domain of quality of life, functionality, and nutritional risk in a sample of patients with cancer. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy for the first time. All patients aged 18 years or older, newly diagnosed, and undergoing chemotherapy for the first time were included. To analyze the difference in the PhA means according to the different classification variables, the t-test - or ANOVA - was used. The variation of the final and initial PhA was evaluated through the linear regression test. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were analyzed, of which 66.3% were female. The mean PhA of the initial assessment was significantly higher when compared to the final assessment of the patients PhA (p = 0.018). In both the initial and final assessments, PhA was correlated with the physical domain (r = 0.29; p < 0.001 and r = 0.19; p = 0.021) and with the functionality score (r = - 0.32; p < 0.001 and r = - 0.30; p < 0.001) and total PG-SGA (r = - 0.31; p < 0.001 and r = - 0.23; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: PhA can be considered a predictor of physical quality of life and functionality in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

New Prediction Equations to Estimate Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Using Calf Circumference: Results From NHANES 1999-2006.

BACKGROUND: Low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) is associated with negative outcomes, but its assessment requires proper limb muscle evaluation. We aimed to verify how anthropometric circumferences are correlated to ASM and to develop new prediction equations based on calf circumference and other anthropometric measures, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the reference method. METHODS: DEXA and anthropometric information from 15,293 adults surveyed in the 1999-2006 NHANES were evaluated. ASM was defined by the sum of the lean soft tissue from the limbs. Anthropometric data included BMI and calf, arm, thigh, and waist circumferences. Correlations were assessed by Pearson's correlation, and multivariable linear regression produced 4 different ASM prediction equations. The concordance and the overall 95% limits of agreement between measured and estimated ASM were assessed using Lin's coefficient and Bland-Altman's approach. RESULTS: Calf and thigh circumferences were highly correlated with ASM, independent of age and ethnicity. Among the models, the best performance came from the equation constituted solely by calf circumference, sex, race, and age as independent variables, which was able to explain almost 90% of the DEXA-measured ASM variation. The inclusion of different anthropometric parameters in the model increased collinearity without improving estimates. Concordance between the four developed equations and DEXA-measured ASM was high (Lin's concordance coefficient >0.90). CONCLUSION: Despite the good performance of the four developed equations in predicting ASM, the best results came from the equation constituted only by calf circumference, sex, race, and age. This equation allows satisfactory ASM estimation from a single anthropometric measurement.

Evolution of total body and regional adiposity from late adolescence to early adulthood in a birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Differences in total body and regional adiposity according to sex are observed from an early age, but these differences become more evident after puberty due to hormonal changes. We aimed to assess the evolution of total body and regional adiposity from 18 to 22 years of age and the associated sociodemographic and nutritional characteristics. METHODS: In total, 3274 individuals from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort study followed up at 18 and 22 years of age. Measures of total body and regional adiposity were assessed using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the TC2 Three-Dimensional Photonic Scanner. We used fat mass index obtained from DXA as a measure of total body adiposity, and android and gynoid fat mass percentages (android or gynoid fat mass [kg]/total fat mass [kg])*100) as measures of regional adiposity. In addition, waist, hip and thigh circumferences from the photonic scanner were also used as measures of regional adiposity. We evaluated these measurements at 18 and 22 years of age by sex and estimated differences between them according to sociodemographic and nutritional characteristics. RESULTS: While men and women did not differ in terms of BMI, females exhibited a higher fat mass index, gynoid fat mass percentage, and hip and thigh circumferences; men exhibited higher android fat mass percentage and waist circumference at both time points. Increases in all body measurements from age 18 to 22 were observed in men and women, except for gynoid fat mass percentage, which decreased in both sexes. Socioeconomic position and race were the independent variables most associated with adiposity rising from age 18 to 22 in women, with black women and women of lower socioeconomic positions exhibiting larger increases in adiposity. CONCLUSION: There was an increase in adiposity and a centralization of body shape from late adolescence to early adulthood, indicating possible early risks for noncommunicable diseases in this cohort.

