Association between isolated or combined malnutrition and sarcopenia and quality of life in heart failure outpatients: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition with symptoms linked to worse quality of life. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are conditions frequently found in patients with HF. This study aims to evaluate the association between isolated or combined malnutrition and sarcopenia and quality of life in outpatients with HF. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of outpatients with HF aged ≥18 years. Malnutrition was assessed according to the criteria of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition, and sarcopenia was evaluated by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF questionnaire (MLHFQ). Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-one patients were included in this study, with a median (interquartile range) age of 58 (48-65) years, 58.9% were adults, and 68.9% were male. A total of 29.5% of the patients were malnourished, and 28.5% and 2.6% were identified with probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia, respectively. Of the total, 15.9% of patients were identified with both conditions. Sarcopenia was associated with higher odds of increase in the MLHFQ total score, indicating worse quality of life (odds ratio [OR] = 3.61; 95% CI, 1.65-7.89). The same was found in the presence of two conditions (OR 3.97; 95% CI, 1.32-11.54), whereas isolated malnutrition was not related to life quality (OR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.73-3.60). CONCLUSION: The presence of malnutrition and sarcopenia simultaneously were associated with worse quality of life scores when compared with these isolated conditions.

Respiratory sarcopenia screening in dialysis patients: cross-sectional and multicentre study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory sarcopenia is characterized by the weakness of respiratory muscles associated with sarcopenia due to aging or systemic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with CKD undergoing dialysis are particularly susceptible to respiratory muscle weakness caused by factors such as fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. This weakness not only affects ventilation but also impairs oxygen uptake and delivery to muscle tissue, potentially leading to severe sarcopenia. Thus, the objective of this study is to conduct a respiratory sarcopenia screening in patients with CKD undergoing haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional and multicentre study conducted between March 2023 and March 2025. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at two centres. Sarcopenia diagnosis is determined based on low handgrip strength and amount of appendicular skeletal muscle mass, assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis. Respiratory sarcopenia is diagnosed in patients with sarcopenia who have low inspiratory muscle strength, evaluated through a manovacuometry test. The severity of sarcopenia and respiratory sarcopenia is defined, respectively, by low physical performance (measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery and Timed-Up and Go test) and pulmonary performance (measured through spirometry). Thus, this study will include 81 patients undergoing dialysis (41 on HD and 40 on PD) from three participating centres. DISCUSSION: The literature has been focused on respiratory function in CKD; however, the relationship with sarcopenia remains understudied. We believe that, similar to appendicular skeleton muscles, the axial skeleton muscles are also likely to weaken with the presence of chronic disease, such as CKD.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption, Poorer Nutritional Quality, and Lower Muscle Mass in Immediate and Late Postkidney Transplant Periods.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the immediate (2 months after transplantation) and late post-transplant (14 months after transplantation) periods among kidney transplant patients and to examine its correlation with nutritional quality and body composition. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 96 kidney transplant recipients divided into 2 groups: immediate post-transplant (n = 71) and late post-transplant (n = 25). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected and grouped in a database. Food intake was evaluated by a validated food frequency questionnaire and foods were divided according to the NOVA classification system. The consumption of UPFs was calculated and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate its correlation with nutritional components and body composition. RESULTS: The consumption of UPFs was 649.4 [420.0-1061.72] kcal/day, accounting for 33.3 ± 11.9% of the total daily energy intake. The immediate post-transplant group showed higher total daily energy and UPFs intake compared to the late post-transplant group (P = .002 and P = .046, respectively), although the energy contribution of UPFs was similar between both groups. UPFs intake was positively correlated with higher percentages of total fat, trans fat, saturated, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, starch, and sodium (P < .05 for all analyses). An inverse correlation was observed between UPFs consumption and the percentage of protein and carbohydrates in the food intake (P = .025 and P = .008, respectively). In the immediate post-transplant group, a higher intake of UPFs was correlated with lower muscle mass (r = -0.250, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal a pattern of increased consumption of UPFs among kidney transplant patients in comparison to the national average. This higher intake of UPFs was correlated with lower nutritional quality during both periods. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between UPFs consumption and adverse body composition parameters, specifically in the immediate post-transplant period.

