The prognosis of incurable cachectic cancer patients on home parenteral nutrition: a multi-centre observational study with prospective follow-up of 414 patients.

BACKGROUND: The role of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in incurable cachectic cancer patients unable to eat is extremely controversial. The aim of this study is to analyse which factors can influence the outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied prospectively 414 incurable cachectic (sub)obstructed cancer patients receiving HPN and analysed the association between patient or clinical characteristics and surviving status. RESULTS: Median weight loss, versus pre-disease and last 6-month period, was 24% and 16%, respectively. Median body mass index was 19.5, median KPS was 60, median life expectancy was 3 months. Mean/median survival was 4.7/3.0 months; 50.0% and 22.9% of patients survived 3 and 6 months, respectively. At the multivariable analysis, the variables significantly associated with 3- and 6-month survival were Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and KPS, and GPS, KPS and tumour spread, respectively. By the aggregation of the significant variables, it was possible to dissect several classes of patients with different survival probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of cachectic incurable cancer patients on HPN is not homogeneous. It is possible to identify groups of patients with a ≥6-month survival (possibly longer than that allowed in starvation). The indications for HPN can be modulated on these clinical/biochemical indices.

Study of hyperglycemia in non critically-ill patients receiving parenteral nutrition; incidence and risk factors / Estudio de hiperglicemia en pacientes no críticos tratados con nutrición parenteral; incidencia y factores de riesgo

Background: The objectives of our study on non-critically ill patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) are to assess the incidence of hyperglycemia, the risk factors associated to its development and its influence in patient's evolution. Methods: A multicentric prospective observational study was performed in 9 hospitals. Four multivariate studies were developed to study the temporal risk in the occurrence of hyperglycemia (endpoint), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay (LOS) and death. Demographics, nutrients, drugs and clinical variables were collected. Independent variables studied as a possible risk factors were: sex, diabetes mellitus 2, baseline glycemia, albuminemia, pancreatitis, surgery in the 7 days prior to the end point, infection, insulin/somatostatin/corticoids administration during the study, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and difference in the amount of glucose administration between the endpoint and one day before. Results: 119 patients were enrolled in the study, 25 cases of hyperglycemia were detected. In the clinical factors associated with PN hyperglycemia, significant variables were: surgery in the 7 days before the end point, GFR, glucose load in the 24 hours previous to the end point insulin administration and somatostatine/octreotide (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo: El estudio está dirigido a pacientes no críticos tratados con nutrición parenteral (NP) y tiene como objetivo evaluar la incidencia de hiperglucemia, los factores de riesgo asociados a su aparición y su influencia sobre su evolución clínica. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico prospectivo y observacional en 9 hospitales. Se construyeron 4 modelos multivariantes para estudiar el riesgo de aparición de hiperglucemia (evento final), el ingreso en cuidados intensivos (UCI), el tiempo de hospitalización y muerte. Se recogieron variables demográficas, de nutrientes aportados, medicación y variables clínicas. La variables independientes estudiadas como posibles factores de riesgo fueron: sexo, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, glucemia basal, pancreatitis, cirugía en los 7 días previos al evento final, infección, administración durante el estudio de insulina/somatostatina/corticoides, nivel de filtración glomerular (GFR) y las diferencias entre el aporte de glucosa administrada entre el evento final y el día previo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 119 pacientes, de los cuales 25 presentaron hiperglucemia. Entre los factores clínicos asociados a la aparición de hiperglucemia, las variables significativas fueron: la cirugía en los 7 días previos al evento final, GFR, carga de glucosa en las 24 horas previas al evento final, administración de insulina y de somatostatina/octreotido. La hiperglucemia se asoció significativamente al ingreso en UCI y a la estancia hospitalaria. Conclusión: La administración de glucosa en pacientes no críticos en tratamiento con NP debería ser reevaluada con criterios restrictivos, especialmente en el postoperatorio inmediato, en insuficiencia renal y en pacientes tratados con análogos de la somatostatina. Debería tenerse en cuenta que los incrementos del aporte de glucosa se asocian a hiperglucemia, y esta se correlaciona con un incremento de la estancia hospitalaria y a una mayor frecuencia de ingresos en UCI (AU)

