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Nutrients Jan 2023Malnutrition is common in stroke patients, as it is associated with neurological and cognitive impairment as well as clinical outcomes. Nutritional screening is a... (Review)
Review
Malnutrition is common in stroke patients, as it is associated with neurological and cognitive impairment as well as clinical outcomes. Nutritional screening is a process with which to categorize the risk of malnutrition (i.e., nutritional risk) based on validated tools/procedures, which need to be rapid, simple, cost-effective, and reliable in the clinical setting. This review focuses on the tools/procedures used in stroke patients to assess nutritional risk, with a particular focus on their relationships with patients' clinical characteristics and outcomes. Different screening tools/procedures have been used in stroke patients, which have shown varying prevalence in terms of nutritional risk (higher in rehabilitation units) and significant relationships with clinical outcomes in the short- and long term, such as infection, disability, and mortality. Indeed, there have been few attempts to compare the usefulness and reliability of the different tools/procedures. More evidence is needed to identify appropriate approaches to assessing nutritional risk among stroke patients in the acute and sub-acute phase of disease or during rehabilitation; to evaluate the impact of nutritional treatment on the risk of malnutrition during hospital stay or rehabilitation unit; and to include nutritional screening in well-defined nutritional care protocols.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Nutritional Status; Nutrition Assessment; Reproducibility of Results; Malnutrition; Length of Stay; Geriatric Assessment; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 36771390
DOI: 10.3390/nu15030683 -
Nutrients Jul 2022Malnutrition is one of the most frequent metabolic challenges in the population of chronically ill patients. This results in increased administration of nutritional... (Review)
Review
Malnutrition is one of the most frequent metabolic challenges in the population of chronically ill patients. This results in increased administration of nutritional therapy in inpatient settings, which poses the risk of side effects, in particular, the development of refeeding syndrome. If not managed accordingly, it leads to a significant rise in morbidity and mortality. However, despite its importance, evidence-based recommendations on the management of refeeding syndrome are largely lacking, and only a few randomized controlled trials have been conducted. In light of this, the aim of this review is to raise awareness of refeeding syndrome in chronically ill patients by critically reviewing recent literature and providing a short overview as well as diagnosis and treatment algorithms of this underreported metabolic condition. In summary, recent findings suggest undergoing risk assessment and stratification for every patient receiving nutritional therapy. According to this, adaptation of energy and fluid support during the replenishment phase should be implemented in the nutritional therapy for patients at high risk. Additionally, continuous monitoring should take place, and appropriate actions should be initiated when necessary.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Malnutrition; Nutritional Support; Refeeding Syndrome; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 35889815
DOI: 10.3390/nu14142859 -
PloS One 2014Malnourished children have increased risk of dying, with most deaths caused by infectious diseases. One mechanism behind this may be impaired immune function. However,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Malnourished children have increased risk of dying, with most deaths caused by infectious diseases. One mechanism behind this may be impaired immune function. However, this immune deficiency of malnutrition has not previously been systematically reviewed.
OBJECTIVES
To review the scientific literature about immune function in children with malnutrition.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was done in PubMed, and additional articles identified in reference lists and by correspondence with experts in the field. The inclusion criteria were studies investigating immune parameters in children aged 1-60 months, in relation to malnutrition, defined as wasting, underweight, stunting, or oedematous malnutrition.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 3402 articles, of which 245 met the inclusion criteria. Most were published between 1970 and 1990, and only 33 after 2003. Malnutrition is associated with impaired gut-barrier function, reduced exocrine secretion of protective substances, and low levels of plasma complement. Lymphatic tissue, particularly the thymus, undergoes atrophy, and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses are reduced. Levels of antibodies produced after vaccination are reduced in severely malnourished children, but intact in moderate malnutrition. Cytokine patterns are skewed towards a Th2-response. Other immune parameters seem intact or elevated: leukocyte and lymphocyte counts are unaffected, and levels of immunoglobulins, particularly immunoglobulin A, are high. The acute phase response appears intact, and sometimes present in the absence of clinical infection. Limitations to the studies include their observational and often cross-sectional design and frequent confounding by infections in the children studied.
