Influence of Hospital Type on Outcomes of Patients With Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Whether the outcome of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) differs depending on the type of hospital where they are admitted is uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine influence of hospital type at admission (telestroke center [TSC], primary stroke center [PSC], or comprehensive stroke center [CSC]) on outcome for patients with ICH. We hypothesized that outcomes may be better for patients admitted to a CSC. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective observational and population-based study of a cohort of consecutively recruited patients with ICH (March 2020-March 2022). We included all patients with spontaneous ICH in Catalonia (Spain) who had a pre-ICH modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-3 and who were admitted to the hospital within 24 hours of onset. We compared patients admitted to a TSC/PSC (n = 641) or a CSC (n = 1,320) and also analyzed the subgroup of patients transferred (n = 331) or not transferred (n = 310) from a TSC/PSC to a CSC. The main outcome was the 3-month mRS score obtained by blinded investigators. Outcomes were compared using adjusted ordinal logistic regression to estimate the common odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for a shift in mRS scores. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed for the subgroup of transferred patients. RESULTS: Relevant data were obtained from 1961 of a total of 2,230 patients, with the mean (SD) age of 70 (14.1) years, and 713 (38%) patients were women. After adjusting for confounders (age, NIH Stroke Scale score, intraventricular hemorrhage, hematoma volume, and pre-ICH mRS score), type of hospital of initial admission (CSC vs TSC/PSC) was not associated with outcome (adjusted common OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.93-1.38). A PSM analysis indicated that transfer to a CSC was not associated with more favorable outcomes (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.55-1.10; p = 0.16). DISCUSSION: In this population-based study, we found that, after adjusting for confounders, hospital types were not associated with functional outcomes. In addition, for patients who were transferred from a TSC/PSC to a CSC, PSM indicated that outcomes were similar to nontransferred patients. Our findings suggest that patient characteristics are more important than hospital characteristics in determining outcome after ICH. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03956485.

Prevalence of hospital malnutrition in cancer patients: a sub-analysis of the PREDyCES® study.

PURPOSE: In oncology patients, hospital malnutrition is associated with a greater risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of nutritional risk and the clinical and economic consequences of hospital malnutrition in oncology patients hospitalised in Spanish centres. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study. The prevalence of nutritional risk was determined using the Nutrition Risk Screening(®)-2002 (NRS(®)-2002). RESULTS: Four hundred one oncology patients were included; 33.9% (136/401) were at nutritional risk (NRS(®)-2002 ≥ 3) at admission and 36.4% (135/371) at discharge. On average, patients at nutritional risk were more elderly and had lower weights, body mass indices and arm and calf circumferences, as well as lower serum albumin levels than patients not at risk. Mean duration of hospitalisation and healthcare costs were greater in patients at nutritional risk at discharge (12.1 days; 95% confidence interval (CI) 10.83-13.39) than in well-nourished patients (8.6 days; 95% CI 7.86-9.40). Only a third of the patients at risk of malnutrition at discharge had received any kind of nutritional support. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that hospital malnutrition is a prevalent and undertreated condition in oncology patients that is associated with longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs.

Effects of an omega-3 fatty acid-enriched lipid emulsion on eicosanoid synthesis in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study.