Study of hyperglycemia in non critically-ill patients receiving parenteral nutrition: incidence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of our study on non-critically ill patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) are to assess the incidence of hyperglycemia, the risk factors associated to its development and its influence in patient's evolution. METHODS: A multicentric prospective observational study was performed in 9 hospitals. Four multivariate studies were developed to study the temporal risk in the occurrence of hyperglycemia (endpoint), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay (LOS) and death. Demographics, nutrients, drugs and clinical variables were collected. Independent variables studied as a possible risk factors were: sex, diabetes mellitus 2, baseline glycemia, albuminemia, pancreatitis, surgery in the 7 days prior to the end point, infection, insulin/somatostatin/corticoids administration during the study, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and difference in the amount of glucose administration between the endpoint and one day before. RESULTS: 119 patients were enrolled in the study, 25 cases of hyperglycemia were detected. In the clinical factors associated with PN hyperglycemia, significant variables were: surgery in the 7 days before the end point, GFR, glucose load in the 24 hours previous to the end point insulin administration and somatostatine/octreotide administration during the study. Hyperglycemia was significantly associated with ICU admission and increased LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose administration in non-critically ill patients receiving PN should be reassessed downwards, especially in the immediate postsurgery, renal impairment and in patients treated with somatostatin analogues. It should be taken into account that an increase in glucose dose may lead to hyperglycemia in these patients and hyperglycemia correlates with longer hospital stay and increased frequency of ICU admissions.

Registro del año 2010 de Nutrición Parenteral Domiciliaria en España: Grupo NADYA-SENPE / Home parenteral nutrition registry in Spain for the year 2010: NADYA-SENPE

Objetivos: Comunicar los datos del Registro del Grupo NADYA SENPE de Nutrición Parenteral Domiciliaria NPD en España del año 2010. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de la base de datos del Registro de ámbito nacional de NPD del grupo NADYA-SENPE (1 de enero de 2010 al 31 de diciembre de 2010). Para el cálculo de prevalencias se utilizó los últimos datos publicados por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística. Resultados: Se registraron 148 pacientes procedentes de 23 hospitales, 86 mujeres (58,11%) y 9 niños (6,08%). La edad media de los 139 pacientes adultos fue de 53,06 ± 15,41 años. La duración media de la NPD fue de 316,97 días/paciente. El diagnóstico más frecuente en los niños (menores de 14 años) fue intestino corto traumático con 5 casos (55,55%) y en los adultos la neoplasia en tratamiento paliativo 29 (19,59%). El motivo de la indicación de la NPD fue el síndrome de intestino corto en 74 ocasiones (47%). La vía de acceso más frecuentemente registrada fue el catéter tunelizado en 36 (22,78%) casos seguido del reservorio en 13 (8,23%) y otras vías en 3 ocasiones (1,90%). Se registraron 23 infecciones relacionadas con el catéter (82,14%), lo que representa 0,49/1000 días de NP y todas ellas ocurrieron en los adultos. A lo largo del año finalizaron 24 episodios de NPD, la causa más frecuente fue el paso a la vía oral en 12 episodios (50%). Se registró que los pacientes tenían una actividad normal en 70 episodios de NPD (44,30%) con una total autonomía en 88 de episodios (55,69%). Se identificaron 39 (24,68%) posibles candidatos para trasplante intestinal. Conclusiones: El número de pacientes registrados es discretamente inferior al del año anterior, aunque el número de hospitales participantes es el mismo. La complicación más frecuente sigue siendo la infección relacionada con el catéter aunque ha disminuido su incidencia respecto a años anteriores, presentándose la tasa más baja desde la creación del registro. Las diferencias en la participación en el registro observadas por Comunidades Autónomas lleva a plantear el desarrollo de estrategias de implementación del registro. Se observa un aumento progresivo de la duración de los días de NPD a lo largo de los años que hace pensar en la cronicidad de algunos pacientes, pero nos obliga a estudiar la existencia de un posible factor de confusión, en el caso de que existiera un olvido de cierre de algún episodio por lo que se hace necesario actualizar el registro con sistemas de alertas periódicas que faciliten la revisión de los pacientes incluidos y optimice la validez del registro (AU)

