[Translation and validation of the Spanish version of the EAT-10 (Eating Assessment Tool-10) for the screening of dysphagia]

RATIONALE

The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) is a self-administered, analogical, direct-scoring screening tool for dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE

To translate and adapt the EAT-10 into Spanish, and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

After the translation and back-translation process of the EAT-10 ES, a prospective study was performed in adult patients with preserved cognitive and functional abilities. Patients in 3 clinical situations, diagnosed with dysphagia (DD), patients at risk of dysphagia (RD), and patients not at risk of dysphagia (SRD) were recruited from 3 settings: a hospital Nutritional Support Unit (USN), a nursing home (RG) and primary care centre (CAP). Patients completed the EAT-10 ES during a single visit. Both patients and researchers completed a specific questionnaire regarding EAT-10 ES' comprehension.

RESULTS

65 patients were included (age 75 ± 9.1 y), 52.3% women. Mean time of administration was 3.8 ± 1.7 minutes. 95.4% of patients considered that all tool items were comprehensible and 72.3% found it easy to assign scores. EAT-10 ES' internal consistency, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was 0.87. A high correlation was observed between all tool items and global scores (p < 0.001). Mean score for patients in group DD was 15 ± 8.9 points, 6.7 ± 7.7 points in group RD, and 2 ± 3.1 points in group SRD. Male patients, previously diagnosed of dysphagia or patients from the NSU showed significantly higher scores on the EAT-10 ES (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

EAT-10 ES has proven to be reliable, valid and to have internal consistency. Is it an easy-to-understand tool that can be completed quickly, making it useful for the screening of dysphagia in routine clinical practice.

[Translation and validation of the Spanish version of the EAT-10 (Eating Assessment Tool-10) for the screening of dysphagia]

RATIONALE

The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) is a self-administered, analogical, direct-scoring screening tool for dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE

To translate and adapt the EAT-10 into Spanish, and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

After the translation and back-translation process of the EAT-10 ES, a prospective study was performed in adult patients with preserved cognitive and functional abilities. Patients in 3 clinical situations, diagnosed with dysphagia (DD), patients at risk of dysphagia (RD), and patients not at risk of dysphagia (SRD) were recruited from 3 settings: a hospital Nutritional Support Unit (USN), a nursing home (RG) and primary care centre (CAP). Patients completed the EAT-10 ES during a single visit. Both patients and researchers completed a specific questionnaire regarding EAT-10 ES' comprehension.

RESULTS

65 patients were included (age 75 ± 9.1 y), 52.3% women. Mean time of administration was 3.8 ± 1.7 minutes. 95.4% of patients considered that all tool items were comprehensible and 72.3% found it easy to assign scores. EAT-10 ES' internal consistency, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was 0.87. A high correlation was observed between all tool items and global scores (p < 0.001). Mean score for patients in group DD was 15 ± 8.9 points, 6.7 ± 7.7 points in group RD, and 2 ± 3.1 points in group SRD. Male patients, previously diagnosed of dysphagia or patients from the NSU showed significantly higher scores on the EAT-10 ES (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

EAT-10 ES has proven to be reliable, valid and to have internal consistency. Is it an easy-to-understand tool that can be completed quickly, making it useful for the screening of dysphagia in routine clinical practice.

[Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry in Spain for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (NADYA-SENPE Group)]

OBJECTIVE

To report the data of the Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE working group for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

METHODOLOGY

We compiled the data from the on-line registry introduced by the responsible Units for the monitoring of HPN from January 1st 2007 to December 31st 2009. Included fields were: age, sex, diagnosis and reason for HPN, access path, complications, beginning and end dates, complementary oral or enteral nutrition, activity level, autonomy degree, product and fungible material supply, withdrawal reason and intestinal transplant indication.

RESULTS

2007: 133 patients with HPN were registered (61 males and 72 females), belonging to 21 hospitals. Average age for the 119 patients older than 13 years old was 53.7 ± 14.9 years, and 3.6 ± 3.6 y. for the 14 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (24%), followed by intestinal motility disorders and actinic enteritis (14% both). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (43%), malabsorption (27%), and intestinal obstruction (23%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (69%), followed by implanted port-catheters (27%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.92 episodes/103 HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 50% of the cases. By the end of 2007, 71.4% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (57.5%). 26% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2008: 143 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 81 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 133 patients older than 13 years old was 54.7 ± 13.9 years, and 3.7 ± 0.6 y. for the 10 patients under 14 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (20%), followed by actinic enteritis (14%) and intestinal motility disorders (13% ). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (44%), malabsorption (28%), and intestinal obstruction (20%). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (29%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.50 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 67% of the cases. By the end of 2008, 71.6% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (52.4%). 29% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant. 2009: 158 patients with HPN were registered (62 males and 96 females), belonging to 24 hospitals. Average age for the 149 patients older than 13 years old was 55.2 ± 13.0 years. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (25%), followed by actinic enteritis (12%) and intestinal motility disorders (11%). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (42%), malabsorption, and intestinal obstruction (23% both). Tunnelled catheters were mostly used (60%), followed by implanted port-catheters (36%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.67 episodes/10³ HPN days. HPN was provided for more than two years in 58% of the cases. By the end of 2009, 79.2% of the patients remained active; full oral nutrition was the most frequent reason to end HPN (48%). 23% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

We observe an increase in registered patients with respect to previous years, with a very different prevalence among regions. Neoplasia remains as the main pathology since 2003. We observe a decrease in catheter-related infections in the last two years, being the 2008 rate the smallest since the register's beginning.

