Low-Protein Diet in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4 and 5 in Conservative Management: Focus on Sarcopenia Development.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease is a degenerative and increasingly prevalent condition that includes metabolic abnormalities and is associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. The conservative approach points primarily to controlling metabolic issues and reducing the risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia, slowing the progression of kidney disease. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of a low-protein diet on malnutrition and sarcopenia. METHODS: A total of 45 patients (33 male and 12 female) aged over 70 with chronic kidney disease stage 4-5 in conservative management were considered. All patients had a dietary assessment and prescription of personalized low-protein dietary plans (≤0.6 g protein/kg) and a follow-up control between 4 and 6 months. In preliminary and follow-up evaluations, anthropometric data, blood examinations, body composition results, muscle strength, physical performance, and a 3-day food diary were collected. RESULTS: In the follow-up period, a significant weight loss (p = 0.001) and a decrease in body mass index (p = 0.002) were recorded. Food diaries revealed a significant reduction in protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake (p < 0.001), with a significant reduction in urea (p < 0.001) and proteinuria (p = 0.01) without any impact on lean mass (p = 0.66). Considerable variations in adherence between food diaries and the prescribed diet were also noted. CONCLUSIONS: Providing a personalized low-protein diet led to significant benefits in a short period without worsening the patient's nutritional status.

Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Mediterranean Diet and Sperm Parameters.

Infertility, affecting 15 to 25% of couples in the most developed countries, is recognized by the World Health Organization as a public health issue at a global level. Different causes are acknowledged to reduce fertility in both sexes. In particular, about 40-50% of cases recognize a male factor. Dietary habits and lifestyle are acknowledged to influence sperm quality and are therefore important modifiable factors in male reproductive health. Conditions such as overweight/obesity, impaired glucose metabolism and determinants of metabolic syndrome, together with unhealthy lifestyle behavior, i.e., smoking cigarettes and physical inactivity, are suggested to have a negative impact on male fertility. While individual elements and characteristics of the Western diet and habits are considered risk factors for male infertility, the Mediterranean diet (MD) seems to promote reproductive potential for improving sperm quality. It is also interesting to note that previous observational studies reported a positive correlation between the consumption of the single food classes of the MD pattern (i.e., vegetables and fruits, poultry, fish and seafood, whole grains, low-fat dairy products) and the quality of several sperm parameters. To evaluate the relationship between sperm parameters and MD adherence, we performed a cross-sectional study on the seminal data of 300 males (mean age 34.6 ± 9.1 years) who spontaneously referred to our center of reproductive medicine. The evaluation of adherence to MD was performed with a validated 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire. Our findings showed that sperm parameters such as sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology are significantly and positively correlated with MEDAS, independently of BMI and age. In addition, the application of an ROC curve on MEDAS value vs. seminal alterations identified 6.25 as the score threshold value below which altered sperm parameters were more likely to occur [AUC = 0.096 (CI: 0.059-0.133; p < 0.00)]. Therefore, adhering to the MD with at least a MEDAS score of 6.26 increases the probability of normozoospermia. Moreover, subjects who had a MEDAS value lower than 6.25 had an Odds Ratio of 6.28 (CI = 3.967-9.945) for having at least one altered sperm parameter compared to those who were more adherent to the MD. In conclusion, our findings show that a higher adherence to the MD is associated with better semen parameters, in particular in relation to sperm count, sperm concentration, typical sperm morphology, and sperm progressive motility.

Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.

The use of nutraceutical products to enhance male sexual performance has a long history, especially with regard to the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Alternative treatments for ED are becoming increasingly popular, with growing interest from consumers, as well as increased revenue for manufacturers. Dietary supplements (DSs), which are a mixture of active ingredients, are mainly sold online. In randomized controlled trials, the molecules contained in DSs have demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness, or even have no evidence to support their use. However, none of the studies carried out provided sufficient evidence to consider these products a first-line therapy. Therefore, the combination of the various active ingredients, especially in relation to the daily dose, leaves doubts about the real effectiveness. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of DS formulations, we analyzed the products marketed in Italy using a scoring approach. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate the effect of DS and to detect the active ingredients able to improve erectile function-called effective ingredients (EIs)-and their minimal effective daily dose (mED). A metanalysis identified some nutraceuticals, such as Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris and L-arginine, that are able to improve male sexual function. Based on the scoring system, 2 (8%) supplements matched with the cluster of higher expected efficacy, 3 (12%) with the lower efficacy cluster and 20 (80%) matched with the criterion of no expected efficacy. DSs marketed in Italy are usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at a negligible dose or without any evidence.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Low-FODMAP Protocol in a Cohort of Fabry Disease Adult Patients.