Prognostic value of nutritional screening tools in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nutritional risk screening is fundamental to prevent undesirable outcomes in heart failure (HF). Current reviews of nutritional screening tools encompass both hospitalized and outpatient settings, which may not be suitable because of different clinical manifestations. We hypothesize that multidimensional tools would better identify prognosis of decompensated patients because the tools assess more than isolated aspects. This systematic review aims to explore the association of multidimensional nutritional risk screening tools and prognosis in patients hospitalized with decompensated HF. Five databases were searched for studies that assessed nutritional risk through multidimensional screening tools and its association with prognosis in adults hospitalized with decompensated HF. The 95% confidence interval and relative risk were computed using a random-effects model. Inverse variance method was used. Thirty-eight studies were included. Most studies demonstrated higher nutritional risk was significantly associated with worse prognosis. Quantitative analysis identified higher nutritional risk by using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), Controlling Nutritional Status, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, and Prognostic Nutritional Index to be associated with all-cause mortality. The MNA-SF demonstrated greater magnitude of association with all-cause mortality in older subjects (relative risk, 4.85; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-11.75). Higher nutritional risk was associated with poor prognosis and higher mortality in patients hospitalized with decompensated HF, especially when screened by MNA-SF. Tools were not directly compared. That might reinforce the importance of evaluating multiple aspects when screening hospitalized HF patients once symptoms associated with decompensation frequently mask the underlying nutritional status and risk. PROSPERO registration number (CRD42021256271).

Sarcopenia: Inflammatory and Humoral Markers in Older Heart Failure Patients. / Sarcopenia: Marcadores Inflamatórios e Humorais em Pacientes Idosos com Insuficiência Cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in heart failure (HF) patients, and the involvement of biomarkers in its pathophysiology is suggested, but little has been studied concerning HF sarcopenic patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between inflammatory and humoral markers with sarcopenia, as well as the impact of sarcopenia on quality of life and functional capacity in older HF patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 90 outpatient HF patients, aged ≥ 60 years, were evaluated for sarcopenia (EWGSOP2 diagnostic criteria), inflammation (high-sensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], Interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) and humoral markers (total testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), and functional capacity (6-minute walk test). The adopted level of significance was p<0.05. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 69.4 ± 7.2 years, 67.8% were male, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.9 ± 11.9% and 22 (24.4%) were sarcopenic. Age (73.1 ± 8.1 and 68.3 ± 6.5 years; p= 0.006), body mass index (BMI) (23.1 ± 2.8 and 28.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2; p <0.001), and LVEF (29.9 ± 8.8 and 37.9 ± 12.1%; p= 0.005) were different between groups with and without sarcopenia, respectively. After adjusting for age, ethnicity, BMI, LVEF, and the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, sarcopenia was associated with higher serum levels of IL-6 and worse functional capacity. CONCLUSION: In HF patients, sarcopenia was associated with IL-6 levels and functional capacity.

FUNDAMENTO: Sarcopenia é altamente prevalente em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC), e o envolvimento de biomarcadores em sua fisiopatologia é sugerido, mas poucos estudos foram realizados em relação a pacientes sarcopênicos com IC. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação entre marcadores inflamatórios e humorais e sarcopenia, bem como o impacto da sarcopenia na qualidade de vida e na capacidade funcional em pacientes mais velhos com IC. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal, 90 pacientes ambulatoriais com IC, com idade ≥60 anos, foram avaliados quanto a sarcopenia (critérios diagnósticos EWGSOP2), inflamação (Proteína C reativa de alta sensibilidade [PCR-as], Interleucina-6 [IL-6], fator de necrose tumoral alfa [TNF-α]) e marcadores humorais (testosterona total e fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo 1 [IGF-1]), atividade física (Questionário internacional de atividade física), qualidade de vida ( Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire ­ Questionário Minnesota sobre conviver com a insuficiência cardíaca), e capacidade funcional (teste de caminhada de 6 minutos). O nível de significância estatística adotado foi p <0,05. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tinham uma média de idade de 69,4 ± 7,2 anos, 67,8% eram do sexo masculino, com fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE) de 35,9 ± 11,9% e 22 (24,4%) eram sarcopênicos. Idade (73,1 ± 8,1 e 68,3 ± 6,5 anos; p= 0,006), índice de massa corporal (IMC) (23,1 ± 2,8 e 28,2 ± 4,2 kg/m2; p <0,001), e FEVE (29,9 ± 8,8 e 37,9 ± 12,1%; p= 0,005) eram diferentes nos grupos com e sem sarcopenia, respectivamente. Depois de normalizar em relação à idade, etnia, IMC, FEVE, e o uso de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina/bloqueadores de receptor de angiotensina, a sarcopenia foi associada a níveis séricos de IL-6 mais altos e capacidade funcional pior. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com IC, a sarcopenia foi associada aos níveis de IL-6 e à capacidade funcional.