CONCLUSION
The immunological alterations associated with malnutrition in children may contribute to increased mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms are still inadequately understood, as well as why different types of malnutrition are associated with different immunological alterations. Better designed prospective studies are needed, based on current understanding of immunology and with state-of-the-art methods.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Immune System; Infant; Male; Malnutrition; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 25153531
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105017 -
Ageing Research Reviews Sep 2021Malnutrition, in particular protein-energy malnutrition, is a highly prevalent condition in older adults, and is associated with low muscle mass and function, and... (Review)
Review
Malnutrition, in particular protein-energy malnutrition, is a highly prevalent condition in older adults, and is associated with low muscle mass and function, and increased prevalence of physical frailty. Malnutrition is often exacerbated in the residential care setting due to factors including lack of dentition and appetite, and increased prevalence of dementia and dysphagia. This review aims to provide an overview of the available literature in older adults in the residential care setting regarding the following: links between sarcopenia, frailty, and malnutrition (in particular, protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)), recognition and diagnosis of malnutrition, factors contributing to PEM, and the effectiveness of different forms of protein supplementation (in particular, oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) and protein-fortified foods (PFF)) to target PEM. This review found a lack of consensus on effective malnutrition diagnostic tools and lack of universal requirement for malnutrition screening in the residential care setting, making identifying and treating malnutrition in this population a challenge. When assessing the use of protein supplementation in the residential care setting, the two primary forms of supplementation were ONS and PFF. There is evidence that ONS and PFF increase protein and energy intakes in residential care setting, yet compliance with supplementation and their impact on functional status is unclear and conflicting. Further research comparing the use of ONS and PFF is needed to fully determine feasibility and efficacy of protein supplementation in the residential care setting.
Topics: Aged; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Frailty; Humans; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 34237434
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101401 -
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology... Dec 2023Refeeding syndrome (RS) is characterized by electrolyte imbalances that can occur in malnourished and abruptly refed patients. Typical features of RS are... (Review)
Review
Refeeding syndrome (RS) is characterized by electrolyte imbalances that can occur in malnourished and abruptly refed patients. Typical features of RS are hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and thiamine deficiency. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect both adults and children, although there is scarce evidence in the pediatric literature. The sudden increase in food intake causes a shift in the body's metabolism and electrolyte balance, leading to symptoms such as weakness, seizures, and even heart failure. A proper management with progressive increase in nutrients is essential to prevent the onset of this condition and ensure the best possible outcomes. Moreover, an estimated incidence of up to 7.4% has been observed in pediatric intensive care unit patients receiving nutritional support, alone or as an adjunct. To prevent RS, it is important to carefully monitor feeding resumption, particularly in severely malnourished individuals. A proper strategy should start with small amounts of low-calorie fluids and gradually increasing the calorie content and amount of food over several days. Close monitoring of electrolyte levels is critical and prophylactic use of dietary supplements such as thiamine may be required to correct any imbalances that may occur. In this narrative review, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of RS in pediatric clinical practice and provide a possible management algorithm.
Topics: Humans; Child; Refeeding Syndrome; Malnutrition; Nutritional Support; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance; Hypophosphatemia; Electrolytes
PubMed: 37705405
DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003945 -
Clinics in Liver Disease Aug 2021Malnutrition is common in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH); almost all patients with severe AH have some component of malnutrition. The classic phenotype of... (Review)
Review
Malnutrition is common in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH); almost all patients with severe AH have some component of malnutrition. The classic phenotype of malnutrition in AH is sarcopenia, but this has become more difficult to discern clinically as patients have become more obese. Patients with AH are often drinking 10 to 15 standard drinks per day. This substantial alcohol consumption becomes a major source of calories, but these are considered "empty" calories that contain little nutritional value. Malnutrition is associated with liver complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy, and worse liver outcomes. Nutrition support can improve nutrition status and reduce complications.