BACKGROUND: The use of lipid emulsions has been associated with changes in lung function and gas exchange which may be mediated by biologically active metabolites derived from arachidonic acid. The type and quantity of the lipid emulsions used could modulate this response, which is mediated by the eicosanoids. This study investigates the use of omega-3 fatty acid-enriched lipid emulsions in ARDS patients and their effects on eicosanoid values. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study carried out at the Intensive Medicine Department of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona-Spain). We studied 16 consecutive patients with ARDS and intolerance to enteral nutrition (14 men; age: 58 ± 13 years; APACHE II score 17.8 ± 2.3; Lung Injury Score: 3.1 ± 0.5; baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio: 149 ± 40). Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A (n = 8) received the study emulsion Lipoplus® 20%, B. Braun Medical (50% MCT, 40% LCT, 10% fish oil (FO)); Group B (n = 8) received the control emulsion Intralipid® Fresenius Kabi (100% LCT). Lipid emulsions were administered for 12 h at a dose of 0.12 g/kg/h. We measured LTB4, TXB2, and 6-keto prostaglandin F1α values at baseline [immediately before the administration of the lipid emulsions (T-0)], at the end of the administration (T-12) and 24 hours after the beginning of the infusion (T 24) in arterial and mixed venous blood samples. RESULTS: In group A (FO) LTB4, TXB2, 6-keto prostaglandin F1α levels fell during omega-3 administration (T12). After discontinuation (T24), levels of inflammatory markers (both systemic and pulmonary) behaved erratically. In group B (LCT) all systemic and pulmonary mediators increased during lipid administration and returned to baseline levels after discontinuation, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. There was a clear interaction between the treatment in group A (fish oil) and changes in LTB4 over time. CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of lipids enriched with omega-3 fatty acids produces significant short- term changes in eicosanoid values, which may be accompanied by an immunomodulatory effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN63673813.

Effects of branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with cirrhosis and a previous episode of hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: Protein intake impacts on nutritional status and may determine the recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). A low-protein diet has been considered the standard treatment after an episode of HE, while branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) have been shown to improve minimal HE. We performed a study to investigate the long-term effects of supplementing a protein-controlled diet with BCAA. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study that included 116 patients with cirrhosis and a previous episode of HE was conducted in four tertiary care hospitals. All patients received a standard diet of 35 kcal/kg per day and 0.7 g of proteins/kg per day and a supplement of 30 g of BCAA (BCAA group) or maltodextrin (MDX group) during 56 weeks. RESULTS: The actuarial risk of remaining free of HE did not differ between groups (BCAA=47%, MDX=34%, P=0.274), but patients in the BCAA group exhibited a better outcome on two neuropsychological tests and an increase in the mid-arm muscle circumference. Recurrence was associated with low plasma albumin at baseline and a decrease in sodium and an increase in creatinine during follow-up. Patients with recurrence of HE exhibited a lack of improvement in global cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: Diet supplementation with BCAA after an episode of HE does not decrease recurrence of HE. However, supplementation with BCAA improves minimal HE and muscle mass. Identification of risk factors for recurrence of HE may allow the development of new preventive therapies that could decrease the neuropsychological sequelae of repeated episodes of HE.

Nutritional assessment of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs): recommendations of the task force on nutrition and ageing of the IAGG European region and the IANA.

Unintentional weight loss and Undernutrition are major problems among older people living in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF). Undernutrition manifests in LTCF particularly as weight loss and low Body Mass Index (BMI) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as with functional decline. There are many factors associated with poor nutritional status and affecting protein-energy intake and/or energy expenditure. These include age of 85 years or older, low nutrient intake, loss of ability to eat independently, swallowing and chewing difficulties, becoming bed-ridden, pressure ulcers, history of hip fracture, dementia, depressive symptoms and suffering from two or more chronic illnesses. Nutritional evaluation is an essential part of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). This evaluation ranges from methods such as BMI to several validated tools such as Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). After diagnosis, the management of undernutrition in LTCF requires a multidisciplinary approach which may involve dietary and environmental improvements and managing multiple co-morbidities, while avoiding polypharmacy as far as possible. Finally, the need for supplementation or artificial (tube) feeding may be considered taking into account the CGA and individual needs. This document presents a succinct review and recommendations of evaluation and treatment of undernutrition.

