The burden of hospital malnutrition in Spain: methods and development of the PREDyCES® study

It is well known that hospital malnutrition is a highly prevalent condition associated to increase morbidity and mortality as well as related healthcare costs. Although previous studies have already measured the prevalence and/or costs of hospital nutrition in our country, their local focus (at regional or even hospital level) make that the true prevalence and economic impact of hospital malnutrition for the National Health System remain unknown in Spain. The PREDyCES® (Prevalence of hospital malnutrition and associated costs in Spain) study was aimed to assess the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in Spain and to estimate related costs. Some aspects made this study unique: a) It was the first study in a representative sample of hospitals of Spain; b) different measures to assess hospital malnutrition (NRS2002, MNA as well as anthropometric and biochemical markers) where used both at admission and discharge and, c) the economic consequences of malnutrition where estimated using the perspective of the Spanish National Health System.

1996-2011: Análisis del soporte nutricional utilizado en los pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) del Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV)

Objetivos: Comparar tres períodos de tiempo (1996-2001; 2002-2006; 2007-2011) a partir del análisis del soporte nutricional en los pacientes de UCI del hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV). A partir de la comparación, elaborar modelos predictivos (basados en árboles de clasificación tipo CHAID y redes neuronales artificiales) del tipo de soporte nutricional a utilizar, según varias variables obtenidas en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso.

Impacto de una intervención de precauciones de contacto sobre la infección intrahospitalaria en una unidad neonatal

Introducción : las infecciones intrahospitalarias llevan alta morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes críticamente enfermos en unidades neonatales. Materiales y métodos : después de un período de observación de 5 meses, se realizó una intervención educativa en una unidad neonatal de referencia en Bogotá sobre adecuadas técnicas de aislamiento y precauciones de contacto, basados en la toma de cultivos de piel para evaluar la colonización microbiológica. Se evaluó la tasa de infecciones intrahospitalarias (IIH) de los dos períodos y se realizó un ajuste teniendo en cuenta variables confusoras que afectan el riesgo de infección intrahospitalaria a través de un modelo de regresión logística incondicional. Resultados : se evaluaron 450 neonatos. 78 pacientes tuvieron IIH, siendo mayor en el primer grupo (45 de 247; 18,2%), que en el de intervención educativa: (33 de 203; 16,2%). La IIH se presentó en 17 de 25 pacientes colonizados (66,7%), 15 de 44 pacientes no colonizados (34%) y uno de los 134 pacientes a los que no se les tomó muestra (0,75%; p<0,01). El modelo mostró que el riesgo de IIH fue mayor en el grupo no intervenido, (O.R. 1,99, I.C. 95%: 1,39-12,30); otros factores de riesgo identificados fueron el uso de nutrición parenteral, la presencia de cardiopatía congénita y una mayor estancia hospitalaria. Discusión : una intervención educativa sobre adecuadas técnicas de aislamiento y precauciones de contacto en neonatos, basados en la toma de cultivos de piel para evaluar la colonización microbiológica, se asoció con una menor tasa de IIH en el grupo intervenido en una UCIN.

Caracterización del perfil nutricional de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en la Clínica Infantil Colsubsidio

Introducción: La desnutrición intrahospitalaria es variable en los estudios publicados. Tiene impacto en el curso tórpido de la enfermedad, en la prolongación de la estancia hospitalaria y en los altos costos subsecuentes. No existen estudios realizados en Colombia en relación al estado nutricional del paciente pediátrico hospitalizado. Por este motivo se decidió caracterizar el perfil nutricional de pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en la Clínica Infantil Colsubsidio Materiales y métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio transversal en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en un periodo entre Junio 2014 – Marzo 2015. Se realizó descripción de las variables y análisis univariado. Resultados: Se analizaron 320 pacientes: 50% niños y 50% niñas. Edad promedio: 4.6 años, predominio del grupo de los lactantes. Media de estancia hospitalaria: 4,6 días. Baja ingesta, ayuno, dolor de moderada intensidad y factor de estrés grado I fueron las variables más frecuentemente relacionadas con desnutrición. Al ingreso a hospitalización el 57.5 % se encontraron eutróficos, el 17.19% con desnutrición crónica, el 8.44% con desnutrición aguda y el 16.88% con aumento anormal de peso. Al egreso, los eutróficos disminuyeron a 56.25 %, la desnutrición crónica y el aumento anormal de peso se mantuvieron igual y la desnutrición aguda aumento al 10%. Conclusión: Los hallazgos de este estudio están en concordancia con los hallazgos descritos en la literatura. El mayor compromiso nutricional se asoció a patologías respiratorias y gastrointestinales y a mayor estancia hospitalaria.

