Comparison between handgrip strength, subjective global assessment, anthropometry, and biochemical markers in assessing nutritional status of patients with Crohn's disease in clinical remission

[Ultrasound of muscles for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases]

AIM

To assess the muscle mass of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using ultrasound.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

102 IBD patients hospitalized in gastroenterology department of Republican Clinical Hospital (Kazan) were involved in the study. Among them, 49% of patients with ulcerative colitis, 51% with Crohn's disease, 10 people made up the control group (CG). The median age in the IBD group was 39.5 [28.5; 50] years, in the CG - 37 [26; 38] years. There were 52 (51%) women in the IBD group and 5 (50%) in the CG group. Patients were examined to assess body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC, cm) and mid-thigh circumference (MTC, cm) of the dominant side; bioimpedance analysis of body composition using the ABC-02 "MEDASS" device; ultrasound examination of muscle thickness at two points on the leading side: ultrasound thickness of the middle of the shoulder (US-MUAC), ultrasound thickness of the middle of the thigh (US-MTC), dynamometry using a wrist dynamometer, assessment of nutritional status.

RESULTS

According to BMI, patients were distributed as follows: normal in 57 (55.9%) patients; deficiency - in 12 (11.8%); overweight - 25 (24.5%); obesity - 8 (7.8%). Median MUAC in women with IBD was 28 [24.9; 31] cm, in CG - 28 [27; 28.5] cm (p>0.05); in men with IBD 29.8 [27; 32] cm, in CG - 33 [31; 34] cm (p<0.05). The median MTC in women with IBD was 54.25 [48.15; 58.10] cm, in CG - 61.5 [56; 67] cm (p<0.05); in men with IBD 48 [46; 51.4] cm, in GC - 54 [53; 54] cm (p<0.05). The median US-MUAC in women with IBD was 19.60 [18.23; 22.84] mm, CG 22.49 [20.41; 22.66] (p>0.05); in men with IBD 26.45 [22.87; 29.24] mm, in CG 21.54 [21.18; 25.13] mm (p>0.05). Median US-MTC in women with IBD was 31.05 [23.21; 37.11] mm, CG 41.30 [35.55; 41.74] mm (p<0.05), in men with IBD 30.90 [25.64; 39.99] mm, in CG 40.67 [39.10; 41.84] (p<0.05). According to the results of bioimpedansometry, the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was low in 32% of patients, normal in 65%, and above normal in 3%. US-MUAC correlated with MUAC (r=0.557; p<0.05), with BMI (r=0.448; p<0.05), with SMI (r=0.666; p<0.05). US-MTC correlated with MTC (r=0.505; p<0.05), with BMI (r=0.376; p<0.05), with SMI (r=0.373; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with IBD, MTC was lower than in CG. US-MTC in women and men with IBD was lower than in CG, which correlated with MTC, BMI, skeletal muscle mass according to bioimpedance measurements and grip strength according to dynamometry.

Nutritional Status and Nutritional Support in Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases

Gastrointestinal diseases include a wide spectrum of functional and structural disorders of the alimentary system, involving hepatic, bile duct, and pancreatic diseases [...].

High prevalence of muscle weakness and probable sarcopenia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) diagnostic criteria.

METHODS

Sarcopenia was assessed by using the sequential four-step algorithm. (1) Find: Sarcopenia risk by simple clinical symptom index (strength, assistance walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, and falls [SARC-F questionnaire]). (2) Assess: Probable sarcopenia by low muscle strength on handgrip. (3) Confirm: Confirmed sarcopenia by low appendicular skeletal muscle mass on bioimpedance analysis. (4) Severity: Severe sarcopenia by low 4-m gait speed test.

RESULTS

A total of 129 adult patients with IBD younger than 65 years and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy control (HC) participants were included to the study. Handgrip strength, gait speed, and SARC-F scores were significantly lower in patients with IBD than in the HCs (P = 0.032, <0.0001, and <0.0001, respectively). Based on the EWGSOP2 definition, 17.8% of patients with IBD had probable sarcopenia, and six patients had confirmed sarcopenia. According to the ethnicity-based population thresholds, 34.9% of patients with IBD had probable sarcopenia, and two patients had confirmed sarcopenia. Corticosteroid use within the past year was identified as an independent risk factor for low muscle strength (P = 0.012; odds ratio, 4.133), along with advanced age and disease activity.

CONCLUSION

One-third of the patients younger than 65 years with IBD had probable sarcopenia, defined as low muscle strength, whereas the incidence of confirmed sarcopenia remained relatively low.

Impact of malnutrition and sarcopenia on quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition and subsequent alterations in body composition (BC), particularly sarcopenia, are common but not yet elucidated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); we aimed to detail the changes in BC and the characteristics of co-occurrence of malnutrition and sarcopenia in IBD patients and to investigate its effect on quality of life.

METHODS

This study was a multicentre, prospective, observational study involving four tertiary referral hospitals in China. The following data were collected from consecutive IBD inpatients: demographic information, medical history, recent weight change, handgrip strength (HGS) and BC parameters by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Nutritional assessments were performed through stepwise screening (Nutritional Risk Screening 2002) and diagnosis (World Health Organization-related body mass index [BMI], subjective global assessment, European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism 2015 and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition [GLIM] criteria). The quality of life was assessed by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire. IBD patients were compared with 1:1 sex-, age- and BMI-matched healthy controls (MHC).

RESULTS

A total of 238 IBD patients (177 Crohn's disease [CD] and 61 ulcerative colitis [UC]), 68.5% male, with a mean age of 38.5 ± 14.0 years and a mean BMI of 19.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2 , were recruited. Compared with MHC (n = 122), IBD patients showed significant deterioration in BC and physical function, characterized by muscle depletion (appendicular skeletal muscle mass index [ASMI], 8.0 ± 1.3 vs. 6.7 ± 1.2 kg/m2 , Δ% -15.0% [-22.0%, -10.0%], P < 0.001) and fat accumulation (visceral fat area, 32.9 ± 22.6 vs. 66.5 ± 35.8, Δ% 110.0% [35.0%, 201.0%], P < 0.001). The prevalence of GLIM-defined malnutrition and sarcopenia in IBD patients was 60.1% and 25.2%, respectively. The nutritional status of patients with CD was worse than that of patients with UC. The activity phase of IBD significantly and negatively affected BC, while the lesion location did not. The co-occurrence of sarcopenia and malnutrition was not optimistic; 16.4-21.8% of patients suffer from sarcopenia and malnutrition based on different criteria at the same time, which was accompanied by a reduction in quality of life. HGS was correlated with various BC parameters (body cell mass, r = 0.76; ASMI, r = 0.70; fat-free mass, r = 0.73, all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

GLIM-defined malnutrition and sarcopenia were prevalent in IBD patients and kept a high rate of co-occurrence, which was accompanied with impaired quality of life. The alteration of BC in IBD patients was characterized by muscle depletion and fat accumulation. The strong correlation between HGS and BIA-derived BC suggested its hopeful evaluation in nutritional status and sarcopenia in IBD patients.

A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study of sarcopenia-related traits and inflammatory bowel diseases

Background

There is increasing evidence pointing to a close relationship between sarcopenia and inflammatory bowel disease. However, it remains unclear whether or in which direction causal relationships exist, because these associations could be confounded.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample bidirectional mendelian randomization analysis using data from European genome-wide association studies of the appendicular lean mass(n = 450,243), walking pace(n = 459,915), grip strength (left hand, n = 461,026; right hand, n = 461,089), inflammatory bowel disease (25,042 patients and 34,915 controls), ulcerative colitis (12,366 patients and 33,609 controls), and Crohn's disease (12,194 patients and 28,072 controls) to investigate the causal relationship between sarcopenia-related traits and inflammatory bowel disease and its subtypes on each other. The inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary analysis method to assess the causality, and a comprehensive sensitivity test was conducted.

Results

Genetically predicted appendicular lean mass was significantly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (OR = 0.916, 95%CI: 0.853-0.984, P = 0.017), ulcerative colitis (OR =0.888, 95%CI: 0.813-0.971, P = 0.009), and Crohn's disease (OR = 0.905, 95%CI: 0.820-0.999, P = 0.049). Similar results also revealed that the usual walking pace was causally associated with Crohn's disease (OR = 0.467, 95%CI: 0.239-0.914, P = 0.026). Reverse mendelian randomization analysis results found that genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease, and Crohn's disease were associated with lower appendicular lean mass. A series of sensitivity analyses ensured the reliability of the present research results.

Conclusion

The mendelian randomization study supports a bidirectional causality between inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and appendicular lean mass, but no such bidirectional causal relationship was found in ulcerative colitis. In addition, genetically predicted usual walking pace may reduce the risk of Crohn's disease. These findings have clinical implications for sarcopenia and inflammatory bowel disease management.

Microbiota signatures and mucosal healing in the use of enteral nutrition therapy v. corticosteroids for the treatment of children with Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Corticosteroids (CS) and exclusive and partial enteral nutrition (EEN and PEN) are effective therapies in paediatric Crohn's disease (CD). This systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCT) and cohort studies analyses the impact of EEN/PEN v. CS on intestinal microbiota, mucosal healing as well as other clinically important outcomes, including clinical remission, relapse, adherence, adverse events and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in paediatric CD. Three RCT (n 76) and sixteen cohort studies (n 1104) compared EEN v. CS. With limited available data (one RCT), the effect on intestinal microbiome indicated a trend towards EEN regarding Shannon diversity. Based on two RCT, EEN achieved higher mucosal healing than CS (risk ratio (RR) 2·36, 95 % CI (1·22, 4·57), low certainty). Compared with CS, patients on EEN were less likely to experience adverse events based on two RCT (RR 0·32, 95 % CI (0·13, 0·80), low certainty). For HRQL, there was a trend in favour of CS based on data from two published abstracts of cohort studies. Based on thirteen cohort studies, EEN achieved higher clinical remission than CS (RR 1·18, 95 % CI (1·02, 1·38), very low certainty). Studies also reported no important differences in relapse and adherence. Compared with CS, EEN may improve mucosal healing with fewer adverse events based on RCT data. While limited data indicate the need for further trials, this is the first systematic review to comprehensively summarise the data on intestinal microbiome, mucosal healing and HRQOL when comparing enteral nutrition and CS in paediatric CD.

Scoping review on health-related physical fitness in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Assessment, interventions, and future directions

BACKGROUND

Reaching the Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-II (STRIDE-II) therapeutic targets for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires an interdisciplinary approach. Lifestyle interventions focusing on enhancing and preserving health-related physical fitness (HRPF) may aid in improving subjective health, decreasing disability, or even controlling inflammation. However, ambiguity remains about the status and impact of HRPF (i.e. body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility) in IBD patients, hindering the development of physical activity and physical exercise training guidelines.

AIM

To review HRPF components in IBD patients and the impact of physical activity and physical exercise training interventions on HRPF.

METHODS

A systematic search in multiple databases was conducted for original studies that included patients with IBD, assessed one or more HRPF components, and/or evaluated physical activity or physical exercise training interventions.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight articles were included. No study examined the complete concept of HRPF, and considerable heterogeneity existed in assessment methods, with frequent use of non-validated tests. According to studies that used gold standard tests, cardiorespiratory fitness seemed to be reduced, but findings on muscular strength and endurance were inconsistent. A limited number of studies that evaluated physical activity or physical exercise training interventions reported effects on HRPF, overall showing a positive impact.

CONCLUSION

We performed a scoping review using a systematic and iterative approach to identify and synthesize an emerging body of literature on health-related physical fitness in patients with IBD, highlighting several research gaps and opportunities for future research. Findings of this review revealed a gap in the literature regarding the accurate assessment of HRPF in patients with IBD and highlighted important methodological limitations of studies that evaluated physical activity or physical exercise training interventions. This scoping review is a step towards performing studies and systematic reviews in the future, which was not possible at present given the heterogeneity in endpoints and designs of the available studies on this topic. Future well-designed studies are required to determine the optimal training paradigm for improving HRPF in patients with IBD before guidelines can be developed and integrated into the therapeutic strategy.

Nutritional Risk and Sarcopenia Features in Patients with Crohn's Disease: Relation to Body Composition, Physical Performance, Nutritional Questionnaires and Biomarkers

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) face malnutrition risk, which, combined with inflammation, can lead to sarcopenia, associated with a worse prognosis. The purpose of the present study was to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia in patients with CD. Fifty-three patients (26 women) participated (38.1 ± 10.9 years, 79% in remission). Body composition, physical performance, nutritional questionnaires, and biomarkers were performed. Malnutrition was screened with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and the Malnutrition Inflammation Risk Tool (MIRT) and was assessed with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) tool using etiologic along with three different phenotypic criteria: low Body Mass Index (BMI), low Calf Circumference (CC), and low Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI). To find cases and evaluate sarcopenia, the Sarcopenia Questionnaire (SARC-F) and European Working Group on Sarcopenia2 (EWGSOP2) criteria were used. Malnutrition rates were 11.3% (n = 6), 7.5% (n = 4), and 5.6% (n = 3) based on low FFMI, CC, and BMI, correspondingly. Four (7%) patients had low Hand-Grip Strength (HGS), n = 8 (14.8%) had low Appendicular Lean Mass (ALM), and n = 3 (5.6%) had low gait speed. No-one had sarcopenia. A high albumin and triceps skinfold pattern, identified by principal component analysis, was related to reduced C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels (B = -0.180, SE = 0.085, p = 0.045). In conclusion, based on the studied anthropometric, nutritional, and functional variables, CD patients were not diagnosed with sarcopenia in the present study. Body composition patterns were related to the inflammatory burden, underlying the interplay of inflammation and malnutrition, even in remission states. Further studies on older populations and during disease exacerbation are necessary to explore the potential link between CD, inflammation, and sarcopenia.