Objectives: To report the Group Registry NADYA SENPE data about home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in Spain in 2010. Material and methods: A descriptive study of the database of the national registry of HPN of NADYA-SENPE (December 10, 2009 to December 10, 2010). For the calculation of prevalence the latest data published by the Institute National Statistics Office (01/01/2009) was used. Results: There were registered 148 patients from 23 hospitals, 86 women (58.11%) and 9 children (6.08%). The average age of the 139 patients older than 14 years was 53.06 ± 15.41 years. The average duration of HPN was 316.97 days/patient. The most common diagnosis in those younger than 14 years was short bowel traumatic with 5 cases (55.55%) and in those older than 14 years, palliative care cancer with 29 cases (19.59%). The reason for the indication for HPN was short bowel syndrome in 74 cases (47%). The access via most frequently recorded was tunneled catheter in 36 cases (22.78%) followed by implanted port-catheters in 13 cases (8.23%) and other pathways in 3 cases (1.90%). There were 23 catheter related infections (82.14%) which represented 0.49 /1,000 days of PN, all of which occurred in cases older than 14 years. During the year 24 episodes of HPN ended, the most frequent cause was the transition to oral nutrition in 12 episodes (50%). It was reported that patients had a normal activity in 70 episodes of HPN (44.30%) with complete autonomy in 88 episodes (55.69%). Some patients 39 (24.68%) were potential candidates for intestinal transplantation. Conclusions: The number of registered patients is slightly lower than the previous year, although the number of participating hospitals is the same. The most frequent complication remains catheter-related infection but its incidence has decreased from previous years, presenting the lowest rate since the creation of the record. Differences in participation in the registry observed in the Autonomous Communities causes the development of implementation strategies. There is a gradual increase in day length of HPN over the years, which suggests the chronic treatments of some patients and obliges to study the existence of a possible confounding factor, in case there is an oversight of closing an episode. Therefore, it is necessary to update the registry with warning systems that facilitate periodic review of the patients and optimize the validity of registration (AU)

[Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry in Spain for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (NADYA-SENPE Group)]. / Registro de la Nutrición Parenteral Domiciliaria (NPD) en España de los años 2007, 2008 y 2009 (Grupo NADYA-SENPE).

OBJECTIVE: To report the data of the Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE working group for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. METHODOLOGY: We compiled the data from the on-line registry introduced by the responsible Units for the monitoring of HPN from January 1st 2007 to December 31st 2009. Included fields were: age, sex, diagnosis and reason for HPN, access path, complications, beginning and end dates, complementary oral or enteral nutrition, activity level, autonomy degree, product and fungible material supply, withdrawal reason and intestinal transplant indication. RESULTS: 2007: 133 patients with HPN were registered (61 males and 72 females), belonging to 21 hospitals. Average age for the 119 patients older than 13 years old was 53.7 ± 14.9 years, and 3.6 ± 3.6 y. for the 14 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (24%), followed by intestinal motility disorders and actinic enteritis (14% both). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (43%), malabsorption (27%), and intestinal obstruction (23%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (69%), followed by implanted port-catheters (27%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.92 episodes/103 HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 50% of the cases. By the end of 2007, 71.4% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (57.5%). 26% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2008: 143 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 81 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 133 patients older than 13 years old was 54.7 ± 13.9 years, and 3.7 ± 0.6 y. for the 10 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (20%), followed by actinic enteritis (14%) and intestinal motility disorders (13% ). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (44%), malabsorption (28%), and intestinal obstruction (20%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (29%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.50 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 67% of the cases. By the end of 2008, 71.6% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (52.4%). 29% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2009: 158 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 96 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 149 patients older than 13 years old was 55.2 ± 13.0 years. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (25%), followed by actinic enteritis (12%) and intestinal motility disorders (11%). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (42%), malabsorption, and intestinal obstruction (23% both). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (36%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.67 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 58% of the cases. By the end of 2009, 79.2% of the patients remained active; full oral nutrition was the most frequent reason to end HPN (48%). 23% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. CONCLUSIONS: We observe an increase in registered patients with respect to previous years, with a very different prevalence among regions. Neoplasia remains as the main pathology since 2003. We observe a decrease in catheter-related infections in the last two years, being the 2008 rate the smallest since the register's beginning.