Topics: Hepatic Encephalopathy; Hepatitis, Alcoholic; Humans; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Nutritional Support
PubMed: 34229839
DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.03.002 -
Nutrients Jun 2022Patients after gastrectomy for gastric cancer are at risk of malnutrition, and poor nutritional status negatively affects patients’ clinical outcomes. Knowledge of the...
Patients after gastrectomy for gastric cancer are at risk of malnutrition, and poor nutritional status negatively affects patients’ clinical outcomes. Knowledge of the factors influencing patients’ nutritional status can inform interventions for improving patients’ nutrition. A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe nutritional status and related factors in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy. A convenience sample of gastric cancer patients with gastrectomy was recruited from general surgery or oncology clinics of a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data were collected with self-reported questionnaires, including the Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy—Gastric Module version 4, the Concerns in Meal Preparation scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Mini Nutrition Assessment. One hundred and one gastric cancer patients participated in the study. There were 81 cases of subtotal gastrectomy and 20 cases of total gastrectomy. Most patients (52.5%) were malnourished or at risk. Linear regression showed that symptom severity (β = −0.43), employment status (β = 0.19), and difficulty in diet preparation (β = −0.21) were significant predictors of nutritional status. Together, these three variables explained 35.8% of the variance in patient nutritional status (F = 20.3, p < 0.001). More than 50% of our participants were malnourished or at risk for malnutrition, indicating a need for continued monitoring and support after discharge from hospitals. Special attention should be given to patients with severe symptoms, unemployment, and difficulties in diet preparation.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Gastrectomy; Humans; Malnutrition; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 35807815
DOI: 10.3390/nu14132634 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Oct 2017Malnutrition is a health problem which affects a high percentage of old people since the physical and psychosocial changes common to this period of life favor it in this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Malnutrition is a health problem which affects a high percentage of old people since the physical and psychosocial changes common to this period of life favor it in this group. In addition, aging population has a high prevalence of chronic illnesses and acute pathologies which can affect their nutritional state negatively, leading to malnutrition related to illness.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic revision was to analyze the economic costs related to malnutrition in old people and to discover whether there were differences between economic costs of pre-existing malnutrition prior to illness and malnutrition because of disease.
METHOD
A bibliographic search was carried out in the databases of Pubmed, Web of Science and Scopus, for the period between 2000 and 2016.
RESULTS
A total of 1,001 articles were found and 19 were selected using inclusion criteria. Of these, eleven analyzed the costs of pre-existing malnutrition prior to illness, seven analyzed the costs of malnutrition related to illness and one, both situations.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, malnutrition increased health costs as a result of hospital admissions, greater number of readmissions and greater demand on health resources. Moreover, in the studies analyzed, pre-existing malnutrition prior to illness implied greater costs than those related to the actual illness; therefore, it would be convenient to establish selection and preventive policies on malnutrition in old people.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Health Care Costs; Humans; Malnutrition
PubMed: 29130722
DOI: 10.20960/nh.1058 -
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice... Jun 2015
Topics: Canada; Food Services; Humans; Long-Term Care; Malnutrition; Menu Planning; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Nutritionists
PubMed: 26067411
DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2015-012 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Dec 2012Despite the burden of both malnutrition and tuberculosis in children worldwide, there are few studies on the mechanisms that underlie this relationship. From available... (Review)
Review
Despite the burden of both malnutrition and tuberculosis in children worldwide, there are few studies on the mechanisms that underlie this relationship. From available research, it appears that malnutrition is a predictor of tuberculosis disease and is associated with worse outcomes. This is supported through several lines of evidence, including the role of vitamin D receptor genotypes, malnutrition's effects on immune development, respiratory infections among malnourished children, and limited work specifically on pediatric tuberculosis and malnutrition. Nutritional supplementation has yet to suggest significant benefits on the course of tuberculosis in children. There is a critical need for research on childhood tuberculosis, specifically on how nutritional status affects the risk and progression of tuberculosis and whether nutritional supplementation improves clinical outcomes or prevents disease.
Topics: Adolescent; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Malnutrition; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 23033147
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis608