Nutritional intervention in oncohematological patient.

BACKGROUND: Oncohematological diseases such as lymphoma or leukaemia affect an increasing number of newly diagnosed patients in Spain and other countries. Both disease and treatment may have a negatively impact in the nutritional status of the patient. Malnutrition is not uncommon among oncohematological patients. This situation can compromised the course of the disease, the clinical response of the treatment and the patient's quality of life. METHOD: The implementation of a multidisciplinary approach and a systematic and protocolled nutritional assessment would be useful when dealing with haematological malignancies. RESULTS: We present a proposal of protocol for nutritional intervention in oncohematological patients. This proposal is been developed from the analysis of the published literature as well as clinical practice of a multi-disciplinary team specialized in the management of patients with haematological malignancies.

Intervención nutricional en el paciente oncohematológico / Nutritional intervention in oncohematological patient

Objetivos: Las enfermedades oncohematológicas como el Linfoma o la Leucemia afectan a un número importante y creciente de personas en España. Tanto la enfermedad como las distintas modalidades de tratamiento que puede llegar a precisar el paciente a lo largo del curso de la misma impactan negativamente en el estado nutricional del paciente, no siendo infrecuente el desarrollo de desnutrición, situación que compromete la evolución, la respuesta al tratamiento y la calidad de vida del paciente. Método: La implementación de una estrategia multidisciplinar, sistematizada y protocolizada de valoración nutricional puede resultar de utilidad a la hora de abordar a los pacientes con enfermedades oncohematológicas. Resultados: Se presenta una propuesta de protocolo de evaluación y soporte nutricional en el paciente oncohematológico elaborada a partir del análisis de la literatura publicada al respecto, así como de la práctica clínica habitual de un equipo sanitario multidisciplinar especialmente implicado en el manejo de los pacientes con enfermedades oncohematológicas (AU)

Background: Oncohematological diseases such as lymphoma or leukaemia affect an increasing number of newly diagnosed patients in Spain and other countries. Both disease and treatment may have a negatively impact in the nutritional status of the patient. Malnutrition is not uncommon among oncohematological patients. This situation can compromised the course of the disease, the clinical response of the treatment and the patient's quality of life. Method: The implementation of a multidisciplinary approach and a systematic and protocolled nutritional assessment would be useful when dealing with haematological malignancies. Results: We present a proposal of protocol for nutritional intervention in oncohematological patients. This proposal is been developed from the analysis of the published literature as well as clinical practice of a multi-disciplinary team specialized in the management of patients with haematological malignancies (AU)

Evaluación de la eficacia de un suplemento oral en polvo enriquecido con ácido eicosapentaenoico en un grupo de pacientes con cáncer / Efficacy evaluation of an oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid in cancer patients

Introducción: El efecto beneficioso del ácido eicosapentaenoico en pacientes con cáncer está ampliamente descrito sobre todo en lo que respecta a su rol en la caquexia tumoral. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de la administración de un nuevo suplemento oral en polvo con adición de este componente frente a un suplemento líquido estándar en un grupo de pacientes oncológicos. Pacientes y métodos: 61 adultos mayores de 18 años de ambos sexos con cáncer, fueron aleatorizados en dos grupos para recibir durante un mes 600 kcal extras añadidas a su alimentación; uno a través de un suplemento oral en polvo con 1,5 g de ácido eicosapentaenoico/día (RSI) y el otro con un producto líquido estándar (RE). Tanto al inicio como al final del estudio se realizaron las siguientes medidas: valoración global subjetiva generada por el paciente (VGS-gp), parámetros antropométricos (Pliegues, circunferencia del brazo y bioimpedancia), dietéticos (registro alimentario de 72 horas), bioquímicos e inflamatorios (bioquímica básica, citoquinas, prealbúmina y PCR). La calidad de vida fue valorada mediante el cuestionario SF-36. Así mismo se emplearon escalas de percepción sensorial, tolerancia de los productos y motivación y saciedad al comer durante el estudio. Resultados: Finalizaron el estudio 40 pacientes. Tras la intervención ambos grupos mantuvieron sus parámetros antropométricos y aumentaron significativamente la prealbúmina (RSI 16,11 ± 5,66 mg/dl vs 19.81 ± 6.75 mg/dl p < 0,05 y RE 16.55 ± 6.13 mg/dl vs 19.03 ± 5.47 mg/dl p < 0,05). El grupo RSI disminuyó significativamente los valores de interferón gamma (INF-γ) (0,99 ± 0,95 vs 0,65 ± 0,92 pg/ml, p < 0,05). Sin embargo, el grupo RE los aumentó al final del estudio (1,62 ± 1,27 vs 2,2 ± 3,19 pg/ml, p < 0,05). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la sensación de hambre, apetito, saciedad y capacidad de ingesta tras la intervención en ambos grupos. Las puntuaciones del SF-36 mejoraron en ambos grupos. Conclusión: La suplementación durante un mes de un producto en polvo enriquecido con 1,5 g de EPA en una población de pacientes con cáncer, modula positivamente ciertos parámetros inflamatorios. Este producto podría ser una opción nueva a tener en cuenta que podría sumarse a las estrategias de intervención para el tratamiento nutricional del paciente oncológico (AU)