[Home parenteral nutrition registry in Spain for the year 2010: NADYA-SENPE Group]. / Registro del año 2010 de nutrición parenteral domiciliaria en España: Grupo NADYA-SENPE.

OBJECTIVES: To report the Group Registry NADYASENPE data about home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in Spain in 2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study of the database of the national registry of HPN of NADYA-SENPE (December 10, 2009 to December 10, 2010). For the calculation of prevalence the latest data published by the Institute National Statistics Office (01/01/2009) was used. RESULTS: There were registered 148 patients from 23 hospitals, 86 women (58.11%) and 9 children (6.08%). The average age of the 139 patients older than 14 years was 53.06 ± 15.41 years. The average duration of HPN was 316.97 days/patient. The most common diagnosis in those younger than 14 years was short bowel traumatic with 5 cases (55.55%) and in those older than 14 years, palliative care cancer with 29 cases (19.59%). The reason for the indication for HPN was short bowel syndrome in 74 cases (47%). The access via most frequently recorded was tunneled catheter in 36 cases (22.78%) followed by implanted port-catheters in 13 cases (8.23%) and other pathways in 3 cases (1.90%). There were 23 catheterrelated infections (82.14%) which represented 0.49 /1,000 days of PN, all of which occurred in cases older than 14 years. During the year 24 episodes of HPN ended, the most frequent cause was the transition to oral nutrition in 12 episodes (50%). It was reported that patients had a normal activity in 70 episodes of HPN (44.30%) with complete autonomy in 88 episodes (55.69%). Some patients 39 (24.68%) were potential candidates for intestinal transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The number of registered patients is slightly lower than the previous year, although the number of participating hospitals is the same. The most frequent complication remains catheter-related infection but its incidence has decreased from previous years, presenting the lowest rate since the creation of the record. Differences in participation in the registry observed in the Autonomous Communities causes the development of implementation strategies. There is a gradual increase in day length of HPN over the years, which suggests the chronic treatments of some patients and obliges to study the existence of a possible confounding factor, in case there is an oversight of closing an episode. Therefore, it is necessary to update the registry with warning systems that facilitate periodic review of the patients and optimize the validity of registration.

Estudio transversal sobre la prevalencia de la Enfermedad Metabólica Ósea(EMO) y Nutrición Parenteral Domiciliaria (NPD) en España: datos del Grupo NADYA / Transversal study on the Prevalence of Metabolic Bone Disease (mbd) and Home Parenteral Nutrition (hpn) in Spain: Data from NADYA Group

Los pacientes con insuficiencia intestinal que reciben NPD presentan un elevado riesgo de presentar EMO. El origen de esta afectación ósea es multifactorial y depende en gran parte de la enfermedad de base que origina la necesidaddel soporte. En nuestro medio no disponemos de datos acerca de la prevalencia de esta enfermedad, por lo que elgrupo NADYA-SENPE ha patrocinado este estudio transversal para intentar conocer la prevalencia de la EMO. Material y métodos: Se han recogido datos retrospectivos de 51 pacientes pertenecientes a 13 hospitales. La encuesta realizada incluía datos demográficos y los datos clínicos más relevantes que pudieran influir en la apariciónde EMO. También se han registrados los datos analíticosmás significativos para este proceso (calciuria, PTH,25 OH vitamina D) y los resultados de la primera y la última densitometría realizadas. Resultados: Solamente 21 pacientes tenían realizada una densitometría en el momento de iniciar la NPD. La calidad del hueso está alterada al inicio de la NPD en un porcentaje significativo de casos (52%) Tras un seguimiento medio de 6 años ese porcentaje se eleva hasta el 81%. Dado el carácter retrospectivo del estudio y el escaso número de sujetos no esposible determinar el papel que juega la NPD en la etiología de la EMO. Sólo un 35% de los pacientes presentan niveles de vitamina D por encima de los niveles recomendados y la mayoría de ellos no recibe suplementación específica. Conclusiones: La NPD se asocia a un riesgo muy elevado de presentar EMO, por tanto es necesario disponer de protocolos de actuación que permitan detectar precozmente este problema y orientar el seguimiento y tratamiento de estos pacientes (AU)

Patients with intestinal failure who receive HPN are at high risk of developing MBD. The origin of this bonealteration is multifactorial and depends greatly on theunderlying disease for which the nutritional support is required. Data on the prevalence of this disease in our environment is lacking, so NADYA-SEMPE group has sponsored this transversal study with the aim of knowing the actual MBD prevalence.Material and methods: Retrospective data from 51 patients from 13 hospitals were collected. The questionnaire included demographic data as well as the most clinically relevant for MBD data. Laboratory data (calciuria,PTH, 25 -OH -vitamin D) and the results from the first and last bone densitometry were also registered. Results: Bone mineral density had only been assessed by densitometry in 21 patients at the moment HPN was started. Bone quality is already altered before HPN in a significant percentage of cases (52%). After a mean follow up of 6 years, this percentage increases up to 81%. Due toretrospective nature of the study and the low number of subjects included it has not been possible to determine the role that HPN plays in MBD etiology. Only 35% of patients have vitamin D levels above the recommended limits and the majority of them is not on specific supplementation. Conclusions: HPN is associated with very high risk ofMBD, therefore, management protocols that can lead toearly detection of the problem as well as guiding for followup and treatment of these patients are needed (AU)

[Transversal study on the prevalence of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) in Spain: data from NADYA group]. / Estudio transversal sobre la prevalencia de la Enfermedad Metabólica Ósea (EMO) y Nutrición Parenteral Domiciliaria (NPD) en España: datos del Grupo NADYA.

UNLABELLED: Patients with intestinal failure who receive HPN are at high risk of developing MBD. The origin of this bone alteration is multifactorial and depends greatly on the underlying disease for which the nutritional support is required. Data on the prevalence of this disease in our environment is lacking, so NADYA-SEMPE group has sponsored this transversal study with the aim of knowing the actual MBD prevalence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data from 51 patients from 13 hospitals were collected. The questionnaire included demographic data as well as the most clinically relevant for MBD data. Laboratory data (calciuria, PTH, 25 -OH -vitamin D) and the results from the first and last bone densitometry were also registered. RESULTS: Bone mineral density had only been assessed by densitometry in 21 patients at the moment HPN was started. Bone quality is already altered before HPN in a significant percentage of cases (52%). After a mean follow up of 6 years, this percentage increases up to 81%. Due to retrospective nature of the study and the low number of subjects included it has not been possible to determine the role that HPN plays in MBD etiology. Only 35% of patients have vitamin D levels above the recommended limits and the majority of them is not on specific supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: HPN is associated with very high risk of MBD, therefore, management protocols that can lead to early detection of the problem as well as guiding for follow up and treatment of these patients are needed.

[Immediate complications of feeding percutaneous gastrostomy: a 10-year experience]. / Complicaciones inmediatas de la gastrostomía percutánea de alimentación: 10 años de experiencia.

Percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube (PG) may be beneficial in some patients, in others such as advanced dementia or rapidly progressive diseases its value is being questioned. Patient selection is important to identify those who will benefit from PG. This study aims to identify patients factors that may help in patient selection for PG. To analyse the characteristics of this patient's cohort and to describe the immediate complications of the procedure that we have defined as the ones happened in the first 30 days. To compare the two patient's group -with and without- immediate complications, non-parametric tests were used.

[Nutritional support in the home-based hospitalization setting]. / El soporte nutricional en el ámbito de la hospitalización a domicilio.

UNLABELLED: The Hospital at Home (HAD) is a choice of care that enables own care in a hospital at home patient. Moreover, the nutritional support (NS) -enteral or parenteral nutrition- is usually indicated in patients with serious underlying disease, and/or frequently remain severely disabled. AIMS: To analyze the characteristics of the patients, attended at home for specific questions of the NS that receive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: descriptive and retrospective study of the patients attended by the Nutritional Support Unit (NSU), in the area of the HAD, from September 1, 2006 until August 31, 2007. RESULTS: At home, the realized procedure was: refill of gastrostomia or jejunostomia feeding tube in 158 cases; modification of the guideline of enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN) in 53 cases; training of the skill of artificial nutrition in 14 cases. 39 visits were realized by complications -by infection or lead throught the estoma and by obstruction of the feeding tube-. Only in 3 patients (7.7%) the domiciliary assistance indicated the movement of the patient to the Emergency Unit. CONCLUSION: In our center, the infrastructure of the HAD has allowed to give answer to the needs of the patients who receive NS at home in our area of influence.

Complicaciones inmediatas de la gastrostomía percutánea de alimentación: 10 años de experiencia / Immediate complications or feeding percutaneous gastrotomy: A 10-year experiencie

El soporte nutricional enteral a través de sonda de gastrostomia percutánea de alimentación (GP) es beneficiosa en ciertos pacientes, en otros, tales como pacientes con demencia avanzada o enfermedades rápidamente progresivas, sin embargo, se cuestiona su papel. La selección de los pacientes es, pués, importante para identificar aquéllos que pueden beneficiarse de la alimentación a través de una soda de GP. En este estudio, se analizan las características de una cohorte de pacientes, en soporte nutricional enteral a través de sonda de GP, y se describen las complicaciones inmediatas de la técnica -definidas como las acontecidas en los 30 primeros dias de la realización del procedimiento-al objeto de identificar los factores de riesgo que ayuden a seleccionar los pacientes candidatos a ser alimentados a través de sonda de GP. Nuestro estudio muestra que la edad superior a 70 años puede predecir la evolución y la supervivencia después de la colocación de una sonda de GP para alimentación. Consecuentemente, este factor obliga a analizar, de manera individual y sistemática, la necesidad o no de colocar la sonda de GP en pacientes mayores de 70 años (AU)

Percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube (PG) may be beneficial in some patients, in others such as advanced dementia or rapidly progressive diseases its value is being questioned. Patient selection is important to identify those whowill benefit from PG. This study aims to identify patients factors that may help in patient selection for PG. To analyse the characteristics of this patient's cohort and to describe the immediate complications of the procedure that we have defined as the ones happened in the first 30 days. To compare the two patient's group -with and without- immediate complications, non-parametric tests were used (AU)

El soporte nutricional en el ámbito de la hospitalización a domicilio / Nutritional support in the home-based hospitalization setting

La Hospitalización a Domicilio (HAD) es una opción asistencial que posibilita proporcionar cuidados propios de un hospital en el domicilio del paciente. El soporte nutricional (SN) -enteral por sonda o parenteral- suele indicarse en pacientes de edad avanzada y/o severamente discapacitados por lo que la nutrición artificial cobra gran interés en la atención domiciliaria. Objetivos: Analizar las características de los pacientes, atendidos en el domicilio, por cuestiones específicas del SN que reciben. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo de los pacientes atendidos por la Unidad de Soporte Nutricional (SN), en el ámbito de la HAD, desde el 1 de Septiembre del 2006 hasta el 31 de Agosto del 2007. Resultados: En el domicilio del paciente el procedimiento realizado fue: recambio de sonda de ostomia en 158 ocasiones; modificación de la pauta de nutrición enteral (NE) o nutrición parenteral (NP) en 53 casos; adiestramiento de la técnica de nutrición artificial en 14 casos. Se realizaron 39 visitas urgentes por complicaciones -fundamentalmente por infección o incontinencia del estoma y por obstrucción de la sonda-. Sólo en 3 pacientes (7,7%) la asistencia domiciliaria indicó el traslado del paciente al Servicio de Urgencias. Conclusión: En nuestro centro, la infraestructura de la HAD ha permitido dar respuesta a las necesidades de los pacientes que reciben SN domiciliario en nuestra área de influencia (AU)

The Hospital at Home (HAD) is a choice of care that enables own care in a hospital at home patient. Moreover, the nutritional support (NS) -enteral or parenteral nutrition- is usually indicated in patients with serious underlying disease, and/or frequently remain severely disabled. Aims: To analyze the characteristics of the patients, attended at home for specific questions of the NS that receive. Material and methods: descriptive and retrospective study of the patients attended by the Nutritional Support Unit (NSU), in the area of the HAD, from September 1, 2006 until August 31, 2007. Results: At home, the realized procedure was: refill of gastrostomia or jejunostomia feeding tube in 158 cases; modification of the guideline of enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN) in 53 cases; training of the skill of artificial nutrition in 14 cases. 39 visits were realized by complications -by infection or lead throught the estoma and by obstruction of the feeding tube-. Only in 3 patients (7.7%) the domiciliary assistance indicated the movement of the patient to the Emergency Unit. Conclusion: In our center, the infrastructure of the HAD has allowed to give answer to the needs of the patients who receive NS at home in our area of influence (AU)

Usefulness of jejunal biopsy in the study of intestinal malabsorption in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: small bowel structure and function are not different between elderly people and young people. Thus, in principle it is advisable to perform diagnostic investigation of elderly patients as well as younger patients when they present with symptoms suggestive of intestinal malabsorption. A key test for the etiologic diagnosis of intestinal malabsorption, jejunal biopsy, has not been specifically examined to assess its usefulness and risk of complications in this advanced age patients. AIM: to establish the usefulness of jejunal biopsy with the Watson's capsule in the elderly patients with suspected intestinal malabsorption. PATIENTS: patients older than 65 years referred to our Unit for performance of a jejunal biopsy from 1996 to 2001 for suspicion of intestinal malabsorption. RESULTS: forty-seven patients were included. Appropriate biopsy sample was obtained in 45 cases, although in 3 patients a second try was required. Histologic findings: partial villous atrophy in 10 cases (22.2%), complete villous atrophy in 5 cases (11.1%), intraepithelial lymphocytosis in 5 cases (11.1%), and single cases of intestinal lymphangiectasia, amyloidosis, unspecific jejunitis, and Whipple's disease. Histology was normal in 19 cases (42%). Definitive diagnosis was celiac disease in 14 patients, bacterial overgrowth in 3, jejunitis in 3, Whipple's disease in 1, lymphangiectasia in 1, atrophic gastritis in 3, amyloidosis in 1, and ischemic colitis in 1. Jejunal biopsy achieved an etiologic diagnosis in 20 patients. There were no cases of perforations or bleeding. CONCLUSION: jejunal biopsy is a useful and safe test for the etiologic diagnosis of intestinal malabsorption in elderly patients.

Estudio de hemocromatosis hereditaria en población laboral / A study of hereditary haemochromatosis in a working population

La hemocromatosis hereditaria (HH) es una enfermedad genética caracterizada por una acumulación progresiva de hierro en diferentes órganos como consecuencia de una elevada absorción de éste. El diagnóstico clínico de la HH está basado en la evaluación de los niveles séricos de hierro, ferritina, transferrina e índice de saturación de transferrina. En el presente estudio se realiza un análisis comparativo entre estos parámetros bioquímicos y la presencia de las mutaciones C282Y y H63D en el gen HFE asociadas a HH en una muestra de población laboral (AU)

Estudio de marcadores biológicos en la población laboral / A study of biological markers in the working population