Nutritional Status and Its Detection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Malnutrition is an important issue in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is caused by altered digestion and absorption within the small bowel, inadequate food intake, and drug-nutrient interactions in patients. Malnutrition is an essential problem because it is related to an increased risk of infections and poor prognosis in patients. It is known that malnutrition is also related to an increased risk of postsurgery complications in IBD patients. Basic nutritional screening involves anthropometric parameters with body mass index (BMI) and others (fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio, muscle strength), medical history concerning weight loss, and biochemical parameters (including the Prognostic Nutritional Index). Besides standard nutritional screening tools, including the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS 2002), and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), specific nutritional screening tools are used in IBD patients, such as the Saskatchewan Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Nutrition Risk Tool (SaskIBD-NR Tool and IBD-specific Nutritional Screening Tool). There is a higher risk of nutrient deficiencies (including iron, zinc, magnesium) and vitamin deficiencies (including folic acid, vitamin B12 and D) in IBD patients. Therefore, regular evaluation of nutritional status is important in IBD patients because many of them are undernourished. An association between plasma ghrelin and leptin and nutritional status in IBD patients has been observed. According to some authors, anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNFα) therapy (infliximab) can improve nutritional status in IBD patients. On the other hand, improvement in nutritional status may increase the response rate to infliximab therapy in CD patients. Optimization of nutritional parameters is necessary to improve results of conservative and surgical treatment and to prevent postoperative complications in patients with IBDs. This review presents basic nutritional screening tools, anthropometric and laboratory parameters, dietary risk factors for IBDs, common nutrient deficiencies, associations between anti-TNFα therapy and nutritional status, selected features regarding the influence of nutritional status, and surgical outcome in IBD patients.

Development and validation of an inflammatory bowel disease nutrition self-screening tool (IBD-NST) for digital use

Background and aim

The identification of, and timely intervention for, patients with impaired nutritional status may reduce inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) complications. This study aimed to develop and validate an IBD-specific nutrition self-screening tool (IBD-NST) that identifies patients at nutrition risk.

Methods

An expert IBD panel was consulted to support development of an IBD-NST. The tool was assessed in different cohorts of patients attending IBD outpatient clinics for face, content and convergent validity and repeat reliability. The tool was compared with (i) the malnutrition universal screening tool to assess face validity and (ii) subjective global assessment (SGA), hand-grip strength (HGS) and mid-arm muscle circumference to assess convergent validity. Tool content was informed by agreement between assessment tools, sensitivity analysis and chi-squared tests. The IBD-NST was completed electronically twice, 1 week apart to assess repeat reliability using observed agreement and kappa statistic. Statistical significance assumed at p < 0.05.

Results

In total, 282 IBD patients (175 with Crohn's disease) were recruited to validate the IBD-NST. The final validated IBD-NST includes body mass index (BMI), weight loss and IBD-specific nutrition-focussed questions which were acceptable to patients. It identified patients at risk of malnutrition, moderately or severely malnourished patients and patients at nutritional risk. The IBD-NST identified 54/179 (30%) patients at moderate or high nutrition risk and had excellent repeat reliability in 85 patients [r = 0.77 (95% CI 0.669 to 0.746)].

Conclusion

The IBD-NST is a self-screening tool, validated for use as either a paper or e-health version, that identifies patients at nutrition risk who are likely to benefit from dietetic assessment and intervention. Furthermore, patients with IBD symptoms who are concerned about their dietary intake can potentially access dietetic care more easily therefore encouraging greater self-management of IBD-related symptoms. The routine use of the IBD-NST as a self-screening tool would enable patient-led care in the outpatient setting and may facilitate timely access to dietetic care.

Evaluation of Nutritional Characteristics Reveals Similar Prevalence of Malnutrition in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia.

AIMS

To evaluate the nutritional status of patients with IBD and determine the threshold values of different parameters of nutritional assessment to identify malnutrition.

METHODS

This was a single-centre cross-sectional analysis of adult patients with IBD [ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD)] who underwent anthropometry [body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and triceps-fold thickness (TSF)], body composition analysis and assessment for sarcopenia [hand-grip strength and skeletal muscle index (SMI) at L3 vertebral level)]. Age- and gender-matched healthy adults served as controls. Malnutrition was defined according to the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 406 patients [336 (82.76%) UC and 70 (17.24%) CD; mean age 40.56 ± 13.67 years; 215 (52.95%) males] with IBD and 100 healthy controls (mean age 38.69 ± 10.90 years; 56 (56%) males) were enrolled. The mean BMI, MUAC, TSF thickness, fat and lean mass, hand-grip strength, and SMI at L3 vertebral level were lower in patients with IBD compared to controls. The prevalence of malnutrition was similar in UC and CD [24.40% (n = 82) and 28.57% (n = 20), respectively (p = 0.46)]. Thresholds for fat mass in females (15.8 kg) and visceral fat index in males (0.26) were both sensitive and specific to detect malnutrition. The cutoff values of MUAC and TSF thickness to identify malnutrition were 23.25 cm and 25.25 cm, and 16.50 mm and 8.50 mm, in females and males, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition and sarcopenia were common in patients with IBD, with the prevalence being similar in patients with both UC and CD.

Systematic Review: The Impact and Importance of Body Composition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Alterations in body composition are common in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and have been associated with differences in patient outcomes. We sought to consolidate knowledge on the impact and importance of body composition in IBD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and conference proceedings by combining two key research themes: inflammatory bowel disease and body composition.

RESULTS

Fifty-five studies were included in this review. Thirty-one focused on the impact of IBD on body composition with a total of 2279 patients with a mean age 38.4 years. Of these, 1071 [47%] were male. In total, 1470 [64.5%] patients had Crohn's disease and 809 [35.5%] had ulcerative colitis. Notably, fat mass and fat-free mass were reduced, and higher rates of sarcopaenia were observed in those with active IBD compared with those in clinical remission and healthy controls. Twenty-four additional studies focused on the impact of derangements in body composition on IBD outcomes. Alterations in body composition in IBD are associated with poorer prognoses including higher rates of surgical intervention, post-operative complications and reduced muscle strength. In addition, higher rates of early treatment failure and primary non-response are seen in patients with myopaenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IBD have alterations in body composition parameters in active disease and clinical remission. The impacts of body composition on disease outcome and therapy are broad and require further investigation. The augmentation of body composition parameters in the clinical setting has the potential to improve IBD outcomes in the future.

Telenutrition for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Tipping Point for Dietary Wellness

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, cause inflammation of the digestive tract. It is estimated that about three million Americans and, globally, over six million individuals, suffer from IBD. While most physicians, especially gastroenterologists, are experts in the function and pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, factors such as nutrition science education and training, bandwidth, culture, language, and the longitudinal nature of dietary care, represent some of the barriers to receiving optimal nutritional guidance. Remote dietary expert counseling, an emerging solution that has been further highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, can improve IBD patients’ nutritional status, avoid food triggers, and reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Remote nutritional expert care can improve IBD patients’ nutritional status, avoid food triggers, and reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations.

The Association of Grip Strength, Body Mass Index, and Lung Function in Youth with Cystic Fibrosis

Compared with body mass index (BMI), lean body mass and fat-free mass are strongly associated with lung function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods of measuring body composition in youth with CF are often unreliable, expensive, or not clinically feasible. Grip strength (GS), a measure of muscle function, is used as a surrogate for muscle mass and is an indicator of nutrition status. This quality improvement project explored the feasibility of measuring GS in medically stable youth with CF, aged 6-21 years. A total 361 GS measurements were performed by using a digital hand dynamometer in youth from a single CF center. Using reference tables that were created for this project by merging data from the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, youth with CF were found to be weaker than age- and gender-matched peers, even when controlled for differences in size. A positive association (P < .001) was found between GS percentile and lung function, as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted (FEV1pp). Statistical analysis revealed that both BMI percentile and absolute GS (AGS) percentile were positively associated with FEV1pp and with each other, primarily at the lower levels of BMI percentile (<50%) and AGS percentile (<50%). GS may provide a reliable, less expensive, and clinically feasible alternative to body composition measurements in monitoring nutrition status in youth with CF, especially in youth whose BMI is in the <50th percentile.

Sarcopenia and visceral obesity assessed by computed tomography are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Altered body composition may impact on the clinical course of Crohn's disease (CD) but is not detected by the simple body mass index (BMI) assessment.

AIM

To assess the prevalence of sarcopenia and visceral obesity by a single computed tomography (CT) slice, and its association with adverse events in an adult hospitalized CD cohort.

METHODS

88 CD patients who had abdominal CT scans during hospitalization were retrospectively enrolled. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra level was used to assess sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was defined as a SMI <38.5 cm²/m² in women, <52.4 cm²/m² in men and visceral obesity as a visceral fat area ≥130 cm². Clinical malnutrition was defined by a BMI <18.5 kg/m². Univariate analysis was performed, and predictors for surgery in the follow-up were entered in a stepwise logistic regression model for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 58%, malnutrition 21.6%, and visceral obesity 19.3%. Among sarcopenic patients, 49% had a normal BMI, 13.7% were overweight, and 1(2%) was obese. Sarcopenic CD patients had significantly more abscesses (51% vs 16.7%, p = 0.001), hospitalizations (61.2% vs 36.1%, p = 0.022) and digestive surgery (63.3% vs 27.8%, p = 0.001) than non-sarcopenic patients during the follow-up, whereas usual malnutrition assessment was not correlated with disease outcomes. In multivariate analysis, both sarcopenia and visceral obesity were associated with further occurrence of digestive surgery.

CONCLUSION

Both sarcopenia and visceral obesity were associated with adverse outcomes in severe CD patients whereas usual nutritional assessment was not.

Effect of Oral Nutrition Supplements and TGF-β2 on Nutrition and Inflammatory Patterns in Patients With Active Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is often associated with nutrition disorders. Many nutrition therapeutic alternatives have been studied. Nevertheless, the actual role of nutrition therapy is still controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of nutrition supplementation with and without transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) on inflammatory, endoscopic, histopathologic, and nutrition parameters in active CD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight patients were allocated into 3 groups: group 1 (patients who received only nutrition orientation), group 2 (nutrition orientation and a normoproteic, normocaloric nutrition supplement), and group 3 (nutrition orientation and the nutritional supplement with TGF-β2). Clinical and nutrition evaluation, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and assessment of endoscopic and histologic parameters in the intestinal mucosa were performed before and after nutrition intervention.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 3 months. In the beginning of the study, groups were homogeneous regarding age, gender, CD behavior and localization, and medication in use. In the end of the study, the Clinical Disease Activity Index score was reduced in groups 2 and 3; in group 3, a reduction in CRP levels and an improvement in histologic findings were observed. Among patients who received nutritional supplement, some anthropometric patterns were improved.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study indicate that nutritional supplementation improved nutrition and inflammatory patterns in patients with active CD. However, only patients receiving TGF-β2-enriched formula showed improvement in histologic parameters and significant reduction in CRP levels.

Malnutrition and quality of life among adult inflammatory bowel disease patients

Background and Aim

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut resulting in a significant risk for malnutrition. The reported prevalence of malnutrition in inflammatory disease patients varies from 5.7 to 82.8%. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of Australian IBD outpatients.

Methods

A total of 107 consecutive patients (68 Crohn's disease, 35 ulcerative colitis, 4 indeterminate colitis) were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Demographic data were collected, and patients underwent a malnutrition assessment using the patient‐generated subjective global assessment. The RAND 36‐item health survey was used to measure QOL.

Results

Mild to moderate malnutrition was detected in 17 patients (16%). Malnourished patients were more likely to be underweight (P ≤ 0.01), have active disease (P ≤ 0.01), and have been admitted to hospital in the preceding 12 months (P ≤ 0.05). Malnourished patients had a significantly lower QOL in physical (P ≤ 0.01) and mental (P ≤ 0.01) health components. Patients with active or recently active disease had reduced QOL compared to patients in remission. Malnutrition factors predictive of poor physical health‐related QOL were pain (odds ratio [OR] = 12.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–80.4) and unintentional weight loss (OR = 3.1 per kg lost, 95% CI 1.2–7.9). The predictor of poor mental health‐related QOL was early satiety (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.7–33.9).

Conclusions

The malnutrition prevalence for this population was 16%. Malnutrition was associated with being underweight, active disease, and increased number of hospital admissions. Disease activity and malnutrition were associated with poorer QOL.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Malnutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is There a Difference Based on Pediatric or Adult Age Grouping?

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition, commonly observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and is attributed to multiple causes. The added energy costs of growth in the child and adolescent with IBD are an additional risk factor.

METHODS

The aim of the study was to perform a cross-sectional comparison of nutritional parameters in IBD between pediatric and adult cases.

RESULTS

We found that prevalence of undernutrition (low body mass index) and hypoalbuminemia was not different in pediatric, compared with adult patients. Anemia and iron deficiency were more often observed in pediatric subjects, compared with adults (59.1% vs 36.9%, respectively, P < 0.0001; and 37.9% vs 25.3%, P < 0.002). Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly less common in the pediatric than in the adult group (5.4% vs 19.4%, P < 0.0001). Elevated C-reactive protein was more frequent in pediatric compared with adult cases (49.8% vs 38.4%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with active Crohn's disease were more likely to be undernourished in both pediatric and adult populations. In both groups, predicators of undernutrition included low albumin levels (odds ratio [OR], 2.53; P < 0.006) and active disease (OR, 1.99; P < 0.03). Our results call for close surveillance of nutritional status for IBD patients, regardless of age.

Usefulness of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index score as a predictor of the outcomes of lung transplantation: A single-institution experience

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There is increasing evidence that preoperative nutritional status is a predictor of disease severity and mortality after lung transplantation (LTX). This study aimed to evaluate preoperative nutritional assessment as a predictor of LTX outcomes.

METHODS

We included 132 patients who underwent single or double LTX at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, between October 2010 and April 2016. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) scores were calculated as follows: 10 × serum albumin value (g/dL) + 0.005 × peripheral lymphocyte count (/mm³). The optimal cut-off PNI score for the prediction of postoperative overall survival was set at 41.15 using receiver operating characteristics analysis. The efficacies of PNI and other clinical factors in predicting LTX outcomes were determined using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses.

RESULTS

Patients with PNI <41.15 (PNI-low group) were older, had higher preoperative C-reactive protein levels, and had lower nutritional status scores than did those in the PNI-high group (PNI ≥ 41.15). Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis, the overall survival rate was significantly better in the PNI-high group (78.3%) than in the PNI-low group (28.6%) (P < 0.001). Age, sex, body mass index, use of preoperative mechanical ventilation, C-reactive protein level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and PNI score were independent prognostic factors. Survival was significantly higher in the PNI-high group (hazard ratio: 0.220; P < 0.001) than in the PNI-low group, and incidence of complications ≥ grade IV was higher in the PNI-low group than in the PNI-high group (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that preoperative PNI score was significantly associated with postoperative survival, even after adjusting for other confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that PNI is a useful prognostic marker for the identification of high-risk lung transplant recipients. Preoperative nutritional assessment using PNI may provide useful information for reducing postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Improving nutritional status assessment in patients with chronic pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder causing irreversible destruction of pancreatic tissue, leading to malnutrition. A previous study has found that currently used screening methods (periodic recording of body weight and faecal and serological markers) fall short in identifying and curbing malnutrition. Moreover, data is lacking regarding change in nutritional status over time. The aim of our study is to investigate changes in nutritional status in CP patients over time and to determine whether a more extensive set of measurements would be beneficial for nutritional screening of these patients.

METHODS

CP patients who had undergone a nutritional assessment in 2012 were recruited to undergo a second assessment. The assessment consisted of anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), handgrip strength (HGS), the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), determination of faecal and serological markers and the Short Form Health (SF-36) questionnaire. These two assessments were compared and correlations between the various measures were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients underwent a second assessment. An increase in fat mass and a decrease in both fat free mass (FFM) and HGS were observed. The number of patients scoring under the 10th percentile for FFM (43%-54%) and HGS in their dominant side (38%-46%) increased. FFM and HGS were positively correlated (R = 0.57).

CONCLUSION

Even though current guidelines for CP follow-up were adhered to, there was a general deterioration in nutritional status. HGS correlated with FFM. HGS might be useful as a screening instrument for malnutrition in CP patients.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and Nutritional Characteristics of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study sought to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, to analyse the dietary beliefs and behaviours of these patients, to study their body composition, to evaluate their muscular strength and to identify the factors associated with malnutrition in these patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicentre study. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients from 30 Spanish centres, from the outpatient clinics, were included. A questionnaire of 11 items was applied to obtain data from patients' dietary behaviour and beliefs. Patients who accepted were evaluated to assess their nutritional status using Subjective Global Assessment and body mass index. Body composition was evaluated through bioelectrical impedance.

RESULTS

A total of 1271 patients were included [51% women, median age 45 years, 60% Crohn's disease]. Of these, 333 patients underwent the nutritional evaluation. A total of 77% of patients declared that they avoided some foods to prevent disease relapse. Eighty-six per cent of patients avoided some foods when they had disease activity because of fear of worsening the flare. Sixty-seven per cent of patients modified their dietary habits after disease diagnosis. The prevalence of malnutrition was 16% [95% confidence interval = 12-20%]. In the multivariate analysis, history of abdominal surgery, active disease and avoidance of some foods during flares were associated with higher risk of malnutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of malnutrition in inflammatory bowel disease patients was high. We identified some predictive factors of malnutrition. Most of the patients had self-imposed food restrictions, based on their beliefs.

Handgrip Strength Index Predicts Nutritional Status as a Complement to Body Mass Index in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Body mass index [BMI] is widely used to measure nutritional status in Crohn's disease [CD] patients, but limitations remain. Measuring handgrip strength index, in addition to BMI, may aid in overcoming limitations.

METHODS

A total of 150 patients with CD and 254 controls were included in this study. All patients and controls underwent BMI, handgrip strength and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Bioelectrical impedance analysis included body cell mass, bone mineral content, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass. A total of 88 CD patients were age-, sex- and BMI-matched with healthy controls for further analysis.

RESULTS

BMI, body cell mass, body cell mass index, handgrip strength and handgrip strength index were all significantly decreased in the group of CD patients compared with controls [p < 0.0001]. When paired by BMI, healthy controls had significantly increased body cell mass index[p = 0.0344] and handgrip strength index [p = 0.0010] compared to patients. In addition, handgrip strength was well correlated with body cell mass [r = 0.8365, p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

BMI is widely used for detecting malnutrition, but it is less sensitive in predicting loss of body cell mass and skeletal muscle mass. Our study shows that handgrip strength index is an effective and convenient parameter to predict the functional nutritional status and muscular health in CD patients.

Nutritional status and weakness following pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation

Survivorship after pediatric HCT has increased over the past decade. Focus on long-term care and well-being remains critical due to risk of poor dietary habits and exaggerated sedentary behavior, which can lead to muscle weakness, increased risk for obesity, and cardiometabolic disorders. Nutrition and physical activity are key factors in survivorship; however, data are limited. Comprehensive nutritional assessments, including nutrition-focused physical examination, grip strength, and food/activity surveys, were completed in 36 pediatric HCT survivors (aged 2-25 years). Patients were divided into undernutrition, normal-nutrition, and overnutrition categories. Fifty percent of participants were classified as normal nutrition, 22% undernutrition, and 28% overnutrition. Few patients met the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommended intake for vegetables, fiber, saturated fat, and So FAS. Patients in the undernutrition group demonstrated significantly lower grip strength than those in the normal- and overnutrition groups. When grip strength was normalized to body mass, patients in the overnutrition group had the highest prevalence of weakness. Using NHANES reference data, maximum grip strength and NGS cutoffs were identified that could significantly distinguish the nutrition groups. Comprehensive nutritional assessments and grip strength measurements are feasible, non-invasive, easy to perform, and inform both under- and overnutrition in pediatric HCT survivors.

Inflammation-driven malnutrition: a new screening tool predicts outcome in Crohn's disease

Malnutrition is a frequent feature in Crohn's disease (CD), affects patient outcome and must be recognised. For chronic inflammatory diseases, recent guidelines recommend the development of combined malnutrition and inflammation risk scores. We aimed to design and evaluate a new screening tool that combines both malnutrition and inflammation parameters that might help predict clinical outcome. In a prospective cohort study, we examined fifty-five patients with CD in remission (Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) <200) at 0 and 6 months. We assessed disease activity (CDAI, Harvey-Bradshaw index), inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP), faecal calprotectin (FC)), malnutrition (BMI, subjective global assessment (SGA), serum albumin, handgrip strength), body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis) and administered the newly developed 'Malnutrition Inflammation Risk Tool' (MIRT; containing BMI, unintentional weight loss over 3 months and CRP). All parameters were evaluated regarding their ability to predict disease outcome prospectively at 6 months. At baseline, more than one-third of patients showed elevated inflammatory markers despite clinical remission (36·4 % CRP ≥5 mg/l, 41·5 % FC ≥100 µg/g). Prevalence of malnutrition at baseline according to BMI, SGA and serum albumin was 2-16 %. At 6 months, MIRT significantly predicted outcome in numerous nutritional and clinical parameters (SGA, CD-related flares, hospitalisations and surgeries). In contrast, SGA, handgrip strength, BMI, albumin and body composition had no influence on the clinical course. The newly developed MIRT was found to reliably predict clinical outcome in CD patients. This screening tool might be used to facilitate clinical decision making, including treatment of both inflammation and malnutrition in order to prevent complications.

Body composition analysis using abdominal scans from routine clinical care in patients with Crohn's Disease

OBJECTIVE

Crohn's Disease is associated with body composition changes, which have important treatment and prognostic implications. Measurement of body composition usually requires dedicated scanning or measurement, with retrospective analysis of existing datasets impossible. We sought to determine whether single slice analysis of abdominal scans, obtained during routine clinical care, in patients with Crohn's Disease accurately predicts body composition compartments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Abdominal CT images of patients with Crohn's disease were analyzed and comparison was made with total body fat-free mass, total body fat mass, femoral neck t-score, and other parameters reported from DXA, the reference method.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven subjects were identified, 15 male and 22 female, with a mean age of 43.8 years. There was significant correlation (Pearson r = 0.923, p < 0.001) between skeletal muscle area from CT and total fat-free mass measured by DXA. Similarly, total body fat mass correlated strongly (r = 0.928, p < 0.0001) with subcutaneous fat area. In this cohort of ambulatory Crohn's Disease patients, low muscle mass/sarcopenia was prevalent and predictive of lower bone mineral density.

CONCLUSIONS

Fat mass, fat-free mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle index can be predicted by analysis of a single CT slice in patients with Crohn's Disease. Similar to published data from healthy subjects, the L3 vertebral body level provided the most robust correlation with most parameters. This study represents the first published use of routinely obtained abdominal imaging to demonstrate this relationship - and to predict body composition components - in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Body composition and functional assessment of nutritional status in adults: a narrative review of imaging, impedance, strength and functional techniques

The accurate and valid assessment of body composition is essential for the diagnostic evaluation of nutritional status, identifying relevant outcome measures, and determining the effectiveness of current and future nutritional interventions. Developments in technology and our understanding of the influences of body composition on risk and outcome will provide practitioners with new opportunities to enhance current practice and to lead future improvements in practice. This is the second of a two-part narrative review that aims to critically evaluate body composition methodology in diverse adult populations, with a primary focus on its use in the assessment and monitoring of under-nutrition. Part one focused on anthropometric variables [Madden and Smith (2016) J Hum Nutr Diet 29: 7-25] and part two focuses on the use of imaging techniques, bioelectrical impedance analysis, markers of muscle strength and functional status, with particular reference to developments relevant to practice.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIETARY INTAKE IN NON-CIRRHOTIC ADULT CHRONIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS

BACKGROUND

The hepatitis C virus is one of the main causes of liver disease worldwide and may develop nutritional deficiencies.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess and compare different nutritional status methods of adult patients with chronic hepatitis C virus, and to describe inadequacies in dietary intake.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with adult outpatients with hepatitis C virus at a Brazilian hospital. Nutritional assessment included the 24-hour dietary recall, anthropometry (body weight, height, body mass index, triceps skinfold, mid-upper arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, mid-upper arm muscle area, adductor policis muscle), Subjective Global Assessment, Royal Free Hospital Global Assessment and handgrip strength.

RESULTS

A total of 94 outpatients (ages 30 to 76 years), was included, 46 were men. The prevalence of malnutrition as measured by the different methods was 6.4% (body mass index); 60.6% (handgrip strength), and 53.2% (Royal Free Hospital Global Assessment). There was correlation between mid-upper arm circumference and mid-arm muscle circumference (r=0.821), mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold (r=0.575) and mid-upper arm circumference and mid-upper arm muscle area (r=0.781). Energy and protein intakes were below recommended levels in 49 (52.1%) and 44 (46.8%) of patients, respectively. Inadequate calcium, potassium, zinc and vitamin C intakes occurred in 92.6%, 97.9%, 63.8% and 60.6% of patients. There was an association between dietary energy and protein intake with Royal Free Hospital Global Assessment (P<0.001) and a tendency for them to be associated with handgrip strength (P=0.076 and P=0.054).

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition is frequently in hepatitis C virus patients. They have high prevalence of inadequate energy, protein and micronutrients intake, even in the absence of cirrhosis.

Handgrip strength measured by a dynamometer connected to a smartphone: a new applied health technology solution for the self-assessment of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to analyse the accuracy of a hand dynamometer connected to a smartphone to assess RA disease activity through the measurement of handgrip strength (HGS).

METHODS

Eighty-two RA patients participated in this prospective study. Three types of HGS were assessed: power (Po), pinch (Pi) and tripod (T). An interactive mobile application was developed to capture grip measures. A unilinear regression analysis between HGS and DAS28 was performed. A multivariate regression analysis to identify independent variables related to HGS was also conducted.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients (76.8%) were female. Mean age was 61.3 years. At baseline, a negative correlation between the three HGS measures and DAS28 score was found, as follows: Po, r = -0.65 (95% CI: -0.76, -0.51, P < 0.001); Pi, r= -0.42 (95% CI: -0.59, -0.23, P < 0.001); and T, r = -0.47 (95% CI: -0.63, -0.29, P < 0.001). In a longitudinal analysis of 32 patients, a negative correlation between ΔPo grip and ΔDAS28 was found (r = -0.76, 95% CI: -0.88, -0.56). Po grip was independently correlated with male sex (95% CI: 1.49, 4.14, P = 0.002), whereas variables inversely correlated with Po grip were disease duration (95% CI: -2.71, -1.34, P = 0.03), patient global assessment (95% CI: -2.41, -1.1, P < 0.001) and CRP level (95% CI: -3.56, -1.08, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

HGS assessed by a hand dynamometer connected to a smartphone represents an innovative health technology solution that could prompt the self-assessment of RA disease activity in an outpatient setting.

Comparison of two nutrition assessment tools in surgical elderly inpatients in Northern China

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Nutrition assessment enables early identification of malnourished patients and those at risk of malnutrition. To determine the prevalence of malnutrition, to analyze the correlation between short-form Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF) and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) with classical nutritional markers among elderly hospitalized patients in surgery departments, with a view to improving nutrition advice for these patients.

METHODS

A total of 142 elderly patients admitted for surgery were enrolled in the study. Within 48 hours of admission, MNA-SF and NRS2002 scale, anthropometric measures and biochemical tests were carried out to assess the nutritional status of each patient.

RESULTS

The prevalence of malnutrition classified by MNA-SF, NRS2002, BMI, serum albumin, hemoglobin, total lymphocyte count, handgrip strength, calf circumference and mid-arm circumference were 45%, 38%, 17%, 22%, 24%, 71%, 36%, 12 % and 15 %, respectively. As the nutritional status classified by both MNA-SF and NRS2002 deteriorated, BMI, serum albumin, hemoglobin, handgrip strength, mid-arm circumference and calf circumference of patients with malnutrition were lower (P < 0.05). MNA-SF and NRS2002 had a unanimous correlation with classical nutritional markers (P < 0.05) except total lymphocyte count (P > 0.05). MNA-SF results showed a moderate agreement (P < 0.001) with NRS2002. Malnourished patients were older than well-nourished patients with NRS2002 (P < 0.05). Digestive disease patients tend to suffer from malnutrition, evaluated by MNA-SF (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show a relatively high prevalence of malnutrition among elderly patients in our general surgery department, especially in patients with digestive disease. NRS2002 and MNA-SF on elderly patients showed great consistency but significant difference in elderly patients with digestive disease. Both MNA-SF and NRS2002 correlated with each other and with BMI, serum albumin, hemoglobin, handgrip strength, calf circumference and mid-arm circumference. MNA-SF may be a more suitable tool for the nutrition assessment of surgical elderly inpatients.