Body composition using bioelectrical impedance: Development and validation of a predictive equation for fat-free mass in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: We developed and described a new equation to estimate fat-free mass derived from BIA using a sample population from Brazil and having Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference method. We also compared this new equation with two published and widely used equations developed in high-income countries. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 294 healthy adults from Pelotas, Brazil. DXA was used to assess total fat mass and fat-free mass aiming to obtain reference measures for the development of the new BIA equation. Multivariable linear regression models including fractional polynomials were used to find the best predictive model for FFM, using resistance, reactance, age, weight and height as the independent variables. Models were developed separately for men and women. The bootstrapping method was used to test the validity of the new equation. Finally, the Bland-Altman approach was used to assess the agreement of our equations and the two others widely used equations with the FFM measured by DXA. RESULTS: The new equations explained more than 80% of the variation in fat-free mass percentage from DXA. In the bootstrapping analysis, the new equations presented good validity, as the corrected RMSE was similar to those found in regression analysis. Finally, the new equations presented a better concordance when compared to two validated equations from US and Switzerland. CONCLUSION: The new developed equations appear to be the best options to predict fat-free mass percentage in Brazilian adults by bioelectrical impedance and appear to fit well in all Brazilian population due to the good validity presented.

Uso de indicadores antropométricos para avaliação da adiposidade corporal em idosos no sul do Brasil / Using of the anthropometrics indicators to evaluate of body adiposity in the elderly in Southern Brazil

Introdução: A composição corporal e sua distribuição sofrem mudanças conforme a idade. Por isso, avaliar o uso de indicadores antropométricos para avaliação da adiposidade corporal em idosos é de extrema importância. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 108 idosos cadastrados em 11 unidades básicas de saúde do município de Pelotas-RS integrantes da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Para a avaliação nutricional, foram aferidos: altura, peso, circunferência da cintura e circunferência do quadril. O percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) foi verificado por bioimpedância (BIA) e pelo índice de Adiposidade Corporal (IAC) calculado conforme proposto por Bergman et al. Resultados: Os idosos apresentaram médias %GC, verificado pelos dois indicadores BIA e IAC, acima do recomendado (38,5 e 35,6, respectivamente). Conclusão: São necessárias mudanças no estilo de vida destes idosos, incentivando o consumo alimentar saudável e a pratica de atividade física.

Monitoramento da terapia nutricional enteral em unidade de terapia intensiva: adequação calóricoproteica e sobrevida / Monitoring of enteral nutrition therapy in intensive care unit: energy and protein adequacy and survival

Objetivos: Avaliar o estado nutricional, a adequação da terapia nutricional enteral, os fatores que interferem na sua administração e a sobrevida de pacientes críticos. Método: Estudo observacional prospectivo, com pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um Hospital Universitário. Foram incluídos pacientes com idade superior a 18 anos que receberam nutrição enteral por período superior a 72 horas.O estado nutricional foi avaliado pela Avaliação Subjetiva Global e a terapia nutricional enteral foi considerada adequada quando superior a 70% (valor prescrito/administrado quanto a calorias e proteínas). A sobrevida após seis meses da alta foi analisada pelo teste de Mann Whitney. Resultados: Foram avaliados 32 pacientes, com idade média de 56,4±17,4 anos, sendo 59,4% homens. Na admissão, 75% dos pacientes apresentavam algum grau de desnutrição. A adequação foi de 72,3% para valor calórico e 70,2% para proteínas. A principal causa de interrupção da nutrição enteral foi pausa para procedimentos e exames (81,3%). Pacientes bem nutridos no momento da internação apresentaram sobrevida significativamente maior que pacientes com algum grau de desnutrição após seis meses (p=0,03). Conclusão: A maior parte dos pacientes apresentou desnutrição na admissão e a meta calóricaproteica proposta foi alcançada pela maioria. A sobrevida em seis meses dos pacientes bem nutridos foi significativamente maior do que os demais.(AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the nutritional status, the adequacy of enteral nutritional therapy, the factors that influence enteral nutrition management and the survival analysis of critically ill patients. Methods: A prospective, observational study conducted with patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a university hospital. Patients above 18 years under exclusive enteral nutrition therapy for at least 72 hours were included. Nutritional status was evaluated by the Subjective Global Assessment and enteral nutritional therapy was considered adequate up to 70% of the prescribed (energy and protein). Survival after six months of discharge was analyzed by Mann Whitney test. Results: 32 patients were included; the mean of age was 56.4±17.4 years and 59.4% were man.On admission, 75% of patients had some degree of malnutrition. The adequacy was 72.3% for calories and 70.2% for proteins. The main cause of interruption of enteral nutrition was breaks procedures and tests (81.3%). Well-nourished patients at admission had a significantly longer survival than patients with some degree of malnutrition after six months (p=0.03). Conclusion: Most of the patients presented malnutrition at admission and the proposed caloric-protein target was reached by the majority. The survival rate at six months of well-nourished patients was higher than others.(AU)