Factors associated with diet quality among Brazilian individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann-Whitney or Pearson's chi-squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0-30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high-quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302-2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097-2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107-1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086-1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: A low-quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country.

Factors associated with diet quality among Brazilian individuals with cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND: An individual's dietary pattern contributes in different ways to the prevention and control of recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the quality of the diet is influenced by several factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of the diet of individuals with cardiovascular diseases and determine whether there is an association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with individuals with atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease) recruited from 35 reference centres for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in Brazil. Diet quality was assessed according to the Modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI) and stratified into tertiles. For comparing two groups, the Mann-Whitney or Pearson's chi-squared tests were used. However, for comparing three or more groups, analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis was used. For the confounding analysis, a multinomial regression model was used. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 2360 individuals were evaluated: 58.5% male and 64.2% elderly. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the mAHEI was 24.0 (20.0-30.0), ranging from 0.4 to 56.0 points. When comparing the odds ratios (ORs) for the low (first tertile) and medium (second tertile) diet quality groups with the high-quality group (third tertile), it was observed that there was an association between diet quality with a family income of 1.885 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.302-2.729) and 1.566 (95% CI = 1.097-2.235), as well as physical activity of 1.391 (95% CI = 1.107-1.749) and 1.346 (95% CI = 1.086-1.667), respectively. In addition, associations were observed between diet quality and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: A low-quality diet was associated with family income, sedentarism and geographical area. These data are extremely relevant to assist in coping with cardiovascular disease because they enable an assessment of the distribution of these factors in different regions of the country.

Malnutrition screening tool and malnutrition universal screening tool as a predictors of prolonged hospital stay and hospital mortality: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Different nutrition screening tools have been proposed to screen inpatients, although, there is still no consensus regarding the reference method for identifying patients at nutritional risk. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the concurrent and predictive validity of the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) to identify inpatients at nutritional risk. METHODS: Data from electronic medical records were collected from adult and elderly inpatients in wards of a public tertiary hospital (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil) over one year. Only the first nutritional evaluation was considered for each patient. GLIM criteria was used for malnutrition status (concurrent validity) and hospital stay length and mortality were outcomes to predictive validity. RESULTS: A total of 5270 patients were included in this study. The mean patient age was 59 ± 16 years old, and 50.7% were males. More than 60% of the patients (65.8%) were admitted to a surgical unit, 63.8% had mild disease-related metabolic stress, 50.7% experienced prolonged hospital stays (more than ten days), and 1.9% of the patients died. Considering the availability of nutritional data, it was possible to perform nutritional screening of 98.1% of patients by MST and 96.7% of patients by MUST. A higher proportion of patients at risk were identified by MUST (53.6%) as compared to MST (21.3%; P < 0.001). MST had 89.9% of Specificity, 60.4% of PPV, 94.6% of NPV, and a moderate agreement with malnutrition by GLIM criteria (κ = 0.591; P < 0.001). A prolonged hospital stay was positively associated with the classification of nutritional risk based on both screening tools. Death was positively associated with nutritional risk by MST (hazard ratio [HR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-3.16) and by MUST (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.00-3.18) after adjustment based on sex, age, admission type (surgical or clinical), and disease-related metabolic stress. CONCLUSIONS: MST may be good concurrent validity to malnutrition by GLIM criteria as compared to MUST. However, both risk nutritional tools were positively associated with predicting a prolonged hospital stay and mortality.

Association of phase angle values and sarcopenia in older patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia presents an accelerated and accentuated muscle loss in patients with heart failure (HF), leading to a worse prognosis for these patients. This study sought to assess the association of phase angle (PA) values with sarcopenia and its components, as well as to establish a PA cutoff point to predict outcomes such as hospitalization and mortality in older adult patients with HF. METHODS: Sarcopenia diagnosis followed the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Anthropometric, bioelectrical impedance (PA and body composition), functional capacity and inflammatory markers were assessed. RESULTS: Included patients were predominantly male (67%) and White, with a mean age of 69 ± 7 years, and a predominance of New York Heart Association I and II functional classes (82.1%) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (70.8%). Of the total sample, 23.6% were identified as sarcopenic. Mean PA values were lower in patients with sarcopenia (4.9 ± 0.9 and 6.0 ± 0.8°; P < 0.001). The cutoff point detected for sarcopenia in the receiver operating characteristic curve was 5.45°, which is an independent predictor for sarcopenia. PA values below this cutoff point were also associated with each of the sarcopenic components evaluated. PA proved to be an independent predictor for hospitalization (P = 0.042) in the entire sample studied. CONCLUSION: PA is associated with diagnostic components of sarcopenia and the cutoff point 5.45° proved to be an independent predictor of sarcopenia and hospitalization >3 years in older adult patients with HF.

Sarcopenia: Marcadores Inflamatórios e Humorais em Pacientes Idosos com Insuficiência Cardíaca / Sarcopenia: Inflammatory and Humoral Markers in Older Heart Failure Patients

Resumo Fundamento Sarcopenia é altamente prevalente em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC), e o envolvimento de biomarcadores em sua fisiopatologia é sugerido, mas poucos estudos foram realizados em relação a pacientes sarcopênicos com IC. Objetivos Avaliar a associação entre marcadores inflamatórios e humorais e sarcopenia, bem como o impacto da sarcopenia na qualidade de vida e na capacidade funcional em pacientes mais velhos com IC. Métodos Neste estudo transversal, 90 pacientes ambulatoriais com IC, com idade ≥60 anos, foram avaliados quanto a sarcopenia (critérios diagnósticos EWGSOP2), inflamação (Proteína C reativa de alta sensibilidade [PCR-as], Interleucina-6 [IL-6], fator de necrose tumoral alfa [TNF-α]) e marcadores humorais (testosterona total e fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo 1 [IGF-1]), atividade física (Questionário internacional de atividade física), qualidade de vida ( Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire - Questionário Minnesota sobre conviver com a insuficiência cardíaca), e capacidade funcional (teste de caminhada de 6 minutos). O nível de significância estatística adotado foi p <0,05. Resultados Os pacientes tinham uma média de idade de 69,4 ± 7,2 anos, 67,8% eram do sexo masculino, com fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE) de 35,9 ± 11,9% e 22 (24,4%) eram sarcopênicos. Idade (73,1 ± 8,1 e 68,3 ± 6,5 anos; p= 0,006), índice de massa corporal (IMC) (23,1 ± 2,8 e 28,2 ± 4,2 kg/m2; p <0,001), e FEVE (29,9 ± 8,8 e 37,9 ± 12,1%; p= 0,005) eram diferentes nos grupos com e sem sarcopenia, respectivamente. Depois de normalizar em relação à idade, etnia, IMC, FEVE, e o uso de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina/bloqueadores de receptor de angiotensina, a sarcopenia foi associada a níveis séricos de IL-6 mais altos e capacidade funcional pior. Conclusão Em pacientes com IC, a sarcopenia foi associada aos níveis de IL-6 e à capacidade funcional.

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in heart failure (HF) patients, and the involvement of biomarkers in its pathophysiology is suggested, but little has been studied concerning HF sarcopenic patients. Objectives To evaluate the association between inflammatory and humoral markers with sarcopenia, as well as the impact of sarcopenia on quality of life and functional capacity in older HF patients. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 90 outpatient HF patients, aged ≥ 60 years, were evaluated for sarcopenia (EWGSOP2 diagnostic criteria), inflammation (high-sensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], Interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) and humoral markers (total testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), and functional capacity (6-minute walk test). The adopted level of significance was p<0.05. Results Patients had a mean age of 69.4 ± 7.2 years, 67.8% were male, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.9 ± 11.9% and 22 (24.4%) were sarcopenic. Age (73.1 ± 8.1 and 68.3 ± 6.5 years; p= 0.006), body mass index (BMI) (23.1 ± 2.8 and 28.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2; p <0.001), and LVEF (29.9 ± 8.8 and 37.9 ± 12.1%; p= 0.005) were different between groups with and without sarcopenia, respectively. After adjusting for age, ethnicity, BMI, LVEF, and the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, sarcopenia was associated with higher serum levels of IL-6 and worse functional capacity. Conclusion In HF patients, sarcopenia was associated with IL-6 levels and functional capacity.

C-Reactive Protein and Frailty in Heart Failure.

Frailty commonly coexists with heart failure and although both have been associated with neurohormonal dysregulation, inflammation, catabolism, and skeletal muscle dysfunction, there are still no defined biomarkers to assess frailty, especially from the perspective of populations with cardiovascular diseases. This is a cross-sectional study with 106 outpatients with heart failure, aged ≥60 years, which aimed to assess frailty through a physical (frailty phenotype) and multidimensional (Tilburg Frailty Indicator) approach and to analyze its association with inflammatory and humoral biomarkers (high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, insulin-like growth factor-1, and total testosterone), clinical characteristics, and functional capacity. In univariate analysis, hs-CRP was associated with frailty in both phenotype and Tilburg Frailty Indicator assessment (PR = 1.005, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001 to 1.009, p = 0.027 and PR = 1.015, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.024, p = 0.001, respectively), which remained significant in the final multivariate model in the frailty assessment by the phenotype (PR = 1.004, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.008, p = 0.025). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for other biomarkers analyzed. Frailty was also associated with worse functional capacity, nonoptimized pharmacological treatment and a greater number of drugs in use, age, female gender, and a greater number of comorbidities. In conclusion, frailty is associated with higher levels of hs-CRP, which can indicate it is a promising frailty biomarker.

Effects of a Brazilian cardioprotective diet and nuts on cardiometabolic parameters after myocardial infarction: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nut consumption has been related to improvements on cardiometabolic parameters and reduction in the severity of atherosclerosis mainly in primary cardiovascular prevention. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effects of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet (DIeta CArdioprotetora Brasileira, DICA Br) based on consumption of inexpensive locally accessible foods supplemented or not with mixed nuts on cardiometabolic features in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: DICA-NUTS study is a national, multicenter, randomized 16-week follow-up clinical trial. Patients over 40 years old with diagnosis of previous MI in the last 2 to 6 months will be recruited (n = 388). A standardized questionnaire will be applied to data collection and blood samples will be obtained. Patients will be allocated in two groups: Group 1: DICA Br supplemented with 30 g/day of mixed nuts (10 g of peanuts, 10 g of cashew, 10 g of Brazil nuts); and Group 2: only DICA Br. The primary outcome will consist of LDL cholesterol means (in mg/dL) after 16 weeks of intervention. Secondary outcomes will consist of other markers of lipid profile, glycemic profile, and anthropometric data. DISCUSSION: It is expected that DICA Br supplemented with mixed nuts have superior beneficial effects on cardiometabolic parameters in patients after a MI, when compared to DICA Br. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03728127 . First register: November 1, 2018; Last update: June 16, 2021. World Health Organization Universal Trial Number (WHO-UTN): U1111-1259-8105.

Handgrip strength in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: Accuracy as a predictor of malnutrition and prognostic value.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether handgrip strength (HGS) has diagnostic accuracy for malnutrition assessment and whether it is an independent predictor of 90-d mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). METHODS: This cohort study evaluated patients with ADHF within 36 h of hospital admission. Subjective global assessment and handgrip dynamometry were performed and the patients' medical records were analyzed. Mortality was monitored by phone contact and/or medical record search after 90 d. Diagnostic accuracy was tested with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and survival was tested in a Cox model. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 161 patients with ADHF who were predominantly male (62%) and older (77%), with a mean age of 68 y (60-75 y) and an ejection fraction of 37.7% ± 16.2%. According to subjective global assessment, 60% were suspected of malnourishment or were moderately or severely malnourished and these patients had lower HGS values than the well-nourished patients (P < 0.001). The ROC curve for HGS was sufficiently accurate to assess malnutrition (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.696; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.614-0.779; P < 0.001) and had very good accuracy to predict severe malnutrition (AUC = 0.817; 95% CI, 0.711-0.923, P < 0.001). When analyzed by sex, HGS could only accurately detect malnutrition in men, although it could detect severe malnutrition in both men and women. During the 90-d follow-up period, there were 16 deaths (9.9%). An HGS cutoff value of 25.5 kg for men was considered significant for 90-d mortality (hazard ratio, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.1-70.9; P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that HGS is an independent indicator of malnutrition in patients with ADHF and can serve as a prognostic marker of 3-mo mortality in men.

Could serum zonulin be an intestinal permeability marker in diabetes kidney disease?

Zonulin is a protein associated with the tight junction complex opening at the intestinal epithelium, previously linked to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its role in CKD has not been totally elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate zonulin levels in subjects with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This case-control study included two cases groups: 1) Advanced DKD cases: T2DM patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60ml/min/1.73m2; 2) Albuminuric T2DM cases: diabetic patients with urinary albumin excretion (UAE) >30mg/g creatinine, but with eGFR>60ml/min/1.73m2. Two control groups were also included: 1) T2DM controls: patients with T2DM without impaired kidney function; 2) Non-T2DM controls: subjects without T2DM and normal renal function. Serum levels of zonulin were measured by ELISA. Eighty-six individuals were included. Zonulin levels was different among study groups (P = 0.003). T2DM controls presented higher zonulin levels than non-T2DM controls [(131.35 (83.0-170.5) vs. 87.25 (54.7-111.8), P = 0.018] and advanced DKD cases [63.72 (45.03-106.0); P = 0.007]. Zonulin showed a positive correlation with eGFR (r = 0.222; P = 0.040), total cholesterol (r = 0.299; P = 0.034), LDL (r = 0.258; P = 0.021), and negative with albuminuria (r = -0.243; P = 0.024) and body fat (r = -0.271; P = 0.014). In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, zonulin levels were independently associated to renal outcomes [OR 0.99 (0.98-0.99, P = 0.012)] after 5-year inclusion. In conclusion, increased zonulin levels in patients with TD2M without renal disease suggest an impaired intestinal permeability. Moreover, its association with renal outcomes could indicate its use as a disease monitoring marker. However, the mechanisms behind this association should be better understood.

Nitrogen balance in mechanically ventilated obese patients / Balanço nitrogenado em pacientes obesos em ventilação mecânica invasiva

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to evaluate if the protein intake recommendations for obese critically ill requiring mechanical ventilation are sufficient to promote a positive or neutral nitrogen balance. Methods Cross-sectional study that included 25 obese, ≥18 years old, undergoing mechanical ventilation and who were target to receive high-protein enteral nutrition therapy (2.0-2.5g/kg ideal body weight). Clinical, nutritional and biochemical variables were analyzed. Nitrogen balance was performed when patient was receiving full enteral nutrition therapy and was classified: positive when intake was greater than excretion; negative when excretion was greater than intake; neutral when both were equal. Results The characteristics of patients evaluated were 64.1±9.4 years old, clinical treatment 88%, body mass index 36.5±5.1kg/m2, nitrogen balance 0.3g/day (-5.3 to 4.8g/day), protein intake 2.1g/day (2.0-2.3g/kg) ideal body weight. Of individuals analyzed, 52% showed positive or neutral nitrogen balance with median of 4.23g/day 2.41 to 6.40g/day) in comparison to negative group with median of -5.27g/day (-10.38 to -3.86g/day). Adults had higher ratio of negative nitrogen balance (57.1%) than elderly (44.4%), with protein intake of 2.0 versus 2.1g/day, respectively. No correlation was found between nitrogen balance and variables assessed. Conclusion High-protein enteral nutrition therapy contributed to positive or neutral nitrogen balance for approximately half of obese ventilated individuals. With similar protein intake, elderly showed a higher proportion of positive or neutral nitrogen balance. Nitrogen balance can be influenced by various factors, so further studies are required to identify different protein needs in obese critically.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar se as recomendações de ingestão proteica para obesos em ventilação mecânica invasiva são suficientes para promover balanço nitrogenado positivo ou em equilíbrio. Métodos Estudo transversal que analisou 25 obesos adultos, em ventilação mecânica invasiva e submetidos à terapia nutricional enteral hiperproteica (2,0-2,5g/kg de peso ideal). Variáveis clínicas, nutricionais e bioquímicas foram analisadas. O balanço nitrogenado foi realizado após a oferta plena da nutrição enteral e classificado como: positivo quando ingestão maior que excreção; negativo quando excreção maior que ingestão; neutro quando ambas foram iguais. Resultados As características dos pacientes avaliados foram idade 64,1±9,4 anos, índice de massa corporal 36,5±5,1kg/m2, tratamento clínico 88%, balanço nitrogenado 0,3g/dia (-5,3 a 4,8g/dia), ingestão proteica 2,1g/dia (2,0-2,3g/kg) de peso ideal. Dos indivíduos analisados, 52% apresentaram balanço nitrogenado positivo ou neutro com mediana de 4,23g/dia (2,41 a 6,40g/dia), comparado ao grupo com balanço negativo -5,27g/dia (-10,38 a -3,86g/dia). Adultos apresentaram maior proporção de balanço nitrogenado negativo (57,1%) do que idosos (44,4%), respectivamente, com ingestão proteica semelhante de 2,0 versus 2,1g/dia. Não foi observada correlação entre balanço nitrogenado e variáveis analisadas. Conclusão A terapia nutricional enteral hiperproteica promoveu um balanço nitrogenado positivo ou neutro em cerca de metade dos obesos em ventilação mecânica invasiva. Com ingestão proteica semelhante, idosos apresentaram maior proporção de balanço positivo ou neutro do que adultos. O balanço nitrogenado pode ser influenciado por diversos fatores e por esse motivo mais estudos são necessários para identificar diferentes necessidades proteicas em pacientes obesos críticos.

Risk factors associated with weight gain after kidney transplantation: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is the best modality of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, it is associated with weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, which adversely impact transplant outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of one-year weight gain after renal transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 374 patients that underwent kidney transplantation between January 2006 and July 2013. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected from electronic records, and the outcome of interest was weight gain during the first year after renal transplantation. The data were reported as mean ± standard deviation, median (interquartile range) or number of subjects (%). The association between variables were assessed via chi-square test and ANOVA. For analysis of risk factors related to the outcomes of interest, multivariable logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: There were 181 (48.4%) female patients, 334 (89.3%) with white ethnicity and the mean age was 44.4 ± 12.8 years. The mean BMI pre-transplant was 24.7 ± 4.1 kg/m2, and 35 (9.9%) patients were classified as obese; 119 (33.6%) as overweight; 187 (52.8%) as normal weight; and 13 (3.7%) as malnourished. After one year of follow-up, the mean BMI was 26.2 ± 5.0 kg/m2, and 61 (17.3%) patients were classified as obese; 133 (37.8%) as overweight; 148 (42.0%) as normal weight; and 10 (2.8%) as malnourished. Weight gain was observed in 72.7% patients, and the average increase was 7.12 ± 5.9 kg. The female gender, lower pre-transplant body weight, lower number of hospitalizations, and a kidney received from a living donor were associated with weight gain by more than 5% in the first year post-transplant. CONCLUSION: Female gender and lower pre-transplant body weight were independently associated with weight gain by more than 5% in the first year after kidney transplantation; lower rates of hospitalization and donation from living donors were also risk factors for this outcome.

Effect of testosterone supplementation on sarcopenic components in middle-aged and elderly men: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature of randomized controlled trials on the effect of testosterone (T) supplementation compared to the placebo group or lower dose on sarcopenic components (muscle mass, strength and physical performance) in middle-aged and elderly men. Major electronic databases were searched for articles published on or before December 2019. Studies including individuals with age ≥ 40 years and which described the effect of T supplementation on sarcopenic components were found eligible (11 studies). Outcomes were calculated as the difference in means between the experimental and control/placebo groups, and data were presented as effect size with 95% confidence limits (95%CI). The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Regarding lean body mass (LBM), eight studies evaluated the effect of T supplementation on this outcome, of these, seven reported gains after the intervention period. Our meta-analysis showed a beneficial effect on LBM of 2.54 kg (95% CI, 1.27 to 3.80) (p < 0.001). In muscle strength (MS), seven included studies evaluated the handgrip strength (HGS) and just one reported gain after the intervention period, but the meta-analysis showed an increase for HGS of 1.58 kgf (95%CI, 0.17 to 3.0) (p = 0.03). The second outcome for MS was leg strength (LS), where nine studies were included and five demonstrated gains in this parameter after the intervention period. In the meta-analysis, two out of three tests showed an effect on LS: T supplementation increase the leg press strength in 91.23 N (95%CI, 0.23 to 182.22) (p = 0.05) and leg extension in 144.10 N (95%CI, 44.21 to 244.00) (p < 0.01). In physical performance, four studies evaluated this outcome, with three of them showing positive effects in this parameter. In the meta-analysis, only two studies that reported the same assessment test (Physical Performance Test) were included, but no effect of T supplementation on this parameter was found. It can be concluded that T supplementation influences sarcopenic components in middle-aged and older men, because is associated with increased in muscle mass and strength in addition to physical performance.

Effects of dietary counseling on sodium restriction in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: A randomized clinical trial.

Reducing dietary sodium has the potential to benefit patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (HD). This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary counseling on sodium restriction and its relationship with clinical, dietary, and quality of life parameters in patients on HD treatment. This study was designed as a randomized clinical trial. The study included 87 patients on HD, divided into intervention (n = 47) and control (n = 40) groups. Anthropometric, clinical, sodium intake, and quality of life data were evaluated in both groups at four-time points: baseline (T0), 90 days (T3), 180 days (T6), and 365 days (T12). The intervention group received dietary counseling at the beginning and throughout the study. There were no between-group differences regarding anthropometric, clinical, and quality of life data at any of the time points. The mean age was 59 ± 14 years, and most of the patients were men (61%) and had hypertension (90%). Total sodium (g) and processed meat (mg sodium) intake significantly decreased in both groups [intervention: T0 = 3.5 (2.3-4.7); T12 = 2.0 (0.7-2.5); P <0.0001; control: T0 = 3 (1.5-4.9); T12 = 2.0 (0.8-3.3); P = 0.001; and intervention: T0 = 78 (25-196); T12 = 21 (0-78); P = 0.003; control: T0 = 97 (31-406); T12 = 44 (0-152); P = 0.004, respectively] . There was a significant decrease in the consumption of packaged seasonings (mg sodium) [T0 = 130 (0-854); T12 = 0 (0-0); P = 0.015] and instant noodles [T0 = 19 (0-91); T12 = 0 (0-0); P = 0.017] in the intervention group. Dietary counseling was effective in changing dietary habits. In both groups, there was a reduction in total sodium intake, which was greater in the intervention group. Moreover, a decrease in the intake of salty foods, such as packaged seasonings and instant noodles, was only observed in the intervention group.

Safety and Results of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the dual interference between cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). METHODS: Forty-three individuals admitted for CIEDs implantation were submitted to a tetrapolar BIA with an alternating current at 800 microA and 50 kHz frequency before and after the devices' implantation. During BIA assessment, continuous telemetry was maintained between the device programmer and the CIEDs in order to look for evidence of possible electric interference in the intracavitary signal of the device. RESULTS: BIA in patients with CIEDs was safe and not associated with any device malfunction or electrical interference in the intracardiac electrogram of any electrode. After the implantation of the devices, there were significant reductions in BIA measurements of resistance, reactance, and measurements adjusted for height resistance and reactance, reflecting an increase (+ 1 kg; P<0.05) in results of total body water and extracellular water in liter and, consequently, increases in fat-free mass (FFM) and extracellular mass in kg. Because of changes in the hydration status and FFM values, without changes in weight, fat mass was significantly lower (-1.2 kg; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: BIA assessment in patients with CIEDs was safe and not associated with any device malfunction. The differences in BIA parameters might have occurred because of modifications on the patients' body composition, associated to their hydration status, and not to the CIEDs.