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal disorder caused by α-galactosidase A enzyme deficiency. Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are reported in FD with a prevalence of about 50%, usually treated by Enzymatic Replacement Therapy (ERT) or oral treatment. Since FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) can be involved in GI manifestations and dysbiosis in FD patients, a low-FODMAP diet could represent an alternative adjunctive treatment in FD subjects, as well as being useful for reducing symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). We retrospectively assessed data from 36 adult FD patients followed at the Inherited Metabolic Rare Diseases Adult Centre of the University Hospital of Padova (mean age 47.6 ± 16.2 years). Patients were screened for GI symptoms by IBS severity score and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaires. In symptomatic patients, the low-FODMAP diet was proposed in order to improve GI manifestations; it consists of a phase of elimination of fermentable saccharides, succeeded by a gradual reintegration of the same. Severe or moderate GI symptoms were found in 61.1% of patients, with no correlation to the therapy in use, and significantly more severe in the classical form of FD. The protocol was completed by seven patients affected by severe GI manifestations, significantly higher than the others. The low-FODMAP diet significantly improved indigestion, diarrhoea, and constipation. This dietetic protocol seemed to have a positive impact on intestinal symptoms, by identifying and reducing the intake of the foods most related to the onset of disorders and improving the clinical manifestations. A low-FODMAP diet may be an effective alternative approach to improve intestinal manifestations and quality of life, and nutrition can play an important role in the multidisciplinary care of patients with FD.

Anthropometrics, Dietary Intake and Body Composition in Urea Cycle Disorders and Branched Chain Organic Acidemias: A Case Study of 18 Adults on Low-Protein Diets.

Low-protein diets (LPDs) are the mainstream treatment for inborn errors of intermediary protein metabolism (IEIPM), but dietary management differs worldwide. Most studies have investigated pediatric populations and their goals such as growth and metabolic balance, showing a tendency toward increasing overweight and obesity. Only a few studies have examined nutritional status and dietary intake of adult IEIPM patients on LPDs. We assessed nutritional parameters (dietary intake using a 7-day food diary record, body composition by bioimpedance analysis, and biochemical serum values) in a group of 18 adult patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) and branched chain organic acidemia (BCOA). Mean total protein intake was 0.61 ± 0.2 g/kg/day (73.5% of WHO Safe Levels) and mean natural protein (PN) intake was 0.54 ± 0.2 g/kg/day; 33.3% of patients consumed amino acid (AA) supplements. A totally of 39% of individuals presented a body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 and patients on AA supplements had a mean BMI indicative of overweight. All patients reported low physical activity levels. Total energy intake was 24.2 ± 5 kcal/kg/day, representing 72.1% of mean total energy expenditure estimated by predictive formulas. The protein energy ratio (P:E) was, on average, 2.22 g/100 kcal/day. Plasmatic levels of albumin, amino acids, and lipid profiles exhibited normal ranges. Phase angle (PA) was, on average, 6.0° ± 0.9°. Fat mass percentage (FM%) was 22% ± 9% in men and 36% ± 4% in women. FM% was inversely and significantly related to total and natural protein intake. Data from IEIPM adults on LPDs confirmed the pediatric trend of increasing overweight and obesity despite a low energy intake. A low protein intake may contribute to an increased fat mass. Nutritional parameters and a healthy lifestyle should be routinely assessed in order to optimize nutritional status and possibly reduce risk of cardiovascular degenerative diseases in adult UCD and BCOA patients on LPDs.

Dietary Supplements for Female Infertility: A Critical Review of Their Composition.

Infertility is the condition of about 15% of couples that cannot get a conception after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. In females, the reduced reproductive capacity underlies the most varied causes. Dietary supplements (DS) might be used to improve the pregnancy rate and a wide range of DS are proposed today to support female fertility. Although many authors demonstrated the positive effect of some of these products, the real efficacy of this approach is still debated. In order to evaluate the potential efficacy of DS for female infertility, we analysed the products marketed in Italy, using an original approach. A review of literature was performed to evaluate the effect of nutraceuticals on various female reproductive outcomes and to detect the minimal effective daily dose (mED) able to improve at least one of these. Thereafter, we conceived a formula to classify the expected efficacy of each DS. Each DS was scored and included into three classes of expected efficacy: higher, lower, and none. Ten out of 24 supplements (41.7%) resulted in the higher and 8 (34.3%) in the lower efficacy group, the remaining 6 DS (25.0%) were expected to have no efficacy. DS marketed in Italy are usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at a negligible dose or without any evidence of efficacy. These findings raise serious doubt about the potential effectiveness of most commercial DS for female infertility.

High prolactin levels in dihydropteridine reductase deficiency: A sign of therapy failure or additional pathology?

We report the case of a 22-year-old man with a diagnosis of dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) deficiency who progressively developed movement disorders and epilepsy. Despite L-Dopa supplementation the patient continued to show high prolactin levels, with a discrepancy between the neurological clinical picture and the hormonal biochemical levels. For this reason, other potential causes were ruled out by performing a cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, which demonstrated a solid lesion in the pituitary gland strongly suggestive of a prolactinoma. As the association between metabolic disorders affecting biogenic amine synthesis and prolactinoma has not been previously reported in humans, this report suggests that a critical evaluation of the use of prolactin as a guide for therapy dosage should be made in patients with DHPR deficiency disorders.

Systematic Review and Critical Analysis on Dietary Supplements for Male Infertility: From a Blend of Ingredients to a Rationale Strategy.

Content: Dietary supplements (DS) for male infertility marketed in Italy were evaluated for composition, concentration of ingredients, and recommended daily dose. A systematic review of literature identified ingredients potentially effective on sperm parameters and their minimal effective daily dose (mED). Objective: This study was conducted in order to critically evaluate the composition and efficacy of DS marketed in Italy. Design Setting and Participants: This was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Evidence Acquisition: A formula allowed us to classify the expected efficacy of each DS, based on composition. Each DS was scored and included into three classes of expected efficacy: high, low, and none. Evidence Synthesis: Among 24 supplements, 3 (12.5%) fall in high, 9 (37.5%) in lower, and 12 (50.0%) in no expected efficacy class. DS composition showed 36 substances, 18 with no literature on male fertility and 18 showing positive effect on sperm parameters, thus considered potentially active ingredients (PAI). All DS were mixtures of ingredients, containing from 2 to 17 different substances. Fifteen supplements (65.2%) contained at least 1 ingredient without evidence of efficacy and 21 formulations had PAI dosed below mED. Some PAI were associated to the improvement of specific sperm parameters. Conclusions: DS were usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at negligible dose or without any evidence of efficacy on male reproduction. Some ingredients have been demonstrated to be effective on specific sperm parameters by RCTs. We report a list of ingredients with potential efficacy on specific sperm parameters, aimed to allow a tailored use of DS. Patient Summary: The market of DS for male infertility offers products with potential efficacy in the improvement of sperm parameters but also many with uncertain effects. Based on current scientific literature, our study can help in the choice of DS that are more likely to be effective on specific sperm alterations, so providing the best supplementation for each patient.

Nutrient Intake and Nutritional Status in Adult Patients with Inherited Metabolic Diseases Treated with Low-Protein Diets: A Review on Urea Cycle Disorders and Branched Chain Organic Acidemias.

Low-protein diets (LPDs) are the main treatment for urea cycle disorders (UCDs) and organic acidemias (OAs). In most cases, LPDs start in childhood and must be continued into adulthood. The improved life expectancy of patients with UCDs and OAs raises the question of their consequences on nutritional status in adult subjects. As this topic has so far received little attention, we conducted a review of scientific studies that investigated the nutrient intake and nutritional status in adult patients with UCDs and branched chain organic acidemias (BCOAs) on LPD. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE and Google Scholar from 1 January 2000 to 31 May 2020, focusing on nutrient intake and nutritional status in UCD and OA adult patients. RESULTS: Despite protein restriction is recommended as the main treatment for UCDs and OAs, in these patients, protein intake ranges widely, with many patients who do not reach safety levels. When evaluated, micronutrient intake resulted below recommended values in some patients. Lean body mass resulted in most cases lower than normal range while fat body mass (FM) was often found normal or higher than the controls or reference values. Protein intake correlated inversely with FM both in adult and pediatric UCD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical management of adult patients with UCDs and BCOAs should include an accurate assessment of the nutritional status and body composition. However, as little data is still available on this topic, further studies are needed to better clarify the effects of LPDs on nutritional status in adult UCD and BCOA patients.

Dietary Supplements for Male Infertility: A Critical Evaluation of Their Composition.

Dietary supplements (DS) represent a possible approach to improve sperm parameters and male fertility. A wide range of DS containing different nutrients is now available. Although many authors demonstrated benefits from some nutrients in the improvement of sperm parameters, their real effectiveness is still under debate. The aim of this study was to critically review the composition of DS using the Italian market as a sample. Active ingredients and their minimal effective daily dose (mED) on sperm parameters were identified through a literature search. Thereafter, we created a formula to classify the expected efficacy of each DS. Considering active ingredients, their concentration and the recommended daily dose, DS were scored into three classes of expected efficacy: higher, lower and none. Twenty-one DS were identified. Most of them had a large number of ingredients, frequently at doses below mED or with undemonstrated efficacy. Zinc was the most common ingredient of DS (70% of products), followed by selenium, arginine, coenzyme Q and folic acid. By applying our scoring system, 9.5% of DS fell in a higher class, 71.4% in a lower class and 19.1% in the class with no expected efficacy. DS marketed in Italy for male infertility frequently includes effective ingredients but also a large number of substances at insufficient doses or with no reported efficacy. Manufacturers and physicians should better consider the scientific evidence on effective ingredients and their doses before formulating and prescribing these products.

Could nutritional therapy take us further in our approaches to Fabry disease?

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene that result in deficiency of enzyme α-galactosidase A activity. Clinical manifestation varies from mild to severe depending on the phenotype. The main clinical manifestations are cutaneous (angiokeratomas), neurologic (acroparesthesias), gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain), renal (proteinuria and kidney failure), cardiovascular (cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias), and cerebrovascular (stroke). Enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human α-galactosidase is currently the therapeutic option for FD. Although enzyme replacement therapy has changed the natural history of disease, many clinical aspects of FD require an additional specific treatment. Nutritional approach is mostly indicated in case of nephropathy and gastrointestinal symptoms. Specific dietary interventions can modulate some pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease, such as the inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagic disorders. However, to our knowledge, limited attention has been given to the nutritional aspects of FD. The aim of this review is to examine nutritional strategies that might interfere with several pathophysiologic aspects of FD, including inflammation and oxidative stress. A dietary approach should be part of the basic treatment in renal manifestations of FD. Dietary measures recommended for irritable bowel syndrome could be recommended for gastrointestinal symptoms. Dietary factors can modulate the inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy involved in FD. Polyphenols, ω-3 fatty acids, microbiota, and specific dietary patterns can interfere with inflammation/oxidative stress and autophagy mechanisms and could also contribute to the slowing of FD progression.

Potential role of phytochemicals in metabolic syndrome prevention and therapy.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of cardiovascular risk factors which severely increases the risk of type II diabetes, renal disease and cardiovascular disease. Over the last decades, the role of dietary bioactive substances in features of MetS has been extensively investigated. Due to their multiple properties, these plant-derived natural compounds have demonstrated to provide positive effects in obesity, diabetes, renal and in cardiovascular disease. Catechins of green tea and caffeine reduce body mass index and waist circumference. Catechins, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins of cocoa reduce blood pressure and blood glucose. Curcumin and silymarin exert hepatoprotective effects. Monacolins of red yeast rice are effective cholesterol-lowering agents. However, inconsistent or conflicting results have been found in clinical trials when other promising compounds in vitro or in animal studies, such as policosanol, curcumin or silymarin, were used. Low oral bioavailability of substances, ineffective dosages, inadequate treatment duration and insufficient statistical approach may explain the lack of effectiveness observed in some human studies. Further clinical studies are needed to better understand the role of bioactive compounds in the prevention and management of MetS.

Modified Atkins ketogenic diet improves heart and skeletal muscle function in glycogen storage disease type III.

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSDIII) management in adult patients includes a high-protein diet with cornstarch supplementation to maintain a normal level of glucose in the blood. This regimen can prevent hypoglycaemia but does not seem to improve skeletal muscle and heart function. A 34 years-old patient with GSD IIIa with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was then treated with a modified Atkins ketogenic diet. After 12 months of treatment ejection fraction raised from 30 to 45%, liver enzymes were reduced and CK plasma level dropped from 568 to 327 U/l. Physical activity increased from about 1300 to 2800 steps per day and health-related quality of life assessment ameliorated. An increase in uric acid triglycerides plasma level was observed. This data obtained in an adult patient confirm previous reports evidencing the effectiveness of ketogenic diets in improving cardiac and muscular manifestations in children with GSDIII.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a cohort of italian patients with spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy.

Spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), is an X-linked motor neuron disease caused by a CAG-repeat expansion in the first exon of the androgen receptor gene (AR) on chromosome X. In SBMA, non-neural clinical phenotype includes disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism. We investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), insulin resistance (IR) and non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a group of SBMA patients. Forty-seven consecutive patients genetically diagnosed with SBMA underwent biochemical analyses. In 24 patients abdominal sonography examination was performed. Twenty-three (49%) patients had fasting glucose above reference values and 31 (66%) patients had a homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) ≥ 2.6. High levels of total cholesterol were found in 24 (51%) patients, of LDL-cholesterol in 18 (38%) and of triglycerides in 18 (38%). HDL-cholesterol was decreased in 36 (77%) patients. Twenty-four (55%) subjects had 3 or more criteria of MS. A positive correlation (r = 0.52; p < 0.01) was observed between HOMA-IR and AR-CAG repeat length. AST and ALT were above the reference values respectively in 29 (62%) and 18 (38%) patients. At ultrasound examination increased liver echogenicity was found in 22 patients (92 %). In one patient liver cirrhosis was diagnosed. Liver/kidney ratio of grey-scale intensity, a semi-quantitative parameter of severity of steatosis, strongly correlated with BMI (r = 0.68; p < 0.005). Our study shows a high prevalence of IR, MS and NAFLD in SBMA patients, conditions that increase the cardiovascular risk and can lead to serious liver damage, warranting pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.

Use of herbal products among 392 Italian pregnant women: focus on pregnancy outcome.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to explore the use of herbal products among a sample of Italian pregnant women and the possible influence of herbal consumption on pregnancy outcome. METHODS: The study was conducted over a 10-month period (2 days a week, from January to October 2009) at the Maternity wards of Padua and Rovereto Hospital. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview on the basis of a prestructured questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics of the enrolled subjects, specific questions on herbal use, information about pregnancy and newborn. RESULTS: In total, 392 interviews were considered. One hundred and nine out of 392 women (27.8%) reported to have been taking one or more herbal products during pregnancy, in the 36.7% of cases throughout all pregnancy. The most frequently herbs taken by interviewees were chamomile, licorice, fennel, aloe, valerian, echinacea, almond oil, propolis, and cranberry. Four out of 109 women (3.7%) reported side-effects: constipation after a tisane containing a mix of herbs, rash and itching after local application of aloe or almond oil. The decision to use herbal products was mainly based on personal judgement and on the conviction that these natural substances would be safer than traditional medicines. Users were more often affected by morbidities pregnancy-related and their neonates were more frequently small for their gestational age. An higher incidence of threatening miscarriages and preterm labours was observed among regular users of chamomile and licorice. CONCLUSIONS: This research underlines that the use of herbal products during pregnancy is common among Italian women, not always appropriate and in some cases potentially harmful.

Sleeve gastrectomy as revisional procedure for failed gastric banding or gastroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is considered an effective multipurpose operation for morbid obesity, although long-term results are still lacking. Also, the best procedure to be offered in the case of failed restrictive procedures is still debated. We here reported our results of LSG as a revisional procedure for inadequate weight loss and/or complications after adjustable gastric banding or gastroplasty. METHODS: Since April 2005, 57 patients (20 men and 37 women), with a mean age of 49.9 +/- 11.9 years, underwent revisional LSG, 52 after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding/adjustable gastric banding and 5 after vertical banded gastroplasty at our institution. The mean interval from the primary procedure to LSG was 7.54 +/- 4.8 years. The LSG was created using a 34F bougie with an endostapler, after removing the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band or the anterior portion of the band in those who had undergone vertical banded gastroplasty. An upper gastrointestinal contrast study was performed within 3 days after surgery and, if the findings were negative, a soft diet was promptly started. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients had undergone concurrent band removal and LSG and 16 had undergone band removal followed by an interval LSG. Three cases required conversion to open surgery because of a large incisional hernia. The mean operative time was 120 minutes (range 90-180). One patient died of multiple organ failure from septic shock. Three patients (5.7%) developed a perigastric hematoma, 3 (5.7%) had leaks, and 1 had mid-gastric short stenosis. The median hospital stay was 5 days. The mean body mass index at revisional LSG was 45.7 +/- 10.8 kg/m(2) and had decreased to 39 +/- 8.5 kg/m(2) after 2 years, with a mean percentage of the estimated excess body mass index lost of 41.6% +/- 24.4%. Two patients required a duodenal switch for insufficient weight loss. CONCLUSION: LSG seems to be effective as revisional procedure for failed LAGB/vertical banded gastroplasty, although with greater complication rates than the primary procedures. Larger series and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these promising results.

Diet and the kidney.

This is a short synopsis of the importance of nutrition and disease, which is especially centered on the achievements concerning renal diseases. With regard to renal nutrition, the paper analyzes the contributions of Beale, Peters and van Slyke, Addis, and Borst, and discusses the advent of the Giordano-Giovannetti diet and its modifications.

Wernicke's syndrome during parenteral feeding: not an unusual complication.

OBJECTIVE: Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute disorder due to thiamine deficiency, characterized by ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and mental confusion, similar to that classically observed in alcoholism. Some cases of WE were reported to coincide with other conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum, bariatric surgery, and total parenteral nutrition. In this study the objective was to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of WE among intravenously fed patients in our hospital during the previous 2 y. METHODS: Among all cases of WE diagnosed by cranial magnetic resonance scan during a 2-y period in the Azienda Ospedaliera of Padua, we identified patients who exhibited WE during parenteral feeding. Albumin plasma levels, measured at the onset of WE symptoms, were used to estimate nutritional status. RESULTS: We found seven cases of WE that coincided with intravenous feeding. WE occurred, on average, 13 d after the start of glucose infusion. The five subjects with albumin plasma levels lower than 35 g/L at the onset of WE received glucose infusion for fewer days. In six cases the clinical signs disappeared the day after thiamine infusion. In one case mental function did not normalize and the patient developed Korsakoff's syndrome despite prolonged thiamine treatment. CONCLUSION: During a 2-y period we observed a high prevalence of WE in intravenously fed patients due to lack of thiamine supplementation. A prophylactic treatment must be performed in at-risk patients and multivitamin infusion containing thiamine must be administered daily during the course of intravenous feeding.

Knowledges about herbal products among subjects on warfarin therapy and patient-physician relationship: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to analyse behaviours and patient-physician relationship about phytotherapy among a sample of Italian patients on warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. METHODS: During a 4-month study period, interviews of patients on warfarin therapy, followed regularly in the medical laboratories to monitor INR values, were conducted on the basis of a pre-structured 25-item questionnaire. RESULTS: Among a study population of 294 patients, 69 subjects reported to have been taking one or more phytotherapic products in the last year in combination with warfarin. Users were mostly in the age group >50 years and had a low level of education. Five out of 69 patients reported side effects, while 16/69 referred an unstable INR value. The majority of our subjects considered phytotherapy useful and without risks. CONCLUSIONS: The present survey highlights the potential risk of confidence with the 'natural world', the lack of discussion on this argument among health care providers and patients on warfarin therapy and the need to monitor strictly the INR value.

Wernicke's encephalopathy during parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Thiamine deficiency in humans affects the cardiovascular, muscular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Wernicke's encephalopathy is described in alcoholism, in hyperemesis gravidarum, and in prolonged IV feeding without vitamin supplementation. METHODS: We report a case of a 66-year-old man undergoing surgery for acute necrotic-hemorrhagic pancreatitis, who presented a Wernicke's syndrome during parenteral nutrition (PN). After surgery, he was treated with infusion of industrial 3-compartment bags, without vitamin supplementation. On the seventh postoperative day, nausea and vomiting began, and 5 days later the patient showed diplopia, ataxia, general muscular stiffness, reduction of osteotendinous reflexes, confusional state, and thrombocytopenia. The magnetic resonance scan evidenced pathologic changes in the medial thalamus, in the third and fourth ventricular floor, in the cerebellar vermis, and in the periaqueductal gray substance. RESULTS: All neurologic signs and platelet blood count gradually normalized after IV supplementation of thiamine, 100 mg daily. The magnetic resonance scan repeated 40 days after the first one was normal. CONCLUSIONS: Our report points out the risk of incorrect procedures in management of industrial 3-compartment bags. Moreover, we suggest that thrombocytopenia may be related to thiamine deficiency.