Sistemática para apoiar a identificação e a quantificação dos custos associados às ações ergonômicas

A ergonomia tem demonstrado a sua importância em vários trabalhos que visam proteger a saúde e a segurança, beneficiando trabalhadores e empresas. Utilizando uma abordagem participativa e um enfoque macroergonômico, a ação ergonômica possibilita identificar os problemas e fatores de risco apresentados em ambientes e/ou postos de trabalho. Além disso, permite a sugestão de alternativas que possam melhorar as condições de trabalho e da própria organização. Todavia, a identificação dos custos gerados por estes problemas ou fatores de risco é de difícil identificação, quantificação e apreciação. Para conseguir mensurar estes custos, faz-se necessário o uso de uma metodologia de custeio adequada. A metodologia de custeio ABC (Custeio Baseado em Atividades), através do uso de direcionadores de custo, possibilita alocar o consumo de recursos aos processos e tarefas desenvolvidos. lnteragindo a ergonomia com a metodologia de custeio ABC toma-se possível identificar os problemas ergonômicos e relacioná-Ios aos custos gerados. Esta pesquisa apresenta um estudo de caso realizado em uma empresa do ramo farmoquímico, objetivando assim, contribuir na proposição de uma abordagem para medição de custos ergonômicos. O estudo de caso foi desenvolvido em um setor específico da empresa, servindo como piloto para medição do custo total e unitário da tarefa, bem como daqueles oriundos de problemas ergonômicos. Dentre os resultados encontrados por este trabalho, pode-se destacar a mensuração do custo da tarefa de manipular NPT (Nutrição Parenteral Total), além do custo gerado por problemas e recursos ergonômicos.

Effects of L-carnitine supplemented total parenteral nutrition on lipid and energy metabolism in postoperative stress.

During episodes of trauma carnitine-free total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may result in a reduction of the total body carnitine pool, leading to a diminished rate of fat oxidation. Sixteen patients undergoing esophagectomy were divided randomly in two equal isonitrogenous groups (0.2 g/kg.day). Both received TPN (35 kcal/kg.day; equally provided as long-chain triglycerides and glucose) over 11 days without (group A) and with (group B) L-carnitine supplementation (12 mg/kg.day = 75 mumol/kg.day). Compared with healthy controls, the total body carnitine pool prior to the operation was significantly reduced in both groups, suggesting a state of semistarvation and muscle wasting. In group A the plasma levels of total carnitine and its subfractions (free carnitine, short- and long-chain acylcarnitine) remained stable during the study whereas in group B the total plasma carnitine concentration rose mainly due to an increase in free carnitine. In group A the cumulative urinary carnitine losses were 11.5 +/- 2.6 mmol (= 15.5 +/- 3.1% of the estimated total body carnitine pool). In group B 3.1 +/- 1.9 mmol (= 11.1 +/- 7.6%) of the infused carnitine was retained in the immediate postoperative phase until day 6, but this amount was completely lost at completion of the study period. No significant differences in the respiratory quotient or in the plasma levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids, and ketone bodies were observed, between or within the groups, before the operation and after 11 days of treatment. It is concluded that the usefulness of carnitine supplementation during postoperative TPN was not apparent in the present patient material.

Nutrición enteral en el paciente neurológico: ¿es suficiente el contenido en vitamina D en las fórmulas de uso habitual?

INTRODUCTION Vitamin D deficiency produces inadequate bone mineralization, proximal muscle weakness, abnormal gait and increased risk of falls and fractures. Moreover, in epidemiological studies, has been associated with increased risk of cancer, autoimmune diseases, type 1 and 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases and depression. When synthesis through the skin by sun exposure is not possible and the patient can not eat by mouth, as in the advanced stages of various neurological diseases, the supply of vitamin D has to be done by enteral nutrition. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to review the role of vitamin D in a common group of neurological conditions that often require artificial nutrition and analyze whether the vitamin D of different enteral nutrition formulas is adequate to meet the needs of this group of patients. RESULTS Numerous studies have shown the association between vitamin D deficiency and increased incidence of dementia, stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Interventions aimed to increase levels of vit. D and its effects on functional (falls, pain, quality of life) and cardiovascular goals (cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular risk factors) have obtained as highlight data a clear reduction of falls and fractures, while the evidence for the other parameters studied is still limited and inconsistent. The content of calcium and vitamin D of enteral formulas is legislated in our country. The total amount of vitamin D for a daily intake of 1,500-2,000 kcal ranges between 300 and 1,600 IU/d (mean ± SD: 32.9 ± 8.5 mg/100 kcal) in the complete formulas for enteral nutrition most commonly used. 50% of the diets studied, for an intake of 2,000 kcal/d, and 90% for an intake of 1,500 kcal/d, provide less than 600 IU/d of vitamin D. DISCUSSION Some revised recently guidelines published recommendations of daily intake of vitamin D. The document published by the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommended for adults between 19 and 70 years, 600 IU/d and up from 70, proposes 800 IU/d of vitamin D. These amounts are deemed insufficient by other scientific societies to state that to achieve blood levels of 25 (OH) D equal or greater than 30 ng/ml may be required a daily intake of 1,500-2,000 IU and a number two or three times higher if previous deficiency exists. CONCLUSIONS Further controlled studies are needed to ascertain which is the appropriate dose of vitamin D in advanced stages of neurological disease, where sun exposure is difficult and unlikely. We suggest that the vitamin D content should probably be reconsidered in enteral nutrition formulas, which, in light of recent publications appear as clearly insufficient for standard energy intakes (1,500-2,000 kcal).

Einfluss von L-Carnitin-supplementierter total parenteraler Ernährung (TPE) auf die postoperative Fett- und Stickstoff-Utilisation [Effect of L-carnitine supplemented total parenteral nutrition on postoperative lipid and nitrogen utilization].

During episodes of trauma carnitine-free total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may result in a reduction of the total body carnitine pool, leading to a diminished rate of fat oxidation. Sixteen patients undergoing esophagectomy were equally and randomly divided and received isonitrogenous (0.2 gN/kg.day) and isocaloric (35 kcal/kg.day TPN over 11 days without and with L-carnitine supplementation (12 mg/kg.day). Compared with healthy controls, the total body carnitine pool was significantly reduced in both groups prior to the operation. Without supplementation carnitine concentrations were maintained, while daily provision of carnitine resulted in an elevation of total carnitine mainly due to an increase of the free fraction. Without supplementation the cumulative urinary carnitine losses were 11.5 +/- 6.3 mmol corresponding to 15.5% +/- 8.5% of the estimated total body carnitine pool. Patients receiving carnitine revealed a positive carnitine balance in the immediate postoperative phase, 11.1% +/- 19.0% of the infused carnitine being retained. After 11 days of treatment comparable values for respiratory quotient, plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids, ketone bodies, and cumulative nitrogen balance were observed. It is concluded that in the patient population studied here carnitine supplementation during postoperative TPN did not improve fat oxidation or nitrogen balance.