Tipos de atividades físicas e densidade mineral óssea em adultos aparentemente saudáveis / Types of physical activity and bone mineral density in apparently healthy adults

Introdução: O tipo de atividade física (AF) pode influenciar a relação entre esta e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO). Desta forma, o objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar a relação entre diferentes tipos de AF e DMO em adultos. Método: Estudo transversal realizado com amostra de conveniência (n=208 indivíduos de 20 a 59 anos) de Pelotas, RS. A DMO (g/cm2) foi avaliada por absorciometria de raios-X de dupla energia (DXA) e a prática de caminhada e AF de intensidades moderada e vigorosa no lazer foram avaliadas por meio da respectiva seção da versão longa do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). A associação entre a DMO e os diferentes tipos de AF foi avaliada por regressão linear. Resultados: Em torno de 67% dos participantes atendiam à recomendação de ≥150 min/sem de AF. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nas medidas da DMO entre indivíduos com maior ou menor tempo semanal em prática de caminhada, AF de intensidade moderada e vigorosa, isoladamente. Porém, foi observado um aumento, com margem inferior do intervalo de confiança no limite da significância, na DMO de indivíduos do segundo tercil de tempo gasto em AF total ­ 160-300 min/sem (ß=0,025 IC95%=0,001; 0,049), quando comparados ao grupo menos ativo. Conclusão: O estudo não encontrou associação entre DMO e a prática de caminhada e AF de intensidade moderada e vigorosa, podendo haver uma relação com o total acumulado de AF por semana, entre indivíduos que atendem à recomendação de AF, mas não são altamente ativos.(AU)

Introduction: Type of physical activity (PA) can influence the relationship between it and bone mineral density (BMD). Thus, the aim of the current study is evaluate the relationship between different types of PA and BMD in adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study using a convenience sample (n=208 individuals from 20 to 59 years old) in Pelotas, RS. BMD (g/cm2) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and time spent in walking and moderate and vigorous PA during the leisure-time was evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in the long version. Association between BMD and types of PA was evaluated by linear regression analyses. Results: About 67% out of the subjects reached the recommendation of ≥150 min/week of PA during the leisure-time. There was no statistically significant difference in the BMD among individuals with higher or lower weekly time spent in walking, moderate or vigorous PA. However, a slightly difference was observed in BMD from subjects in the second tertile of time spent in any activity ­ 160-300 min/week (ß=0.025 IC95%=0.001; 0.049), in comparison to individuals in the first tertile of PA. Conclusion: There was no statistical association of walking, moderate and vigorous PA alone with BMD. It is possible a relationship between the total amount weekly spent in any PA in individuals who reached the PA recommendation but were not highly active.(AU)

Diet and body fat in adolescence and early adulthood: a systematic review of longitudinal studies.

Adipose tissue is a vital component of the human body, but in excess, it represents a risk to health. According to the World Health Organization, one of the main factors determining excessive body adiposity is the dietary habit. This systematic review investigated longitudinal studies that assessed the association between diet and body fat in adolescents and young adults. Twenty-one relevant papers published between 2001 and 2015 were selected. The most used method for estimating body fat was the body mass index (15 studies). Diet was most commonly assessed by estimating the consumption of food groups (cereals, milk and dairy products) and specific foods (sugar-sweetened beverages, soft drinks, fast foods, milk, etc.). Ten studies found a direct association between diet and quantity of body fat. During adolescence, adhering to a dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of energy-dense food, fast foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and soft drinks, as well as low fiber intake, appears to contribute to an increase in body fat in early adulthood. The findings of the present study suggest that the frequent consumption of unhealthy foods and food groups (higher energy density and lower nutrient content) in adolescence is associated with higher quantity of body fat in early adulthood.

Diet and body fat in adolescence and early adulthood: a systematic review of longitudinal studies / Dieta e gordura corporal na adolescência e início da vida adulta: uma revisão sistemática de estudos longitudinais

Abstract Adipose tissue is a vital component of the human body, but in excess, it represents a risk to health. According to the World Health Organization, one of the main factors determining excessive body adiposity is the dietary habit. This systematic review investigated longitudinal studies that assessed the association between diet and body fat in adolescents and young adults. Twenty-one relevant papers published between 2001 and 2015 were selected. The most used method for estimating body fat was the body mass index (15 studies). Diet was most commonly assessed by estimating the consumption of food groups (cereals, milk and dairy products) and specific foods (sugar-sweetened beverages, soft drinks, fast foods, milk, etc.). Ten studies found a direct association between diet and quantity of body fat. During adolescence, adhering to a dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of energy-dense food, fast foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and soft drinks, as well as low fiber intake, appears to contribute to an increase in body fat in early adulthood. The findings of the present study suggest that the frequent consumption of unhealthy foods and food groups (higher energy density and lower nutrient content) in adolescence is associated with higher quantity of body fat in early adulthood.

Resumo O tecido adiposo é um componente vital do corpo humano, mas em excesso representa risco à saúde. Conforme a Organização Mundial da Saúde, um dos principais fatores determinantes do excesso de peso é o hábito alimentar. Essa revisão sistemática investigou estudos longitudinais que avaliaram a relação entre dieta e gordura corporal em adolescentes e adultos jovens. Vinte e um artigos publicados de 2001 a 2015 foram selecionados. O método mais utilizado para estimar gordura corporal foi o índice de massa corporal (15 estudos). A dieta foi avaliada principalmente pelo consumo de grupos alimentares (cereais, leite e produtos lácteos) e alimentos específicos (bebidas açucaradas, refrigerantes, “fast foods”, leite e etc.). Dez estudos encontraram uma associação direta entre dieta e quantidade de gordura corporal. Um padrão alimentar com alto consumo energético e de gordura e baixo de fibras e o hábito de consumir “fast foods”, bebidas açucaradas e refrigerantes na adolescência, contribuíram para um aumento da gordura corporal no início da vida adulta. Os achados deste estudo sugerem que o consumo de alimentos específicos e grupos de alimentos não saudáveis (alta densidade energética e baixo conteúdo de nutrientes) na adolescência e início da vida adulta estão associados com maior quantidade de gordura corporal.

Nutritional and functional factors as prognostic of surgical cancer patients.

PURPOSE: We evaluated phase angle, sarcopenia, and handgrip strength as prognostic factors of postoperative morbimortality in patients with cancer. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a prospective study with 60 oncology patients admitted for elective surgery between November 2015 and May 2016. We calculated the standardized phase angle (SPA) and the skeletal mass index of the subjects based on their bioelectrical impedance tests. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using a hydraulic dynamometer. Diagnosis of sarcopenia followed the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. The nutritional status of each subject was evaluated through the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Evaluation of postoperative complications followed the Clavien-Dindo classification. We also evaluated the duration of hospital stay. Outcomes were postoperative complications and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition was 28.3%, and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 18.6%. The SPA was significantly lower among those who had severe postoperative complications or long hospital stays, while HGS and sarcopenia showed no relationship with these outcomes. Malnutrition was also related to postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: SPA can be considered a prognostic factor in postoperative morbimortality for patients with cancer.

Estado nutricional de idosos atendidos por unidades de saúde da família na cidade de Pelotas-RS / Nutritional status of elderly attended by family health unit in the city of Pelotas-RS

Introdução: O estado nutricional do idoso é afetado por alterações fisiológicas, assim como por sua situação socioeconômica. As alterações mais importantes na composição corporal são o aumento da gordura corporal total e a redução do tecido muscular. Método: Estudo transversal descritivo, realizado com idosos maiores de 60 anos de idade cadastrados nas 11 Unidades Básicas de Saúde do município de Pelotas, RS, que fazem parte da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Foi realizada uma avaliação nutricional, na qual foram coletados dados antropométricos, como peso, altura, circunferência da cintura (CC) e da panturilha (CP), além de ser aplicada a Miniavaliação Nutricional (MAN). Resultados: Foram analisados 119 idosos, com média de idade de 75±6,5 anos e 59% não tinham companheiro. Houve prevalência de sobrepeso com o uso do Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) (54,6%), obesidade abdominal pela CC (84,0%), eutrofia de acordo com a medida da CP (91,6%) e MAN (63,0%). O sexo feminino apresentou associação positiva com a obesidade abdominal (p<0,01) e com o IMC (p=0,05) quando comparado ao sexo masculino. Conclusão: A maioria dos idosos encontrou-se sem risco nutricional (MAN e CP), porém foram verificadas altas prevalências de obesidade abdominal (CC) e sobrepeso (IMC). O rastreamento do risco nutricional nos idosos é importante, pois mesmo com sobrepeso os idosos podem apresentar risco de desnutrição e utilizando esses métodos foi evidenciada a presença de excesso de peso, excluindo a concomitância com risco nutricional.(AU)

Introduction: The nutritional status of elderly is affected by physiological changes as well as their socioeconomic situation. The most important changes in body composition are the increase in total body fat and the reduction of muscle tissue. Methods: Cross-sectional study realized with elderly people over 60 years old registered at eleven Basic Health Units of the city of Pelotas, RS, which are part of Family Health Strategy. A nutritional assessment was realized, in which anthropometric data were collected as weight, height, waist circumference (WC), calf circumference (CC), besides the application of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Results: 119 elderly people were analyzed, with the average age of 75±6.5 years and 59% had no life partner. There was a prevalence of overweight through Body Mass Index (BMI) (54.6%), abdominal obesity by WC (84.0%), eutrophic according the measure of CC (91.6%) and MNA (63,0%). Female gender was positively associated with abdominal obesity (p<0.01) and with BMI (p=0.05) when compared to male gender. Conclusion: Most of the elderly are without nutritional risk (MNA and CC), however, high prevalence rates of abdominal obesity (WC) were observed and overweight (BMI). The nutritional risk tracking in the elderly is important, because although being overweight the elderly may present malnutrition risk and using these methods was evidenced the presence of excess weight, excluding concomitance with nutritional risk.(AU)

Breastfeeding and complementary feeding associated with body composition in 18-19 years old adolescents in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The first years of life are critical for human development, therefore it is important to investigate early factors that may influence the development of body composition later in life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between breastfeeding duration and age of introduction of complementary feeding with body composition at 18-19 years. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted with adolescents belonging to the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Duration of breastfeeding, age of introduction of other types of milk and complementary feeding were obtained from a subsample of this cohort periodically monitored during the first year of life. The fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) indices were estimated using plethysmography (BOD POD ™). Crude and adjusted analyses were stratified by sex using a linear regression model. RESULTS: 1438 adolescents (694 boys and 744 girls) had complete information on exposures and outcomes.. Among men, the mean FMI and FFMI were 4.0 ± 3.1 kg / m2 and 19.0 ± 1.9 kg / m2; and among women, 8.0 ± 3.2 kg / m2 and 15.5 ± 1.7 kg / m2, respectively. Neither breastfeeding duration nor age of introduction of complementary foods was associated with mean FMI in both sexes. Mean FFMI was higher among women who were breastfed for three months or more and among men who were breastfed for six months or more. Women who started the complementary feeding after five months of age had lower mean FFMI in adolescence. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that only mean FFM in adolescence is associated with early feeding behaviors.

Design of a digital and self-reported food frequency questionnaire to estimate food consumption in adolescents and young adults: birth cohorts at Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. / Desenho de um questionário de frequência alimentar digital autoaplicado para avaliar o consumo alimentar de adolescentes e adultos jovens: coortes de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul.

PURPOSE: Methodological paper aiming to describe the development of a digital and self-reported food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), created to the 1982 and 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohorts. METHODS: The instrument was created based on FFQs previously applied to subjects belonging to both cohorts in the 2004 and 2008 follow-ups. The FFQ was developed including 88 foods and/or meals where frequencies were clustered from a minimum of never or once/month to a maximum of greater than or equal to 5 times/day. The closed options related to portions were based on a 24-hour recall previously asked to a subsample from the 1993 cohort. Three options for portions were created: equal to, less than or greater than. Equal to portion was described based on the 50 percentile of each food consumed reported in a 24-hour recall. Photographs of portions related to the 50 percentile for each food were also included in the software. RESULTS: This digital FFQ included food and meals based on the needs of current researches. The layout of the software was attractive to the staff members as well as to the cohort members. The responding time was 12 minutes and the software allowed several individuals to use it at the same time. Moreover, this instrument dismissed interviewers and double data entry. CONCLUSION: It is recommended the use of the same strategy in other studies, adapted to different contexts and situations.

Desenho de um questionário de frequência alimentar digital autoaplicado para avaliar o consumo alimentar de adolescentes e adultos jovens: coortes de nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul / Design of a digital and self-reported food frequency questionnaire to estimate food consumption in adolescents and young adults: birth cohorts at Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

RESUMO: Objetivo: Artigo metodológico com o objetivo de descrever a construção de um questionário de frequência alimentar (QFA) digital autoaplicado, desenvolvido para as coortes de nascimentos de Pelotas de 1982 e 1993. Métodos: O instrumento foi criado com base em QFAs anteriormente utilizados nas duas coortes em acompanhamentos nos anos de 2004 e 2008. O QFA foi elaborado incluindo 88 alimentos e/ou preparações cujas frequências foram agrupadas em categorias desde o valor mínimo de consumo de nunca ou < 1 vez/mês até o máximo de ≥ 5 vezes/dia. As opções fechadas relativas à porção foram construídas considerando recordatórios de 24 horas (R24Hs) anteriormente aplicados à subamostra da coorte de 1993. Três alternativas de porção foram construídas: igual, menos ou mais. A porção igual foi descrita com base no percentil 50 do consumo de cada alimento, obtido a partir das distribuições das porções constantes nos R24H. Fotos das porções relativas ao percentil 50 de cada alimento foram também incluídas ao formato do programa. Resultados: Esse QFA digital incluiu alimentos e preparações que atendem aos objetivos das pesquisas atuais. A aparência do programa foi atrativa à equipe de trabalho e também aos participantes do estudo. O tempo médio de aplicação de 12 minutos e a facilidade de preenchimento possibilitaram que vários participantes respondessem às questões ao mesmo tempo. Além disso, o instrumento dispensou a necessidade de entrevistador e a dupla entrada de dados em programa específico. Conclusão: Recomenda-se o uso dessa mesma estratégia em outros estudos, adaptando-a aos diferentes contextos e situações.

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Methodological paper aiming to describe the development of a digital and self-reported food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), created to the 1982 and 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohorts. Methods: The instrument was created based on FFQs previously applied to subjects belonging to both cohorts in the 2004 and 2008 follow-ups. The FFQ was developed including 88 foods and/or meals where frequencies were clustered from a minimum of never or once/month to a maximum of greater than or equal to 5 times/day. The closed options related to portions were based on a 24-hour recall previously asked to a subsample from the 1993 cohort. Three options for portions were created: equal to, less than or greater than. Equal to portion was described based on the 50 percentile of each food consumed reported in a 24-hour recall. Photographs of portions related to the 50 percentile for each food were also included in the software. Results: This digital FFQ included food and meals based on the needs of current researches. The layout of the software was attractive to the staff members as well as to the cohort members. The responding time was 12 minutes and the software allowed several individuals to use it at the same time. Moreover, this instrument dismissed interviewers and double data entry. Conclusion: It is recommended the use of the same strategy in other studies, adapted to different contexts and situations.

Estimation of body fat in adults using a portable A-mode ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate equations to estimate body fat based on anthropometric measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and muscle thickness (MT) measured by A-mode ultrasound (BodyMetrix) in Brazilian adults. METHODS: Individuals (n = 206) underwent air-displacement plethysmography for body composition assessment. Arm, thigh, and calf circumferences were also obtained. SFT from triceps, biceps, subscapular, abdominal, thigh, and calf regions and MT from triceps, biceps, thigh, and calf regions were measured by BodyMetrix. Prediction equations were developed by stepwise multiple linear regression using the circumferences, weight, height, SFT, and MT. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, mean difference, and 95% limits of agreement (95% LOA) were assessed in apparent and internal validity. RESULTS: The prediction equation for whole-body fat for men included thigh circumference, triceps and thigh SFT, biceps MT, weight, and height. The equation for women included age, calf circumference, abdominal and calf SFT, weight, and height. The prediction equation overestimated men's whole-body fat by 0.5 percentual points, in average, and the lower and upper 95% LOA were -6.8% and 7.7%, respectively. For women, the prediction equation overestimated whole-body fat by 0.1 percentual points, in average. Lower and upper 95% LOA were -6.5% and 6.7%, respectively. Optimism-adjusted results using 500 repetitions with same size samples have shown similar results. Body fat extremes did not influence the whole-body fat estimation. CONCLUSIONS: BodyMetrix A-mode ultrasound, in association with selected conventional anthropometric measurements, proved to be a reliable tool for the estimation of body fat percentage.

Is adductor pollicis muscle thickness a good predictor of lean mass in adults?

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Lean mass (LM) is an important parameter in clinical outcomes, which highlights the necessity of reliable tools for its estimation. The adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) is easily accessible and suffers minimal interference from the adjacent subcutaneous fat tissue. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the APMT and LM in a sample of Southern Brazilian adults. METHODS: Participants were adults from the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. LM was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). LM and lean mass index (LMI - LM divided by the square of height - kg/m(2)) were the outcomes. APMT was measured using a skinfold caliper. The mean of three measurements in the non-dominant hand was used in the analyses. APMT was described according to socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional status. The relationship between APMT and both LM and LMI was evaluated by correlation coefficient and linear regression using APMT as a single anthropometric parameter and also in addition to BMI. RESULTS: APMT was assessed in 3485 participants. APMT was higher in males, non-whites, less-schooled and obese individuals. APMT was moderately correlated to LM and LMI (ranged from 0.44 to 0.57). Correlation coefficients were higher for LMI as outcome and in females (LM: 0.51 and LMI: 0.57). APMT explained 19% and 26% of the variance in LM in males and females, respectively, whereas it explained 26% and 33% of the variance in LMI. APMT increased the prediction for LM in 3 and 4 percentage points in males and females, in comparison to explained by BMI. BMI explained 48% and 59% of the variance of LMI in males and females whereas APMT increased it to 51% and 62% for both sexes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results were not good enough to promote the APMT as a single predictor of LM or LMI in epidemiological studies. APMT has a little predictive capacity in estimating LM or LMI when BMI is also considered.

Adductor pollicis muscle: A study about its use as a nutritional parameter in surgical patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Body composition is important to identify malnutrition, and several anthropometric measurements are used to estimate muscle mass in the clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT), its covariates and association with malnutrition in hospitalized surgical patients. METHODS: APMT was measured in 361 surgical patients in both dominant (DAPMT) and non-dominant (NDAPMT) sides. APMT values below the 5th percentile of reference values provided by a healthy population were considered as malnourished. Nutritional status was assessed by Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). The difference in APMT values among nutritional status categories was evaluated, and the association between malnutrition by SGA and APMT was estimated using multivariate linear regression. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were also calculated. RESULTS: Most patients were women (60.4%). APMT values were significantly different among SGA categories. Well-nourished patients had APMT values significantly higher compared to the ones with moderate or severe malnutrition by SGA, with no significant difference between APMT values in moderate or severe malnourished patients. Statistically significant associations between both DAPMT and NDAPMT below the 5th percentile and malnutrition and were found (RR = 3.99, CI 95% = 3.19-5.00; p < 0.001; and RR = 3.92; CI 95% = 3.10-4.96; p < 0.001; respectively). Gender, age, estimated weight and nutritional status were considered associated factors for APMT. APMT showed low sensitivity (DAPMT: 34.9%, NDAPMT: 37.7%) but high specificity (DAPMT: 98.7%, NDAPMT: 97.8%) to identify malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: APMT was significantly associated with nutritional status in a sample of surgical patients. The APMT seems to be a simple and useful anthropometric tool to confirm the diagnosis of malnutrition.

Introduction of an omega-3 enriched oral supplementation for cancer patients close to the first chemotherapy: may it be a factor for poor compliance?

The present study aims to evaluate compliance of cancer patients to EPA-enriched supplementation at the beginning of chemotherapy, and its effects on inflammation. Gastrointestinal and lung cancer patients were randomly assigned to receive nutritional supplement enriched with 2.2 g EPA or standard isocaloric one. Supplements were introduced 72 h before the first chemotherapy and continued for 4 wk. Serum C-reactive protein was measured and its variation was analyzed according to tumor location and treatment group. Compliance was assessed by phone contact and counting of supplement bottles returned after treatment. Sixty-nine patients were assessed, mean aged 65.5 yr old, most of them (59%) men. Gastrointestinal cancer was more prevalent and lung cancer had the highest C-reactive protein values (P = 0.009). Twenty-four patients interrupted treatment (trend for more interruption in EPA group), mainly because of gastrointestinal intolerance. No difference was found in C-reactive protein variation between EPA and control groups after treatment. Lung tumors showed higher inflammation than gastrointestinal ones. A short intervention with EPA was insufficient to reduce inflammation, which may be caused by the frequent abandoning of treatment. The beginning of chemotherapy may not be the optimal time point to initiate EPA supplementation because uncomfortable effects of both treatments may lead to poor adherence.