Con el fin de obtener algoritmos de toma de decisiones en los reconocimientos médicos laborales y poder llegar a establecer protocolos de laboratorio según las características de los grupos de trabajadores, se ha estudiado una población tomada al azar (n = 870) y se han buscado una serie de marcadores en sangre y orina siguiendo protocolos de actuación establecidos previamente. Así se han estudiado, hasta la actualidad, la anemia, el consumo de droga de abuso y el alcoholismo. Los resultado obtenidos han confirmado las sospechas de que estas patologías se encuentran subyacentes en los individuos estudiados y que a través de estos marcadores se confirman como elementos a tener en cuenta la vigilancia de la salud de esta población.Existe casi un 2 por ciento de consumo de drogas en la muestra estudiada, un 50 por ciento de población. Existe casi un 2 por ciento de consumo de drogas en la muestra estudiada, un 50 por ciento de alteraciones en la ferritina/transferrina dentro de los casos seleccionados como sospechosos de anemia y hasta un 22 por ciento de positivos en la detección de consumo de alcohol. Con estos datos queda clara la importancia de seguir estudiando un nuevo concepto de actuaciones en esta población y la necesidad de establecer una relación coste/eficacia parta determinar su implementación en la rutina de los exámenes médicos laborales (AU)

Forceful dilatation under endoscopic control in the treatment of achalasia: a randomised trial of pneumatic versus metallic dilator.

Forceful dilatation under endoscopic control is a well established treatment of achalasia; several different types of dilators can be used. This study prospectively compared the clinical and manometric efficacy of a single dilatation using two different dilators. Forty one patients were randomly assigned to forceful dilatation under endoscopic control with either a pneumatic dilator (n = 17) or a metallic dilator (n = 24). Thereafter, the patients received periodic clinical and manometric evaluation for one year (before and one, six, and 12 months after dilatation). One month after dilatation all but one of the subjects in each group had experienced good to excellent results and their clinical improvement persisted for the one year follow up. Two patients (one in each group) were perforated during the procedure and required surgical treatment. Recovery was uneventful in both cases. Resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (mean (SEM)) significantly and similarly decreased after both methods of dilatation (pneumatic dilator: before dilatation 37 (3) mm Hg, one year after dilatation 18 (3) mm Hg; metallic dilator: before dilatation 34 (2) mm Hg, one year after dilatation 17 (3) mm Hg; p < 0.05 for both). It is concluded that in the treatment of achalasia a single dilatation under endoscopic control with either pneumatic or metallic dilator yield comparable clinical and manometric results and similar complication rates. The use of one or other dilator should depend more on the preference and experience of the endoscopist than on the type of device.

Potential usefulness of hydrogen breath test with D-xylose in clinical management of intestinal malabsorption.

Hydrogen breath tests (H2 BT) have been used extensively to investigate intestinal disaccharidase deficiencies. A potentially useful test for assessing intestinal absorptive function, the H2 BT with D-xylose (H2 BT-D-xylose), has received scant attention. We report here the results of our investigation of this test in 45 patients. Fifteen patients had proved malabsorption that was due to nontropical sprue in nine, and to lymphoma, Whipple's disease, or giardiasis in the remainder. Nine patients had small-bowel bacterial overgrowth secondary to either postsurgical sequelae or intestinal dysmotility. Twenty-one patients with irritable bowel syndrome and 21 healthy individuals served as control groups. All participants ingested 25 g of D-xylose, and alveolar breath samples were obtained thereafter at 30 min intervals for 5 hr. Breath H2 was measured by chromatography. Basal H2 production, peak change (delta) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Simultaneously, 5-hr urinary excretion of D-xylose was measured by colorimetry and served as the reference test. In healthy individuals, D-xylose ingestion increased H2 production (delta = 5.8 +/- 1.4 ppm, P < 0.001). Changes were similar in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome. In contrast, the increase was of a much greater magnitude in the malabsorption group (delta = 49.9 +/- 7.2 ppm, P < 0.001 vs healthy controls). AUC analysis yielded comparable results. Test performance analysis showed that, in malabsorption the H2 BT-D-xylose had a sensitivity index of 0.86, which was identical to that of the urinary D-xylose test. Specificity was 1 and 0.95, respectively; and predictability 1 and 0.93, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)