Nutritional assessment and hand grip strength of candidates for surgery of the gastrointestinal tract

Background

The assessment of nutritional status in clinical practice must be done with simple, reliable, low cost and easy performance methods. The power of handshake is recognized as a useful tool to evaluate muscle strength, and therefore, it is suggested that can detect malnutrition.

Aim

To evaluate the nutritional status by subjective global assessment and power of handshake preoperatively in patients going to gastrointestinal surgeries and to compare the diagnosis obtained by subjective global assessment with traditional anthropometric methods and power of handshake.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients for surgery in the gastrointestinal tract and related organs. Socioeconomic and anthropometric data, applied to subjective global assessment and checked the power of handshake, were collected. The force was obtained by the average of three measurements of the dominant and non-dominant hand and thus compared with reference values ​​of the population by sex and age, for the classification of nutritional risk.

Results

The sample consisted of 40 patients, 24-83 years, and most women (52.5%) housewives (37,5%) and diagnosed with cancer (45%). According to subjective global assessment, 37.5% were classified as moderately malnourished; 15% were underweight by BMI measurements; 25% had arm circumference at risk for malnutrition (<percentil 5); 60% reported recent weight loss; and 37.5% low clamping force in power of handshake on non-dominant hand (left).

Conclusion

A significant association was observed for the diagnosis of nutritional subjective assessment with anthropometric methods and strength of the handshake only at the non-dominant limb.

Body fat composition assessment using analytic morphomics predicts infectious complications after bowel resection in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Decisions between medical and surgical management of Crohn's disease (CD) incorporate risk assessments for potential complications of each therapy. Analytic morphomics is a novel method of image analysis providing quantifiable measurements of body tissue composition, characterizing body fat more comprehensively than body mass index alone. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with postoperative complications in CD, incorporating fat composition analysis using analytic morphomics.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of adults undergoing bowel resection for CD between 2004 and 2011 at a single center. Computed tomography obtained within 30 days prior to surgery underwent morphomic analysis for fat characterization. Postoperative infectious complications were defined as the need for a postoperative abdominal drain, intravenous antibiotics, or reoperation within 30 days. Bivariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were used to generate a prediction model of infectious complications.

RESULTS

A total of 269 subjects met selection criteria; 27% incurred postoperative infectious complications. Bivariate analysis showed hemoglobin, albumin, surgical urgency, high-dose prednisone use, and subcutaneous-to-visceral fat volume distribution as predictors of complications. Body mass index, anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapies, and immunomodulator use were not predictors of complication. Multivariate modeling demonstrated a c-statistic of 0.77 and a negative predictive value of 81.1% with surgical urgency (odds ratio = 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-6.02; P = 0.004), subcutaneous-to-visceral fat distribution (odds ratio = 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.19; P = 0.006), and hemoglobin (odds ratio = 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.85; P = 0.001) as predictors of infectious complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Fat subtype and distribution are predictive of postoperative infectious complications after bowel resection for CD. Analytic morphomics provides additional body composition detail not captured by body mass index.

Low muscle mass and sarcopenia: common and predictive of osteopenia in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Body composition is poorly studied in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sarcopenia describes a loss of muscle mass and strength.

AIM

To assess the prevalence of low lean mass (LM), sarcopenia and associated morbidity in an adult IBD cohort.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were gathered on pre-menopausal 18- to 50-year-old patients with IBD. Whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric assessment and grip strength were performed. Low LM was defined as ≥1 s.d. below the population mean for appendicular skeletal muscle index [ASMI (kg)/height (m)²], and sarcopenia as both ASMI and grip strength ≥1 s.d. below population mean. Multivariate regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 137 participants (median age 31 years, BMI 24.8 kg/m(2) ), 56% were male and 69% had Crohn's disease (CD). Low LM and sarcopenia were observed in 21% and 12% of patients, respectively, and osteopenia/osteoporosis in 38% of patients (mean lumbar spine t-score -0.3 ± s.d. 1.1). Grip strength predicted low LM and sarcopenia better than did body mass index (BMI) (OR 4.8 vs. OR 0.7 for low-LM, P < 0.05 both). Normal BMI was falsely reassuring in 72% and 76% of patients with low ASMI and sarcopenia, respectively. Low LM and sarcopenia (OR = 3.6, P = 0.03; OR = 6.3, P = 0.02; respectively), but not BMI nor fat mass, predicted osteopenia/osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Low lean mass and sarcopenia are common in patients with IBD, and important to recognise as they predict osteopenia/osteoporosis. Grip strength testing should be incorporated into routine clinical practice to detect low lean mass deficits, which may go unrecognised using BMI alone.

High prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in Crohn's disease patients according to serum retinol levels and the relative dose-response test

AIM

To assess the vitamin A status of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) by evaluating serum retinol levels and the relative dose response (RDR) test (liver retinol stores).

METHODS

Vitamin A nutritional status was measured by serum retinol obtained by high performance liquid chromatography and the RDR test for evaluation of the hepatic stores. Body composition was performed by densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Vitamin A dietary intake was assessed from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

This study included 38 CD patients and 33 controls. Low serum retinol concentrations were detected in 29% of CD patients vs 15% in controls (P < 0.005). The RDR test was positive in 37% of CD patients vs 12% in controls, which indicated inadequate hepatic vitamin A stores (P < 0.005). Individuals with hypovitaminosis A had lower BMI and body fat compared with those without this deficiency. There was no association between vitamin A deficiency and its dietary intake, ileal location, presence of disease activity and prior bowel resections.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CD have higher prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, as assessed by two independent methods.

Optimal vitamin D levels in Crohn's disease: a review

Vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with Crohn's disease. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the best measure of an individual's vitamin D status and current cut-off ranges for sufficiency are debatable. Several factors contribute to vitamin D deficiency in Crohn's disease. These include inadequate exposure to sunlight, inadequate dietary intake, impaired conversion of vitamin D to its active metabolite, increased catabolism, increased excretion and genetic variants in vitamin D hydroxylation and transport. The effects of low 25(OH)D on outcomes other than bone health are understudied in Crohn's disease. The aim of the present review is to discuss the potential roles of vitamin D and the possible levels required to achieve them. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may have roles in innate and adaptive immunity, in the immune-pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, prevention of Crohn's disease-related hospitalisations and surgery, in reducing disease severity and in colon cancer prevention. The present literature appears to suggest that 25(OH)D concentrations of ≥75 nmol/l may be required for non-skeletal effects; however, further research on optimal levels is required.

Lower extremity mobility limitation and impaired muscle function in women with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Fatigue, weakness and musculoskeletal manifestations are associated with IBD. An impaired nutritional status and a reduced physical activity can contribute to these clinical outcomes, impacting quality of life and increasing disability. This study aims to assess muscle strength and lower limb physical performance in female UC patients, taking into consideration disease activity, body composition and habitual physical activity.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed including 23 UC female outpatients and 23 age- and BMI-matched healthy women as controls. Quadriceps strength (QS), handgrip strength (HGS), physical performance based measures (five repetitions sit-up test and 4meter gait speed test), body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis, anthropometry), and habitual physical activity (HPA) levels were assessed.