Background and objectives: The beneficial effect of eicosapentaenoic acid in cancer patients is widely described especially in relation to its role in tumour cachexia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of administration of a new oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid compared to a standard liquid supplement in cancer patients. Patients and methods: A total of 61 cancer patients, aged more than 18 years, were randomized to receive during a month a bonus of 600 kcal/ day to their regular diet with an oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (1.5 g) (RSI) or with a standard liquid supplement (RE). The following data were collected at baseline and after one month: the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (pg-SGA), anthropometric measurements (skin folds, circumferences and bioimpedance), dietary parameters (3-day food record), biochemical and inflammatory parameters (basic biochemistry, cytokines, prealbumin and Reactive C Protein). Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. At the end, scales were used to asses sensory perception, tolerance and satiety induced by the products and motivation to eat. Results: 40 patients completed the study. After intervention, anthropometric parameters do not change and prealbumin values increased significantly in both groups (RSI 16.11 ± 5.66 mg/dl vs. 19.81 ± 6.75 mg/dl p < 0.05 and RE 6.13 ± 16.55 mg/dl vs. 19.03 ± 5.47 mg / dl p < 0.05). RSI group significantly decreased interferon gamma (INF-γ) values (0.99 ± 0.95 vs. 0.65 ± 0.92 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In contrast, RE group increased INF-γ after intervention (1.62 ± 1 27 vs. 2.2 ± 3.19 pg/ml, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in hunger, appetite, satiety and intake capacity in both groups. The SF-36 scores improved in both groups. Conclusions: Supplementation based on an oral powder formula enriched with 1.5g EPA during one month in cancer patients improved certain inflammatory parameters. This product may be a novel and valuable option to be added to the nutritional intervention strategies used for cancer patients (AU)

Impact of two low-calorie meals with and without bread on the sensation of hunger, satiety and amount of food consumed.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the differences in feelings of hunger and satiety in a group of overweight/obese women after eating a test meal with or without bread. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 122 women (BMI≥25<40 kg/m²) who were randomly assigned to consume one of the following test meals: NO BREAD meal (2.40 MJ, 46% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 28% fat; which included rice or pasta) and BREAD meal (2.39 MJ, with equal caloric distribution and the same foods except with bread instead of rice or pasta). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used, with 5 questions to be answered at different times: 1) just before eating, 2) just after eating and exactly 3) 60 and 4) 90 minutes after eating the test meal. The test was performed at the start and after 16 weeks of following a lifestyle modification program based on a low-calorie diet (with or without bread). RESULTS: 104 women completed the study (48.4±9.0 years) with a baseline BMI of 29.8±3.5 kg/m². At the start of the study there were no significant differences in any of the VAS parameters measured between the groups. After 16 weeks, BREAD group obtained higher scores in question 3 (referring to the sensation of satiety) that were significant at time 3 (7 versus 5; p<0.05) and time 4 (8 versus 4; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of bread in a low-calorie meal may result in a greater sensation of satiety after eating. These results contradict the recommendation to exclude bread from a food plan aimed at weight loss.

Impact of two low-calorie meals with and without bread on the sensation of hunger, satiety and amount of food consumed / Repercusión de dos comidas hipocalóricas con y sin pan sobre la sensación de hambre, saciedad y cantidad de comida consumida

Background: The aim was to compare the differences in feelings of hunger and satiety in a group of overweight/obese women after eating a test meal with or without bread. Patients and methods: The study included 122 women (BMI ≥ 25 < 40 kg/m2) who were randomly assigned to consume one of the following test meals: NO BREAD meal (2.40 MJ, 46% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 28% fat; which included rice or pasta) and BREAD meal (2.39 MJ, with equal caloric distribution and the same foods except with bread instead of rice or pasta). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used, with 5 questions to be answered at different times: 1) just before eating, 2) just after eating and exactly 3) 60 and 4) 90 minutes after eating the test meal. The test was performed at the start and after 16 weeks of following a lifestyle modification program based on a low-calorie diet (with or without bread). Results: 104 women completed the study (48.4 ± 9.0 years) with a baseline BMI of 29.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2. At the start of the study there were no significant differences in any of the VAS parameters measured between the groups. After 16 weeks, BREAD group obtained higher scores in question 3 (referring to the sensation of satiety) that were significant at time 3 (7 versus 5; p < 0.05) and time 4 (8 versus 4; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The inclusion of bread in a low-calorie meal may result in a greater sensation of satiety after eating. These results contradict the recommendation to exclude bread from a food plan aimed at weight loss (AU)

Objetivos: Analizar las diferencias en la sensación de hambre y saciedad en un grupo de mujeres con sobrepeso/obesidad en tratamiento tras el consumo de una comida prueba con o sin pan. Pacientes y métodos: El estudio incluyó a 122 mujeres con IMC ≥ 25 < 40 kg/m2 que fueron randomizadas asignándolas a consumir una de las siguientes comidas prueba: comida NO PAN (2,40 MJ -575 kcal-, 46% hidratos de carbono, 26% proteínas, 28% grasas; que incluía arroz o pasta) y comida PAN (2,39 MJ -571 kcal-, con igual distribución calórica y los mismos alimentos pero con pan en lugar de arroz o pasta). Se empleó una escala analógica visual (Visual Analogue Scale: VAS) de 5 preguntas que debía completarse en diferentes tiempos 1) antes: -1 min; 2) inicio: 0 min; 3) después: 60 min y 4) después: 90 min después de la comida prueba. El test se realizó al inicio del tratamiento y después de 16 semanas de seguir una dieta hipocalórica (con o sin pan), educación nutricional y promoción de actividad física. Resultados: Completaron el estudio 104 mujeres, edad media 48,4 ± 9 años e IMC basal 29,8 ± 3,5 kg/m2. Al inicio del estudio no existieron diferencias significativas en ninguno de los parámetros valorados por la VAS entre grupos. Al repetir el test tras la intervención el grupo comida PAN obtuvo una puntuación mayor en la pregunta 3 (referida a la sensación de saciedad) que fue significativa en los tiempos 3 (7 vs 5 p < 0,05) y 4 (8 vs 4 p < 0,01). Conclusiones: La inclusión del pan en una comida hipocalórica podría favorecer una mayor sensación de saciedad tras la comida. Estos resultados entran en contradicción con la recomendación de excluir el pan en un plan de alimentación orientado a la pérdida de peso (AU)

[Knowledge of nutrition labelling in general population. Assessment surveys conducted in La Paz University Hospital in Madrid during the 9th "National Nutrition Day 2010"]. / Análisis de las encuestas sobre etiquetado nutricional realizadas en el Hospital La Paz de Madrid durante la 9ª edición del "Día Nacional de la Nutrición (DNN) 2010".

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition labelling (NL) provides information on the energy and nutrients in a food and it represents a valuable tool to help consumers make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. However, little is known about how consumers perceive the nutrition labelling information. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the knowledge of NL of a population survey and examine aspects such as attention, reading, understanding and utility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 200 volunteers were interviewed about NL on National Nutrition Day (NND) on May 28, 2010 at the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid. The questionnaire was self-administered and this contained 10 closed multiple choice questions. RESULTS: The surveyed group (66.7% women and 33.3% men) had a mean age of 42.0 ± 15 years and a BMI of 24.1 ± 3.8 kg/m². A percentage of 86.5% had completed secondary and higher education. The concept about NL was knocked by 77.1% of them. This percentage was significantly higher according to the level of their studies (primary 7.1%, secondary 32.1% and higher studies 60.9%; p < 0.0001) and also regarding the age range (42.3% vs. 25% of over that 50, p < 0.05). 73.8% always or almost always readied NL; 67.7% of those who declared that always readied were women and 71% had higher education. 53.8% of people over 50 years were not capable of reading labels due to the small letters. The most interesting information for the consumers was: calories (61%), fats (39%) and cholesterol (25.7%). Nutritional concepts questions had a low percentage of right answers, especially in volunteers with lower level of education and among older age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that consumers have a low level of nutrition information that would enable a better choice to purchase food. Nutrition education is needed should be necessary to NL had a significant impact on the foods election. Therefore, this fact could contribute to the maintenance of health and disease prevention.

Análisis de las encuestas sobre etiquetado nutricional realizadas en el Hospital La Paz de Madrid durante la 9ª edición del 'Día Nacional de la Nutrición (DNN) 2010' / Knowledge of nutrition labelling in general population. assessment surveys conducted in la Paz University Hospital in Madrid during the 9th 'National Nutrition day 2010'

Introducción: El etiquetado nutricional es toda la información en relación con el valor energético y los nutrientes que componen al alimento y representa una valiosa herramienta para ayudar a los consumidores a tomar decisiones informadas acerca de su dieta y estilo de vida. Sin embargo, es poco conocido como percibe el consumidor esta información. Objetivos: Conocer el grado de información de la población encuestada sobre el etiquetado nutricional y evaluar aspectos como atención, lectura, comprensión y uso del mismo. Materiales y métodos: 200 voluntarios que asistieron el día 28 de mayo de 2010 (Día Nacional de la Nutrición DNN) al Hospital La Paz y completaron un cuestionario sobre etiquetado nutricional autoadministrado, consistente en 10 preguntas cerradas de opción múltiple. Resultados: El colectivo entrevistado (66,7% mujeres y 33,3% hombres) presentaba una edad media de 42,0 ± 15 años y un IMC de 24,1 ± 3,8 kg/m2. Un 86,5% tenía estudios medios y superiores. Un 77,1% conocía el concepto del etiquetado nutricional. El porcentaje fue significativamente mayor entre aquellos con estudios superiores (primarios 7,1%, medios 32,1% y superiores 60,9%; p < 0,0001) y en las edades comprendidas entre 30-49,9 años (42,3% vs 25% en mayores de 50 años, p < 0,05). Un 73,8% declaró que leía el EN siempre o casi siempre; entre aquellos que declararon que los leían siempre 67,7% fueron mujeres y 71% tenía estudios superiores. Un 53,8% de los mayores de 50 años declaró no poder leer el etiquetado debido al tamaño reducido de las letras. La información que despierta mayor interés sobre los consumidores son las calorías (61%), las grasas (39%) y el colesterol (25,7%). Las preguntas relacionadas con conocimientos nutricionales tuvieron un bajo porcentaje de respuestas correctas, sobre todo en el grupo con menor nivel de estudios y entre las personas mayores. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la población presenta un nivel bajo de información nutricional que permita hacer una mejor elección de los productos que se compran. La educación nutricional es necesaria para que el etiquetado nutricional tenga impacto en la elección de los alimentos, ya que permite informar y concienciar a la población sobre como la dieta puede contribuir al mantenimiento de la salud y la prevención de la enfermedad (AU)

Introduction: Nutrition labelling (NL) provides information on the energy and nutrients in a food and it represents a valuable tool to help consumers make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. However, little is known about how consumers perceive the nutrition labelling information. Objectives: Evaluate the knowledge of NL of a population survey and examine aspects such as attention, reading, understanding and utility. Material and methods: 200 volunteers were interviewed about NL on National Nutrition Day (NND) on May 28, 2010 at the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid. The questionnaire was self-administered and this contained 10 closed multiple choice questions. Results: The surveyed group (66.7% women and 33.3% men) had a mean age of 42.0 ± 15 years and a BMI of 24.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2. A percentage of 86.5% had completed secondary and higher education. The concept about NL was knocked by 77.1% of them. This percentage was significantly higher according to the level of their studies (primary 7.1%, secondary 32.1% and higher studies 60,9%; p < 0,0001) and also regarding the age range (42.3% vs. 25% of over that 50, p < 0.05). 73.8% always or almost always readied NL; 67.7% of those who declared that always readied were women and 71% had higher education. 53.8% of people over 50 years were not capable of reading labels due to the small letters. The most interesting information for the consumers was: calories (61%), fats (39%) and cholesterol (25.7%). Nutritional concepts questions had a low percentage of right answers, especially in volunteers with lower level of education and among older age groups. Conclusions: Results show that consumers have a low level of nutrition information that would enable a better choice to purchase food. Nutrition education is needed should be necessary to NL had a significant impact on the foods election. Therefore, this fact could contribute to the maintenance of health and disease prevention (AU)

[Efficacy evaluation of an oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid in cancer patients]. / Evaluación de la eficacia de un suplemento oral en polvo enriquecido con ácido eicosapentaenoico en un grupo de pacientes con cáncer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The beneficial effect of eicosapentaenoic acid in cancer patients is widely described especially in relation to its role in tumour cachexia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of administration of a new oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid compared to a standard liquid supplement in cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 61 cancer patients, aged more than 18 years, were randomized to receive during a month a bonus of 600 kcal/ day to their regular diet with an oral powder supplement enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (1.5 g) (RSI) or with a standard liquid supplement (RE). The following data were collected at baseline and after one month: the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (pg-SGA), anthropometric measurements (skin folds, circumferences and bioimpedance), dietary parameters (3-day food record), biochemical and inflammatory parameters (basic biochemistry, cytokines, prealbumin and Reactive C Protein). Quality of life was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. At the end, scales were used to asses sensory perception, tolerance and satiety induced by the products and motivation to eat. RESULTS: 40 patients completed the study. After intervention, anthropometric parameters do not change and prealbumin values increased significantly in both groups (RSI 16.11 ± 5.66 mg/dl vs. 19.81 ± 6.75 mg/dl p < 0.05 and RE 6.13 ± 16.55 mg/dl vs. 19.03 ± 5.47 mg / dl p < 0.05). RSI group significantly decreased interferon gamma (INF-γ) values (0.99 ± 0.95 vs. 0.65 ± 0.92 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In contrast, RE group increased INF-γ after intervention (1.62 ± 1 27 vs. 2.2 ± 3.19 pg/ml, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in hunger, appetite, satiety and intake capacity in both groups. The SF-36 scores improved in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation based on an oral powder formula enriched with 1.5 g EPA during one month in cancer patients improved certain inflammatory parameters. This product may be a novel and valuable option to be added to the nutritional intervention strategies used for cancer patients.

Evaluación del riesgo nutricional e instauración de soporte nutricional en pacientes oncológicos, según el protocolo del grupo español de Nutrición y Cáncer / Nutricional risk evaluation and establishment of nutricional support in oncology patients according to the protocol of the spanish nutrition and cancer group

Introducción: El cáncer, los tratamientos que lo acompañan y los síntomas consecuentes que a su vez generan, aumentan en los pacientes el riesgo de sufrir malnutrición. La cual produce un gran deterioro del estado de salud, con el consecuente aumento de complicaciones, disminución de la tolerancia al tratamiento oncológico y una disminución de la calidad de vida del paciente. Por este motivo, un grupo de profesionales sanitarios de diferentes puntos de España se reunieron con el objetivo de mejorar la intervención nutricional en pacientes oncológicos, con el apoyo de la Sociedad Española de Nutrición Básica y Aplicada (SENBA). Metodología: Este grupo multidisciplinar de profesionales elaboró un documento de consenso basado en la literatura y en la experiencia personal, creando un protocolo de evaluación y de intervención nutricional en forma de algoritmos. Se clasifican los pacientes en tres pasos: 1. según el tipo de tratamiento oncológico que reciben, ya sea de tipo curativo o paliativo; 2. riesgo nutricional de la terapia antineoplásica (bajo, mediano, o alto riesgo), y 3. de acuerdo a la Valoración Global Subjetiva-Generada por el paciente (VGS-gp), que clasifica a los pacientes en: A. pacientes con adecuado estado nutricional, B. pacientes con malnutrición o a riesgo de malnutrición y C. pacientes con malnutrición severa. Durante un año el protocolo se puso en marcha en 226 pacientes mayores de 18 años de ambos sexos, escogidos al azar en las consultas externas de Radioterapia Oncológica y Oncología Médica. Resultados: Más de la mitad sufren malnutrición (64%), y este valor se incrementa llegando hasta un 81% en pacientes con tratamiento paliativo. La mayoría de los pacientes tienen tratamiento de intención curativa (83%) y reciben tratamiento oncológico de intensidad moderada o de alto riesgo nutricional (69%). Un 68% de los pacientes tienen algún tipo de dificultad en la alimentación. La media en el porcentaje de pérdida de peso es del 6,64% ± 0,87 (min 0, máx 33%). El 32% de la población presenta cifras de albúmina entre 3 y 3,5 g/dl, existiendo una correlación negativa entre ésta y las dificultades con la alimentación p = 0,001. El IMC no mostró ser un parámetro significativo para detectar malnutrición (sólo un 10% se encontraba por debajo de 19,9 kg/m2), pero tiene una tendencia lineal significativa con las dificultades en la alimentación, de forma tal que a medida que disminuye el IMC aumentan las dificultades p = 0,001. Más de la mitad de la población, requirió recomendaciones dietéticas específicas para el control de los síntomas que dificultaban la ingesta y una tercera parte de la población necesitó la indicación de suplementos nutricionales. Tras la intervención nutricional más de la mitad (60%) mantuvo su peso y una sexta parte lo aumentó. Conclusión: La aplicación de este protocolo es útil, sencillo y podría facilitar la detección de malnutrición en los pacientes oncológicos. Seleccionando a los pacientes que realmente se podrían beneficiar de una intervención nutricional específica, pero debería aplicarse al inicio coincidiendo si fuera posible con el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. El soporte nutricional resulta eficaz en la mayoría de los pacientes (AU)

Introduction: Cancer and its oncological treatment cause symptoms which increase the patients risk to suffer from malnutrition. This affects the patients health status negatively by increasing the number of complications, reducing the tolerance to the oncology treatment and a decrease of the patients quality of life. Motivated by this, a group of health professionals from several spanish regions met with the backing of the Sociedad Española de Nutrición Básica y Aplicada (SENBA) to address strategies to improve the quality of nutritional intervention in cancer patients. Methods: This multidisciplinary group developed a protocol describing nutritional assessment and intervention in form of algorithms based on literature and personal experience. The patients are classified in a three step process: 1. type of their oncology treatment (curative or palliative); 2. nutritional risk of the antineoplastic therapy (low, medium or high risk) and 3. depending on the Subjective Global Assessment patient-generated (SGApg). The patients are classified as: A. patients with adequate nutritional state, B. patients with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition and C. patients suffering from severe malnutrition. During one year, the protocol has been used for 226 randomly chosen female and male patients older than 18 years. They were treated by the Medical and Radiotherapy Oncology outpatient clinic. Results: More than a half of the patients were suffering from malnutrition (64%) increasing up to 81% for patients undergoing palliative treatment. Most of them were treated curatively (83%) and received oncology treatment with moderate or high nutritional risk (69%). 68% of patients were affected by some feeding difficulty. The mean percentage of weight loss has been 6.64% ± 0.87 (min 0%, max 33%). Albumin values of 32% of the patients were between 3 and 3.5 g/dl and negatively correlated with feeding difficulties (p = 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) has not found to be a significant parameter for detecting malnutrition (only in 10% of the patients, the value was below 19.9 kg/m2). But a significant linear tendency when compared to feeding problems could be shown, such that in patients with less feeding problems a higher BMI has been found (p = 0.001). More than a half of the patients required nutritional counselling to control symptoms which made food intake difficult. One third of the patients needed oral nutritional supplementation. Following the nutritional intervention the weight of about 60% of the patients could be maintained and of one sixth it could be increased. Conclusion: The application of this protocol is useful, easy and could help detecting malnutrition in oncology patients. It provides the possibility to select those patients who can benefit from a specific nutritional intervention. If possible, the application of the protocol should be started immediatly after cancer is diagnosed. Nutritional support proves efficient for most of the patients (AU)

Autopercepción de los pacientes con cáncer sobre la relación existente entre su estado nutricional, su alimentación y la enfermedad que padecen / Self-perception of cancer patients on the relationship existing between their nutritional status, their feeding status, and their illness

Introducción: Conocer la opinión de los pacientes oncológicos sobre la importancia que dan a su alimentación, a las dificultades para alimentarse, su imagen, su peso, los cambios ponderales, la relación entre su alimentación y su enfermedad, la relación entre la actividad física y el estado de ánimo y su salud, es básico para buscar alternativas terapéuticas nutricionales que nos lleven a mejorar su calidad de vida y en general su sensación de bienestar. Para ello, es imprescindible conocer la opinión de los pacientes respecto a estos temas. Material y métodos: Se elaboró una encuesta a 131 pacientes. Los pacientes fueron reclutados en el Hospital de día de Oncología Médica, consulta de Oncología Radioterápica y el Servicio de Hospitalización de Oncología Médica. En la encuesta se preguntó de manera sencilla sobre la importancia que dan los pacientes a todos estos aspectos. Ha sido una encuesta de 20 preguntas, dividida en 6 partes: 1) Datos de filiación. 2) Percepción de la enfermedad y la relación de ésta con la alimentación. 3) Percepción de la relación de la actividad física y del estado de ánimo con la alimentación. 4) Tratamientos nutricionales indicados al paciente y la percepción de su efecto sobre la evolución de la enfermedad. 5) Dificultades actuales de alimentación. 6) Demanda de atención nutricional. Resultados: Los pacientes presentaban una edad media de 57 ± 13 años. El 45% correspondían a hombres y el resto mujeres. El 81% vive en el área urbana, y solo el 14% en el área rural. El nivel educativo se clasificó en 5 grupos: sin estudios, estudios básicos, EGB, bachiller superior o estudios universitarios. El 28% poseía estudios básicos, el 19% estudios universitarios, y un 8% no tenía ningún estudio. Con respecto a su ocupación también se clasificó en cinco grupos: hogar, estudiante, sin empleo, empleado y jubilado. Un 33% eran empleados, 29% jubilados y un 34% se ocupaba del hogar. La mayoría de los pacientes , un 74% son conscientes de su enfermedad y la perciben como grave o muy grave. La mayoría de estos pacientes están pendientes de su imagen, de su peso y de los cambios ponderales y los relacionan con su alimentación. El 74% de los pacientes encuentran relación entre su estado nutricional y la actividad física que desarrollan y un 73% lo relacionan con su estado de ánimo. Al menos la mitad de los pacientes perciben su estado de ánimo como decaído. Aunque el 47% manifiesta tener alguna dificultad para alimentarse, sólo el 34% ha recibido alguna información sobre su alimentación, el 26% ha consumido suplementos nutricionales y el 81% continúa consumiendo una dieta sin modificaciones. Las dificultades de alimentación más comunes fueron disminución del apetito 38%, saciedad precoz 32% y náuseas 20%. La intervención nutricional más solicitada por los pacientes es la educación nutricional general y específica para paliar los síntomas asociados a los tratamientos oncológicos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes son consientes de la gravedad de su enfermedad y están pendientes de su imagen, peso y cambios ponderales, que asocian con su alimentación. La mayoría de los pacientes encontraron una estrecha asociación entre su estado nutricional, la actividad física que desarrollan y su estado de ánimo. Más de la mitad manifestó tener alguna dificultad para alimentarse pero sólo a un tercio de la población se le había hablado de su alimentación en alguna ocasión. Es evidente que el paciente oncológico necesita de diferentes medidas de intervención nutricional efectivas que contribuyan a mejorar su sensación de bienestar (AU)

Introduction: Knowing the opinion of oncologic patients about the importance they give to their feeding, the difficulties they have with feeding, their body image, weight, and ponderal changes, the relationship between their feeding and their illness, the relationship between their physical activity and their mood and health is essential to look for nutritional therapeutic interventions leading to improvement of quality of life and, in general, the feeling of well being. Thus, it is paramount to know the patients' opinion of these issues. Material and methods: We passed a questionnaire to 131 patients. The patients were recruited from the Day-Hospital of the Medical Oncology and Radiotherapeutic Oncology Departments, and from the Hospitalization Department of Medical Oncology. In the questionnaire, we asked in a simple manner about the importance the patients give to all these issues. This is a 20-item questionnaire, divided into six parts: 1. Vital statistics; 2) perception about the disease and its relationship with feeding; 3) Perception of the relationship between physical activity and mood with feeding; 4) Nutritional therapies prescribed to the patients and their perception on its effect on the disease progression; 5) Current difficulties with feeding; 6) Demand of nutritional care. Results: The patients mean age was 57 ± 13 years. 45% were males, and the remaining females. 81% life in an urban area, and only 14% in a rural area. The educational level was categorized in 5 groups: without education, basic education, elementary school, high school, or college studies. 28% had basic education, and 19% college studies, and only 8% had no education at all. Their occupation was also categorized in five groups: home-keeping, student, unemployed, employed, and retired. 33% were employed, 29% retired, and 34% were home-keepers. Most of the patients (74%) are aware of their illness and perceive it as severe or very much severe. Most of these patients worry about their body image, weight, and ponderal changes, and they relate them with their feeding status. 74% find a relationship between their nutritional status and their physical activity, and 73% relate it with their mood. At least half of the patients perceive their mood as being low. Although 47% manifested having some difficulty for feeding, only 34% had received some information about their diet, 26% had consumed nutritional supplements, and 81% still consumed their diet without any change. The most common difficulties for feeding were decreased appetite (38%), early satiety (32%), and nausea (20%). The nutritional intervention most commonly required by the patients was general and specific nutritional education to alleviate the symptoms associated to oncologic therapies. Conclusions: Most of the patients are aware of the severity of their illness and care about their body image, weight, and ponderal changes, which they associate with their nutrition. Most of the patients find a close relationship between their nutritional status, their physical activity and their mood. More than half of the patients manifest having some difficulty feeding, but only one third of the population has received information about their diet some time. It is clearly shown that oncologic patients need different effective nutritional intervention measures contributing to improve their feeling of well being (AU)

[Nutritional risk evaluation and establishment of nutritional support in oncology patients according to the protocol of the Spanish Nutrition and Cancer Group]. / Evaluación del riesgo nutricional e instauración de soporte nutricional en pacientes oncológicos, según el protocolo del grupo Español de Nutrición y Cáncer.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer and its oncological treatment cause symptoms which increase the patients risk to suffer from malnutrition. This affects the patients health status negatively by increasing the number of complications, reducing the tolerance to the oncology treatment and a decrease of the patients quality of life. Motivated by this, a group of health professionals from several spanish regions met with the backing of the Sociedad Española de Nutrición Básica y Aplicada (SENBA) to address strategies to improve the quality of nutritional intervention in cancer patients. METHODS: This multidisciplinary group developed a protocol describing nutritional assessment and intervention in form of algorithms based on literature and personal experience. The patients are classified in a three step process: 1. type of their oncology treatment (curative or palliative); 2. nutritional risk of the antineoplastic therapy (low, medium or high risk) and 3. depending on the Subjective Global Assessment patient-generated (SGA-pg). The patients are classified as: A. patients with adequate nutritional state, B. patients with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition and C. patients suffering from severe malnutrition. During one year, the protocol has been used for 226 randomly chosen female and male patients older than 18 years. They were treated by the Medical and Radiotherapy Oncology outpatient clinic. RESULTS: More than a half of the patients were suffering from malnutrition (64%) increasing up to 81% for patients undergoing palliative treatment. Most of them were treated curatively (83%) and received oncology treatment with moderate or high nutritional risk (69%). 68% of patients were affected by some feeding difficulty. The mean percentage of weight loss has been 6.64% +/- 0.87 (min 0%, max 33%). Albumin values of 32% of the patients were between 3 and 3.5 g/dl and negatively correlated with feeding difficulties (p = 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) has not found to be a significant parameter for detecting malnutrition (only in 10% of the patients, the value was below 19.9 kg/m2). But a significant linear tendency when compared to feeding problems could be shown, such that in patients with less feeding problems a higher BMI has been found (p = 0.001). More than a half of the patients required nutritional counselling to control symptoms which made food intake difficult. One third of the patients needed oral nutritional supplementation. Following the nutritional intervention the weight of about 60% of the patients could be maintained and of one sixth it could be increased. CONCLUSION: The application of this protocol is useful, easy and could help detecting malnutrition in oncology patients. It provides the possibility to select those patients who can benefit from a specific nutritional intervention. If possible, the application of the protocol should be started immediatly after cancer is diagnosed. Nutritional support proves efficient for most of the patients.

[Self-perception of cancer patients on the relationship existing between their nutritional status, their feeding status, and their illness]. / Autopercepción de los pacientes con cáncer sobre la relación existente entre su estado nutricional, su alimentación y la enfermedad que padecen.

INTRODUCTION: Knowing the opinion of oncologic patients about the importance they give to their feeding, the difficulties they have with feeding, their body image, weight, and ponderal changes, the relationship between their feeding and their illness, the relationship between their physical activity and their mood and health is essential to look for nutritional therapeutic interventions leading to improvement of quality of life and, in general, the feeling of well being. Thus, it is paramount to know the patients' opinion of these issues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We passed a questionnaire to 131 patients. The patients were recruited from the Day-Hospital of the Medical Oncology and Radiotherapeutic Oncology Departments, and from the Hospitalization Department of Medical Oncology. In the questionnaire, we asked in a simple manner about the importance the patients give to all these issues. This is a 20-item questionnaire, divided into six parts: 1. Vital statistics; 2) perception about the disease and its relationship with feeding; 3) Perception of the relationship between physical activity and mood with feeding; 4) Nutritional therapies prescribed to the patients and their perception on its effect on the disease progression; 5) Current difficulties with feeding; 6) Demand of nutritional care. RESULTS: The patients mean age was 57 +/- 13 years. 45% were males, and the remaining females. 81% life in an urban area, and only 14% in a rural area. The educational level was categorized in 5 groups: without education, basic education, elementary school, high school, or college studies. 28% had basic education, and 19% college studies, and only 8% had no education at all. Their occupation was also categorized in five groups: home-keeping, student, unemployed, employed, and retired. 33% were employed, 29% retired, and 34% were home-keepers. Most of the patients (74%) are aware of their illness and perceive it as severe or very much severe. Most of these patients worry about their body image, weight, and ponderal changes, and they relate them with their feeding status. 74% find a relationship between their nutritional status and their physical activity, and 73% relate it with their mood. At least half of the patients perceive their mood as being low. Although 47% manifested having some difficulty for feeding, only 34% had received some information about their diet, 26% had consumed nutritional supplements, and 81% still consumed their diet without any change. The most common difficulties for feeding were decreased appetite (38%), early satiety (32%), and nausea (20%). The nutritional intervention most commonly required by the patients was general and specific nutritional education to alleviate the symptoms associated to oncologic therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients are aware of the severity of their illness and care about their body image, weight, and ponderal changes, which they associate with their nutrition. Most of the patients find a close relationship between their nutritional status, their physical activity and their mood. More than half of the patients manifest having some difficulty feeding, but only one third of the population has received information about their diet some time. It is clearly shown that oncologic patients need different effective nutritional intervention measures contributing to improve their feeling of well being.