Adverse effects of high dose carnitine supplementation of total parenteral nutrition on protein and fat oxidation in the critically ill.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of continuous and acute L-carnitine supplementation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on protein and fat oxidation in severe catabolism. A critically ill and severely malnourished male patient received TPN (non protein energy = 41 kcal/kg/day, provided equally as fat and glucose) over 38 days, without L-carnitine for 23 days and with carnitine supplements (15 mg/kg/day) for the following 15 days. Subsequently, he was given carnitine-free enteral nutrition for 60 more days. A four-hour infusion of 100 mg L-carnitine was given on day 11 of each TPN period. Indirect calorimetry was carried out after 11 days of either carnitine-free or supplemented TPN and at the initiation of enteral nutrition. Additional measurements were performed 4 hours and 24 hours after the acute infusions of carnitine. The rate of protein oxidation and the respiratory quotient were found to be higher, and the rate of fat oxidation to be lower, with carnitine-supplemented TPN, than with either carnitine-free TPN or enteral nutrition. Acute infusion of carnitine resulted in an increased rate of protein oxidation and a reduced rate of fat oxidation on both TPN-regimens. These unfavourable effects on protein metabolism may be due to an impairment of fat oxidation by excess amounts of carnitine.

Clinical relevance of L-carnitine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition in postoperative trauma. Metabolic effects of continuous or acute carnitine administration with special reference to fat oxidation and nitrogen utilization.

Carnitine-free total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is claimed to result in a carnitine deficiency with subsequent impairment of fat oxidation. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible benefit of carnitine supplementation on postoperative fat and nitrogen utilization. Sixteen patients undergoing total esophagectomy were evenly randomized and received TPN without or with L-carnitine supplementation (74 mumol.kg-1.d-1) during 11 postoperative days. On day 11, a 4-h infusion of L-carnitine (125 mumol/kg) was performed in both groups. The effect of supplementation was evaluated by indirect calorimetry, N balance, and repeated measurements of plasma lipids and ketone bodies. Irrespective of continuous or acute supplementation, respiratory quotient and fat oxidation were similarly maintained throughout the study in both groups whereas N balance appeared to be more favorable without carnitine. We conclude that carnitine-supplemented TPN does not improve fat oxidation or promote N utilization in the postoperative phase.

Impact of neonatal total parenteral nutrition and early glucose-enriched diet on glucose metabolism and physical phenotypes in Guinea Pig

Les oxydants infusés avec la nutrition parentéral (NP) néonatale induisent une modification du métabolisme des lipides et du glucose, donnant lieu à l’âge adulte à un phénotype de carence énergétique (faible poids, baisse de l’activité physique). L’hypothèse qu’une diète précoce riche en glucose prévient ces symptômes plus tard dans la vie, fut évalué chez le cobaye par un ANOVA en plan factoriel complet à deux facteurs (p < 0:05) : NP du jour 3 à 7, suivit d’une nourriture régulière (chow) (NP+) vs. chow à partir du 3ième jour (NP-), combiné avec une eau de consommation enrichie en glucose (G+) ou non (G-) à partir de la 3ième semaine. Les paramètres suivant ont été mesurés à l’âge de 9 semaine: taux de croissance, activité physique, activité de phosphofructokinase-1 et glucokinase (GK), niveau hépatique de glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), glycogène, pyruvate et potentiel redox du glutathion, poids du foie, glycémie, tolérance au glucose, concentrations hépatiques et plasmatiques en triacylglycérides (TG) et cholestérol. Le groupe G+ (vs. G-) avait un taux de croissance plus bas, une activité de GK et une concentration en G6P plus élevée, et un potentiel redox plus bas (moins oxydé). Le niveau plasmatique de TG était moins élevé dans le groupe NP+ (vs. NP-). Les traitements n’eurent aucun effet sur les autres paramètres. Ces résultats suggèrent qu’indépendamment de la NP, une alimentation riche en glucose stimule la glycolyse et déplace l’état redox vers un statut plus réduit, mais ne surmonte pas les effets de la NP sur le phénotype physique de carence énergétique.

A randomised clinical trial to assess the effect of total enteral and total parenteral nutritional support on metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative markers in patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis (APACHE II >= 66)

Background: Total enteral nutrition (TEN) within 48 h of admission has recently been shown to be safe and efficacious as part of the management of severe acute pancreatitis. Our aim was to ascertain the safety of immediate TEN in these patients and the effect of TEN on systemic inflammation, psychological state, oxidative stress, plasma glutamine levels and endotoxaemia. Methods: Patients admitted with predicted severe acute pancreatitis (APACHE II score 15) were randomised to total enteral (TEN; n = 8) or total parenteral nutrition (TPN; n = 9). Measurements of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein), fatigue ( visual analogue scale), oxidative stress ( plasma thiobarbituric acid- reactive substances), plasma glutamine and anti-endotoxin IgG and IgM antibody concentrations were made on admission and repeated on days 3 and 7 thereafter. Clinical progress was monitored using APACHE II score. Organ failure and complications were recorded. Results: All patients tolerated the feeding regime well with few nutrition-related complications. Fatigue improved in both groups but more rapidly in the TEN group. Oxidative stress was high on admission and rose by similar amounts in both groups. Plasma glutamine concentrations did not change significantly in either group. In the TPN group, 3 patients developed respiratory failure and 3 developed non-respiratory single organ failure. There were no such complications in the TEN group. Hospital stay was shorter in the TEN group [ 7 (4-14) vs. 10 (7-26) days; p = 0.05] as was time to passing flatus and time to opening bowels [1 (0-2) vs. 2 (1-5) days; p = 0.01]. The cost of TEN was considerably less than of TPN. Conclusion: Immediate institution of nutritional support in the form of TEN is safe in predicted severe acute pancreatitis. It is as safe and as efficacious as TPN and may be beneficial in the clinical course of this disease. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel and IAP.

Impact of parenteral nutrition standardization on costs and quality in adult patients

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a costly therapy that can also be associated with serious complications. Therefore, efforts are focusing on reducing rate of complications, and costs related to PN. Objective: The aim was to analyze the effect of the implementation of PN standardization on costs and quality criteria. Secondary aim was to assess the use of individualized PN based on patient's clinical condition. Methods: We compare the use of PN before and after the implementation of PN standardization. Demographic, clinical and PN characteristics were collected. Costs analysis was performed to study the costs associated to the two different periods. Quality criteria included were: 1) PN administration; 2) nutrition assessment (energy intake between 20-35 kcal/kg/day; protein contribution according to nitrogen balance); 3) safety and complications (hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatic complications, catheter-related infection); 4) global efficacy (as serum albumin increase). Chi-square test was used to compare percentages; logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the use of customized PN. Results: 296 patients were included with a total of 3,167 PN compounded. During the first period standardized PN use was 47.5% vs 85.7% within the second period (p < 0.05). No differences were found in the quality criteria tested. Use of individualized PN was related to critical care patients, hypertriglyceridemia, renal damage, and long-term PN. Mean costs of the PN decreased a 19.5%. Annual costs savings would be € 86,700. Conclusions: The use of customized or standard PN has shown to be efficient and flexible to specific demands; however customized PN was significantly more expensive.

Correlation between HIV and HCV in Brazilian prisoners: evidence for parenteral transmission inside prison

OBJECTIVE: It is an accepted fact that confinement conditions increase the risk of some infections related to sexual and/or injecting drugs practices. Mathematical techniques were applied to estimate time-dependent incidence densities of HIV infection among inmates. METHODS: A total of 631 prisoners from a Brazilian prison with 4,900 inmates at that time were interviewed and their blood drawn. Risky behavior for HIV infection was analyzed, and serological tests for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis were performed, intended as surrogates for parenteral and sexual HIV transmission, respectively. Mathematical techniques were used to estimate the incidence density ratio, as related to the time of imprisonment. RESULTS: Prevalence were: HIV -- 16%; HCV -- 34%; and syphilis -- 18%. The main risk behaviors related to HIV infection were HCV prevalence (OR=10.49) and the acknowledged use of injecting drugs (OR=3.36). Incidence density ratio derivation showed that the risk of acquiring HIV infection increases with the time of imprisonment, peaking around three years after incarceration. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between HIV and HCV seroprevalence and the results of the mathematical analysis suggest that HIV transmission in this population is predominantly due to parenteral exposure by injecting drug, and that it increases with time of imprisonment.