RESULTS

UC group had decreased QS (-6%; P=0.012), slower sit-up test (-32%; P=0.000), slower gait speed (-17% P=0.002) and decreased HPA level (-30%, P=0.001) compared with controls. No difference in HGS was observed between groups. Logistic regression showed that UC was an independent factor for decreased QS and slower sit-up test, while HPA was a protective factor for impaired gait speed. Multivariate linear regression showed that BMI was independently associated with an improved QS and slower sit-up test in the UC group.

CONCLUSION

Women with UC had decreased lower limb strength and mobility limitations, which were associated with BMI and the level of physical activity. Early evaluation of nutritional status and performance of the lower limbs could identify UC patients with pre-clinical disability who may benefit from earlier health lifestyle modifications.

The prevalence of malnutrition and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk of malnutrition and nutrient deficiency due to malabsorption, pain, and poor diet. We sought to examine fat-soluble vitamin levels and malnutrition parameters in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective controlled cohort study, 128 subjects (62 chronic pancreatitis patients and 66 age-/sex-matched controls) were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength (measure of functional capacity), fat stores (triceps skin fold), muscle stores (mid-arm muscle circumference), exocrine function, and serum levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) were measured.

RESULTS

Half of patients in the chronic pancreatitis group were overweight or obese, although the mean BMI was lower in patients than in controls (P = .007). Handgrip strength (P = .048), fat stores (P = .000), and muscle stores (P = .001) were lower in patients than in controls. Of the patients, 14.5% and 24.2% were deficient in vitamins A and E, respectively. Nineteen percent of patients had excess serum vitamin A levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the prevalence of overweight and obesity, patients had lower muscle stores, strength, and abnormal vitamin levels. Detailed nutrition assessment including anthropometry and vitamin status is warranted in chronic pancreatitis.

Systematic review: body composition in adults with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on body composition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Alterations of fat and muscle may affect bone health, muscle performance, quality of life (QoL) and overall morbidity.

AIMS

To systematically review the literature on body composition in adults with IBD, and to discuss potential contributory factors and associations.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in July 2012 of OVID SP MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE and National Library of Medicine's PubMed Central Medline (Limitations: English, humans, from 1992). A total of 19 articles comparing body composition in patients with IBD with healthy age- and sex-matched control populations were included in the primary analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 631 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 295 with ulcerative colitis (UC), mean age 37.1 (s.d. ± 9.2) years; 485 (52%) female, were reported upon. Data were heterogeneous and methodology varied. Compared with controls, a statistically significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) was reported in 37% of CD and 20% of UC patients; reduced fat-free mass in 28% CD and 13% UC patients, and reduced fat mass in 31% CD and 13% UC patients. There was no consistent association between body composition and disease activity, duration, extent or therapies. BMI did not accurately predict body composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data, although heterogeneous, suggest that many patients with IBD are affected by aberrations in fat and lean mass, which may not be detected during routine clinical assessment. The prevalence and impact of altered body composition amongst this population warrant further investigation.

Defining pediatric malnutrition: a paradigm shift toward etiology-related definitions

Lack of a uniform definition is responsible for underrecognition of the prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on outcomes in children. A pediatric malnutrition definitions workgroup reviewed existing pediatric age group English-language literature from 1955 to 2011, for relevant references related to 5 domains of the definition of malnutrition that were a priori identified: anthropometric parameters, growth, chronicity of malnutrition, etiology and pathogenesis, and developmental/ functional outcomes. Based on available evidence and an iterative process to arrive at multidisciplinary consensus in the group, these domains were included in the overall construct of a new definition. Pediatric malnutrition (undernutrition) is defined as an imbalance between nutrient requirements and intake that results in cumulative deficits of energy, protein, or micronutrients that may negatively affect growth, development, and other relevant outcomes. A summary of the literature is presented and a new classification scheme is proposed that incorporates chronicity, etiology, mechanisms of nutrient imbalance, severity of malnutrition, and its impact on outcomes. Based on its etiology, malnutrition is either illness related (secondary to 1 or more diseases/injury) or non-illness related, (caused by environmental/behavioral factors), or both. Future research must focus on the relationship between inflammation and illness-related malnutrition. We anticipate that the definition of malnutrition will continue to evolve with improved understanding of the processes that lead to and complicate the treatment of this condition. A uniform definition should permit future research to focus on the impact of pediatric malnutrition on functional outcomes and help solidify the scientific basis for evidence-based nutrition practices.

Relationship between hand grip strength and nutritional assessment methods used of hospitalized patients

OBJECTIVE: This study verified the association between hand grip strength and body mass index, subjective global assessment and nutritional risk screening 2002. METHODS: This cross-sectional study calculated the body mass index, measured hand grip strength and administered the subjective global assessment and nutritional risk screening 2002 to 118 patients hospitalized at the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil. Hand grip strength was compared with the reference values for the Brazilian population according to gender and age. The statistical analyses included the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression. The results were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalences of nutritional risk or malnutrition according to body mass index, global subjective assessment, nutritional risk screening 2002 and hand grip strength were 3.5%, 50.9%, 33.9% and 35.6%, respectively. Malnourished individuals according to body mass index had, on average, 11.0kg less hand grip strength than the nourished individuals (p=0.008). There was no association between hand grip strength and the subjective global assessment (malnourished individuals had -2.8kg; p=0.078) and nutritional risk screening 2002 (malnourished individuals had -1.5kg; p=0.352). CONCLUSION: Hand grip strength was associated with body mass index but not with the subjective global assessment or nutritional risk screening 2002.

Decreased neuromuscular function in Crohn's disease patients is not associated with low serum vitamin D levels

BACKGROUND

Neuromuscular fatigue is a common complaint in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. A correlation between serum vitamin D concentrations and neuromuscular function has been found in the elderly or non-ambulant populations.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine whether CD patients exhibit impaired neuromuscular function and if so, is there a link between vitamin D and neuromuscular function.

METHODS

Crohn's disease patients (n = 19) with at least one prior small bowel resection and matched controls (n = 19) underwent muscle strength and endurance testing, vitamin D, and nerve function analysis.

RESULTS

Knee extension and flexion peak torque (Nm/kg) were greater in the control group than in the CD patients (P = 0.04 and 0.014, respectively. A significant difference was found between fatigue rates of the rectus femoris (P = 0.015) between CD patients and controls, but no difference was found in serum vitamin D levels between groups (P = 0.317). Knee extension and flexion torque measurements, with age as a covariate, were compared with high and low vitamin D levels. Those subjects with high serum vitamin D levels had a significantly greater extension peak torque (P = 0.045) and extension average torque (Nm/kg) (P = 0.014) than those with low levels.

CONCLUSION

Crohn's disease patients with sufficient vitamin D levels experienced a 43 % greater extension peak torque. Although vitamin D deficiency has been associated with neuromuscular dysfunction, there were no differences in serum vitamin D levels between the CD and healthy controls to explain the decreased muscle strength.