Effects on hemodynamics and gas exchange of omega-3 fatty acid-enriched lipid emulsion in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the effects on hemodynamics and gas exchange of a lipid emulsion enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in patients with ARDS. METHODS: The design was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study in our Intensive Medicine Department of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona-Spain). We studied 16 consecutive patients with ARDS and intolerance to enteral nutrition (14 men and 2 women; mean age: 58 +/- 13 years; APACHE II score: 17.8 +/- 2.3; Lung Injury Score: 3.1 +/- 0.5; baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio: 149 +/- 40). Patients were randomized into 2 groups: Group A (n = 8) received the study emulsion Lipoplus 20%, B.Braun Medical (50% MCT, 40% LCT, 10% omega-3); Group B (n = 8) received the control emulsion Intralipid Fresenius Kabi (100% LCT). Lipid emulsions were administered during 12 h at a dose of 0.12 g/kg/h. Measurements of the main hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters were made at baseline (immediately before administration of the lipid emulsions), every hour during the lipid infusion, at the end of administration, and six hours after the end of administration lipid infusion. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes were observed in the different hemodynamic values analyzed. Likewise, the gas exchange parameters did not show statistically significant differences during the study. No adverse effect attributable to the lipid emulsions was seen in the patients analyzed. CONCLUSION: The lipid emulsion enriched with omega-3 fatty acids was safe and well tolerated in short-term administration to patients with ARDS. It did not cause any significant changes in hemodynamic and gas exchange parameters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN63673813.

Health-related quality of life according to the main caregiver in patients with home nutritional support.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We intended to know the degree of agreement between the quality of life's perception of patients with home nutritional support and that of their main caregiver in the different dimensions. We also aimed to establish the predictive ability of the health-related quality of life (HRQL) punctuation of the caregiver about the patient, fixed up by other variables. METHOD: We evaluated the HRQL with the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire in 245 patients by means of a direct interview with them and with their main caregiver. The patients came from 13 hospitals of the National Health System and they were selected sequentially according to their visits to the hospital or at home. RESULTS: The agreement obtained in the EQ-5D components was high, except for the anxiety component, which had a 58% concordance (McNemar's test, p = 0.005; kappa = 0.340, p < 0.001). When studying the agreement between the patient punctuation and that of the main caregiver, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.887 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.852-0.913) was obtained. When studying the predictive ability of the caregiver's punctuation about the patient, we obtained an R2 = 0.649 with a regression coefficient of 0.803 (95% CI, 0.725-0.882) in the EQ-5D, while in the visual analogical scale an ICC = 0.823 (95% CI, 0.771-0.863) was obtained, and an R2 = 0.475 with a regression coefficient of 0.719 (95% CI, 0.617-0.822) was found. CONCLUSIONS: A caregiver's evaluation can be useful to have an approximation to the patient's perception when he/she does not have the ability to communicate. The approach is better if we consider the variables sex, pathological group, age of the caregiver or the evaluation of changes in the health state for the last 12 months.

Health-related quality of life according to the main caregiver in patients with home nutritional support

FUNDAMENTO Y OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio ha sido conocer el grado de acuerdo en la valoración de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) entre los pacientes con soporte nutricional domiciliario y su cuidador, en las diferentes dimensiones, para poder valorarla cuando las dificultades de comunicación de estos pacientes no permiten hacerlo directamente. Asimismo, nos hemos propuesto establecer la capacidad predictiva de la puntuación de CVRS del cuidador sobre la del paciente, ajustada por otras variables. MÉTODO: Hemos valorado la CVRS con el cuestionario EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) en 245 pacientes mediante entrevista directa a éstos y a sus cuidadores principales. Los pacientes procedían de13 hospitales del Sistema Nacional de Salud y se seleccionaron de forma secuencial según su visita tuviera lugar en el hospital o en el domicilio. RESULTADOS: El acuerdo obtenido en los componentes del EQ-5D fue elevado, con excepción del componente de ansiedad, donde se encontró una concordancia del 58% (test de McNemar, p = 0,005; kappa = 0,340, p < 0,001). Cuando estudiamos la concordancia entre la puntuación del paciente y la del cuidador, se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación intraclase(CCI) de 0,887 (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 0,852-0,913). Al estudiar la capacidad predictiva de la puntuación del cuidador sobre la del paciente se obtuvo una R2de 0,649, con un coeficiente de regresión de 0,803 (IC del 95%, 0,725-0,882), en elEQ-5D, mientras que en la escala visual analógica se obtuvo un CCI de 0,823 (IC del 95%, 0,771-0,863) y una R2 de 0,475, con coeficiente de regresión de 0,719 (IC del 95%, 0,617-0,822). CONCLUSIONES: La valoración del cuidador es de utilidad para disponer de una aproximación a la percepción del paciente cuando éste no tiene capacidad para comunicarse, y constituye la mejor aproximación si se tienen en cuenta variables tales como el sexo, el grupo patológico, la edad del cuidador y la evaluación de los cambios en el estado de salud del paciente en los últimos 12 meses

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We intended to know the degree of agreement between the quality of life’s perception of patients with home nutritional support and that of their main care giver in the different dimensions. We also aimed to establish the predictive ability of the health-related quality of life (HRQL) punctuation of the caregiver about the patient, fixed up by other variables. METHOD: We evaluated the HRQL with the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire in 245 patients by means of a direct interview with them and with their main caregiver. The patients came from13 hospitals of the National Health System and they were selected sequentially according to their visits to the hospital or at home. RESULTS: The agreement obtained in the EQ-5D components was high, except for the anxiety component, which had a 58% concordance (McNemar’s test, p = 0.005; kappa = 0.340, p < 0.001).When studying the agreement between the patient punctuation and that of the main caregiver, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.887 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.852-0.913) was obtained. When studying the predictive ability of the caregiver’s punctuation about the patient, we obtained an R2 = 0.649 with a regression coefficient of 0.803 (95% CI, 0.725-0.882) in the EQ-5D, while in the visual analogical scale an ICC = 0.823 (95% CI, 0.771-0.863) was obtained, and an R2 = 0.475 with a regression coefficient of 0.719 (95% CI, 0.617-0.822) was found. CONCLUSIONS: A caregiver’s evaluation can be useful to have an approximation to the patient’s perception when he/she does not have the ability to communicate. The approach is better if we consider the variables sex, pathological group, age of the caregiver or the evaluation of changes in the health state for the last 12 months sex, pathological group, age of the caregiver or the evaluation of changes in the health state for the last 12 months

Improvements in subcutaneous fat, lipid profile, and parameters of mitochondrial toxicity in patients with peripheral lipoatrophy when stavudine is switched to tenofovir (LIPOTEST study).

BACKGROUND: Lipoatrophy is the most stigmatizing side effect of stavudine therapy. We assessed the long-term effects of replacing stavudine with tenofovir in HIV-infected patients with lipoatrophy. METHOD: Prospective switch study. Sixty-two clinically stable patients with antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing stavudine, HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL, and lipoatrophy at least in the face on physical examination were included. All patients switched from stavudine to tenofovir without changing any other drug. Objective (malar ultasonography, bioelectrical impedance analysis) and subjective measures of lipoatrophy were assessed. RESULTS: Median age at baseline was 40 years, 44 patients (71%) were male, and median time on stavudine was 4.8 years. Median malar fat thickness increased 0.8 mm (25%) 24 months after switching. Total fat mass increased 3.9 kg (21%). Plasma lactate levels decreased significantly, mainly in patients with baseline hyperlactatemia (from 3.05 to 1.19 mmol/L). Significant improvement in total cholesterol (-12%), triglycerides (-31%), and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (-11%) was observed at Month 24. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, switching from stavudine to tenofovir maintained durable virologic suppression when the HAART regimen included a protease inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, led to a slow improvement of lipoatrophy, and improved the lipid profile and lactate levels with excellent tolerability. These results support the proactive change of stavudine to tenofovir.

Possible prognostic value of leukotriene B(4) in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To study the major eicosanoids implicated in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in order to estimate their relative prognostic values. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in a consecutive series of patients with ARDS admitted to a university hospital intensive care unit. We measured the plasma concentrations of 3 inflammatory mediators (thromboxane B(2), 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha), and leukotriene B(4)) in peripheral arterial and mixed venous plasma samples. RESULTS: We studied 16 patients with ARDS, who had a mean alpha SD baseline ratio of P(aO(2)) to fraction of inspired oxygen (P(aO(2))/F(IO(2))) of 147 +/- 37 mm Hg and a mean +/- SD baseline lung injury score of 2.9 +/- 0.37. The plasma concentrations of thromboxane B(2), 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha), and leukotriene B(4) were greater than the general-population reference levels in both arterial and mixed venous plasma, but only leukotriene B(4) was higher in arterial plasma than in mixed venous plasma (401 +/- 297 pg/mL vs 316 +/- 206 pg/mL, p = 0.04). When we correlated the eicosanoid concentrations with specific indicators of clinical severity, we found correlations only between the baseline P((aO2))/F(IO(2)) and the arterial thromboxane B(2) level (r = -0.57, p = 0.02), the arterial leukotriene B(4) level (r = -0.59, p = 0.01), and the transpulmonary gradient of leukotriene B(4) level (r = -0.59, p = 0.01). We also found a correlation between the transpulmonary gradient of leukotriene B(4) and the lung injury score (r = 0.51, p = 0.04). The thromboxane B(2) concentration in arterial plasma and the leukotriene B(4) concentration in both arterial and mixed venous plasma were the only baseline plasma eicosanoid concentrations that predicted significant differences in outcome. When looking at the transpulmonary gradient of the eicosanoids studied, we found that only the gradient of leukotriene B(4) showed significant differences of clinical interest. Among survivors we observed practically no gradient (-4.9%), whereas among nonsurvivors we found a substantial positive gradient of 41.6% for the elevated arterial (post-pulmonary) values, compared with the pulmonary-artery (pre-pulmonary) values, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The pro-inflammatory eicosanoid leukotriene B(4) showed the best correlation with lung-injury severity and outcome in patients with ARDS.

Guía de nutrición enteral domiciliaria en el Sistema Nacional de Salud

Guía que tiene como objetivos unificar criterios y conceptos sobre indicación, tratamiento y seguimiento de los pacientes que reciben NED y contribuir al éxito de los tratamientos de NED: cuidadosa selección de pacientes, adecuación de las fórmulas y las pautas de administración a las características de cada paciente y un entrenamiento eficaz desde el mismo momento de la indicación.

Effect of oral administration of a whole formula diet on nutritional and cognitive status in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of a whole formula diet on nutritional and cognitive status in Alzheimer's disease patients. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to two interventions: a whole formula diet based on lyophilised foods (Treatment Group, n=24) or nutritional advice (Control Group, n=29). Energy intake, body weight, biochemistry, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Pfeiffer's tests were determined at baseline and at 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: No differences were observed between groups at baseline. Energy intake tended to increase in the Treatment Group and to decrease in the Control Group, although differences were not significant. The improvement in MNA and Pfeiffer test scores was not significantly different between groups. Body weight increased by 2.06+/-1.9 kg in the Treatment Group and by 0.32+/-3.04 kg in the Control Group (P=0.007). The increases in albumin (P=0.007), haemoglobin (P=0.002) and serum ferritin (P=0.009) were higher in the Treatment Group than in controls. A similar rate of serious adverse events (hospitalisation or death) was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of this whole formula has a positive impact on nutritional status. The great diversity in textures and tastes enable these formulations to be administered to a wide range of patients with or without liquid dysphagia.

Nutritional support and quality of life in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

RATIONALE: Nutritional depletion is a common problem in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. It is caused, to a large extent, by an imbalance between low-energy intake and high-energy requirements. This problem adversely affects morbidity and mortality. However, the use of nutritional supplements to reach their energy necessities requires optimisation between positive and adverse effects on outcome before being used systematically as part of their comprehensive care. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of oral nutritional repletion on quality of life in stable COPD patients. METHODS: Prospective, randomised and multi-centre study. Stable COPD patients with a body mass index 22, a fat-free mass index 16, and/or a recent involuntary weight loss (5% during last month, or 10% during the last 3 months) were studied. Exclusion criteria were to present signs of an airway infection, to have a cardiovascular, neurological, or endocrine disease, to be treated with oral steroids, immunosuppressors or oxygen therapy at home, and to receive nutritional supplements. During 12 weeks, patients were encouraged to ingest a total daily defined energy intake. Randomly, in patients from group A the total daily energy load was Resting Energy Expenditure (REE)x1.7, and those from group B, REE x1.3. Total daily energy intake was achieved with regular food plus, if necessary, oral nutritional supplement rich in proteins (with 50% of whey protein), with predominance of carbohydrates over fat, and enriched in antioxidants. Primary end-point variable was quality of life. Secondary end-point outcomes included body weight, body composition, lung function, handgrip strength, and compliance with the energy intake previously planned. Data were treated with a SAS System. Student's test, Wilcoxon's rank sum test, and Mann-Whitney's test were used. RESULTS: At baseline both groups of patients were comparable. All patients needed oral nutritional supplements to achieve total daily defined energy intake. After 12 weeks of follow-up, patients in both groups significantly increased energy intake. Patients in group A increased body weight (P=0.001), triceps skin fold thickness (P=0.009) and body fat mass (P=0.02), and decreased body fat-free mass index (P=0.02). In this group a marked increase in airflow limitation was observed. A tendency to increase body weight and handgrip strength, and to decrease airflow limitation was observed in patients from group B. Furthermore, patients in the later group showed a significant improvement in the feeling of control over the disease (P=0.007) and a tendency to better the other criteria in a quality of life scale. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, total daily energy intake of REE x 1.3 is preferable to REE x 1.7 in mild stable COPD patients. The administration of oral nutritional supplements, rich in proteins (with 50% of whey protein), with predominance of carbohydrates over fat, and enriched in antioxidants, to achieve total daily defined energy intake in patients in group B was followed by a significant improvement of one criteria (mastery) among many others in a quality of life scale.

Normal protein diet for episodic hepatic encephalopathy: results of a randomized study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Protein-restricted diets are usually prescribed for cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy. However, protein restriction may worsen the nutritional status without resulting in an improvement of hepatic encephalopathy. We designed a study to assess the effects of the amount of protein in the diet on the evolution of episodic hepatic encephalopathy. METHODS: Cirrhotics admitted to the hospital because of an episode of encephalopathy (n=30) were randomized to receive a low-protein diet with progressive increments or a normal protein diet for 14 days, in addition to standard measures to treat hepatic encephalopathy. Protein synthesis and breakdown were studied at day 2 and day 14 with the glycine-N(15) infusion method. RESULTS: The outcome of hepatic encephalopathy was not significantly different between both groups of treatment. Protein synthesis was similar for low and normal protein diet, but those of the low-protein diet group showed higher protein breakdown. CONCLUSIONS: Diets with a normal content of protein, which are metabolically more adequate, can be administered safely to cirrhotic patients with episodic hepatic encephalopathy. Restriction of the content of protein of the diet does not appear to have any beneficial effect for cirrhotic patients during an episode of encephalopathy.

Immunonutrition in the intensive care unit. A systematic review and consensus statement.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effects of enteral nutrition with pharmaconutrients-enriched diets in critically ill patients and to establish recommendations for their use. DATA SOURCES: Computerized bibliographic search of published research and citation review of relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized clinical trials of critically ill patients treated with enteral nutrition comparing diets enriched with pharmaconutrients vs not enriched diets were included. Infectious complications and outcome variables (days on mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality) were evaluated. Studies were classified in four subgroups according to the patient's primary diagnosis: surgical, trauma, burned or medical. DATA EXTRACTION: A group of experts in methodology performed data extraction and statistical processes. A global analysis of the studies was done and also a separate study for each subgroup. Results of the meta-analysis were discussed within a 'clinical group' of clinicians with experience in the nutritional support of ICU patients, in order to find agreement about recommendations for the use of pharmaconutrients-enriched diets in critically ill patients. RESULTS: Independent review of 267 articles identified 26 relevant primary studies. Global results indicate that there was a reduction in infection rate in the pharmaconutrition group, considering the appreciated lower incidence in abdominal abscesses (OR: 0.26, CI: 0.12-0.55) (P=0.005), nosocomial pneumonia (OR: 0.54, CI: 0.35-0.84) (P=0.007) and bacteremia (OR: 0.45, CI: 0.35-0.84) (P=0.0002). Also, patients treated with pharmaconutrition diets have a reduction in time on mechanical ventilation (mean 2.25 days, CI: 0.5-3.9) (P=0.009), ICU length of stay (mean reduction of 1.6 days, CI: 1.9-1.2) (P<0.0001) and hospital length of stay (mean reduction of 3.4 days, CI: 4.0-2.7) (P<0.0001). No effects were appreciated on mortality (OR: 1.10, CI: 0.85-1.42) (P=0.5). Nevertheless, the separate analysis for each subgroup showed that the reported beneficial effects were not the same for each patient population. Also, the clinician panel of experts identifies several problems in the published data about enteral pharmaconutrition in critically ill patients. In spite of the subgroup differences and of the problems detected, the clinician group considered that the appreciated results could support a Grade B recommendation for the use of these formulas in ICU patients. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the beneficial effects and the absence of detrimental ones, the use of diets enriched with pharmaconutrients could be recommended in ICU patients requiring enteral feeding. Nevertheless, more investigation is needed in this field in order to find the more appropriate population of patients that can benefit from this nutritional therapy.

Safety and metabolic tolerance of a concentrated long-chain triglyceride lipid emulsion in critically ill septic and trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: A concentrated fat emulsion (Intralipid 30%) with a phospholipid/triglyceride ratio of 0.04 was tested for clinical tolerance and metabolic effects in the short-term parenteral nutrition of septic and trauma critically ill patients and compared with Intralipid 20% (phospholipid/triglyceride ratio of 0.06). METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter study in the intensive care units in 10 university hospitals, including 90 adult patients in 2 groups: 55 septic and 35 trauma patients. Patients in each group were randomly divided into 2 subgroups according to the fat emulsions administered (1.4 g/kg per day) as part of the calories for at least 6 days of continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN). One subgroup was treated with 30% long-chain triglycerides (phospholipid/ triglyceride ratio: 0.04) and the other with 20% long-chain triglycerides (phospholipid/triglyceride ratio: 0.06). The parenteral nutrition formula was isocaloric and isonitrogenous with 0.25 g of nitrogen/kg per day and 40% of the nonprotein calories as fat. Clinical tolerance was assessed during the study. At baseline and after 3 and 6 days of TPN, the following biochemical parameters were measured: prealbumin, retinol-binding protein, serum albumin, hematologic, hepatic and renal function variables, triglycerides, phospholipids, total and free cholesterol, nonesterified cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids, and lipoproteins. RESULTS: At baseline, no differences in age, gender, severity of the condition [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score], or clinical chemistry were found between the subgroups. The levels of plasma proteins studied and the renal, hematologic, or hepatic function variables did not vary during the study period. Total cholesterol increased significantly, owing to esterified cholesterol, with 20% long-chain triglyceride in septic patients (baseline: 2.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/L, day 6: 2.8 +/- 0.6 mmol/L, p = .026). In septic patients receiving 20% long-chain triglycerides, plasma triglycerides had a similar behavior (baseline: 1.4 +/- 0.6 mmol/L, day 3: 2.2 +/- 0.8 mmol/L, p < .05). The very-low-density lipoprotein content of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids showed a tendency to decrease in septic patients treated with 30% long-chain triglycerides (NS). None of the emulsions induced the synthesis of lipoprotein X. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that while both fat emulsions used in the TPN of critically ill patients are clinically safe, the 30% long-chain triglyceride fat emulsion with a phospholipid/triglyceride ratio of 0.04 causes fewer lipid metabolic disturbances.

Artificial nutrition: dilemmas in decision-making.

Artificial nutrition is a supportive medical therapy to attain pre-defined objectives, which should be adjusted to changing clinical situations. Optimal decision-making is based on the available scientific evidence blended with the science of probability and a spice of the art of uncertainty. Complex dilemmas in decision-making often occur given the paucity of solid scientific data to endorse precise indications and timing of prescription, whilst goals to be achieved may vary from clinical benefits to compassionate use. Hence, healthcare professionals must be aware and abide by the current norms of medical ethics, whereby eliciting and respecting patients' preferences is paramount. Patient-focused care implies: to respect patients' rights, to clearly inform and involve the patient in the decision-making process, to implement a therapeutic plan based on the best available care to suit patients' needs and informed options.