[Spanish home enteral nutrition (HEN) registry of the year 2008 from the NADYA-SENPE group]

AIM

To present the results of the Spanish home enteral nutrition (HEN) registry of the year 2008 from the NADYA-SENPE group.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We recorded the HEN registry data from January 1st to December 31st 2008.

RESULTS

The number of patients registered in this period was 6206 (51% male) with up to 6,279 episodes of HEN, from 31 Spanish hospitals. Most of the patients (95%) were older than 14 yr. Mean age was 4.83±3.29 yr in the children group, and 70.75±18.14 yr in the adult group (older than 14 yr). Neurological disorders (39%) and cancer (27%) were the two most prevalent diagnoses. The oral route was the most frequently used (43,4%), followed by nasogastric tube (40,4%), and gastrostomy tube (14,7%). Mean length of treatment was 305,36 days (10 months). The principal reasons for discontinuing treatment were death (43%) and progress to oral diet (40%). Only 33% of the patients had a normal activity level, being limited in different grades in the rest of the patients. Most of the patients required partial (25%) or total help (38%). The enteral formula was provided by the hospital in 65% of the cases and by private pharmacies in 32%. The disposables were provided by the hospital (82,4%) and primary care services (17,2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The number and the age of the patients registered have increased comparing to previous years, with little variations in the rest of analyzed variables. The increase in the length of treatment could reflect misreporting of the weaning process in the registry.

[Immediate complications of feeding percutaneous gastrostomy: a 10-year experience]

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

[Spanish Registry of Home-based Parenteral Nutrition during 2006 (NADYA-SENPE Group)]

OBJECTIVE

To report the data of the Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE working group for the year 2006.

METHODOLOGY

We compiled the data from the on-line registry introduced by the responsible Units for the monitoring of HPN from January 1st to December 31st 2006.

RESULTS

103 patients with HPN were registered (47 males and 56 females), belonging to 19 hospitals. Average age for the 91 patients older than 14 years old was 53.3 +/- 14.9 years old, and that for the 12 patients under 14 years old was 2 +/- 0 years old. Most frequent pathology was neoplasm (29%), followed by intestinal motility disorders (13%). The reason for HPN provision was short bowel syndrome (40%), intestinal obstruction (22%), and malabsorption (21%). Tunneled catheters were mostly used (45%), followed by implanted port-catheters (32%). Catheter related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0.85 episodes / 10(3) days. HPD was provided for more than two years in 50% of the cases. By the end of 2006, 70.9% of the patients remained active; exitus was the most frequent reason to end HPN (53%). Complementary oral or enteral nutrition was provided to 52% of the patients. 48% of the patients had a normal activity level, and a 55% were autonomous. PN formula was supplied by the hospital in 82% of the cases, while this number was 78% for fungible materials. 27% of the patients were eligible for intestinal transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

We observe an increase in registered patients with respect to previous years, with a very different prevalence among regions. Neoplasia remains as the main pathology since 2003. We observe a decrease in catheter-related infections with respect to the 2004-2005 period.

[Patient satisfaction in a home enteral nutrition program]

Home enteral nutrition is a treatment carried out frequently due to advantages for patients and caregivers (lower risk of nosocomial infections and better integration in socio-familiar media) but also for the health administration because of the lower economic cost and the release of hospital beds.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate patients' and caregivers' satisfaction related to tube enteral nutrition administered at home by a Service controlled and followed by the Nutritional Support Unit from the reference hospital.

METHODS

One questionnaire for the patients and another for the caregivers were delivered to the patients with home enteral nutrition asking for voluntary response. Similar questionnaires were sent to hospitalized patients and their relatives or possible caregivers.

RESULTS

According to the results of the questionnaires, the majority of patients and relatives were satisfied with the service received. In the cases in which the service was offered at home, the preference was to continue there and not to return to the hospital. Finally, the possibility of telephone contact and home visits were the most important factors that influenced patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Our results let us conclude that home enteral nutrition controlled and followed up by the Nutritional Support Unit form the hospital is a treatment well accepted both by patients and relatives.

[Contribution of nutritional support to fight cancer cachexia]

To increase dietary intake and to fight anorexia several measures to treat symptoms and administer the most adequate diet according to composition, texture and flavour are proposed. However, in the anorexia-caquexia present in cancer patients not always these measures are effective. Now a day it seems more reasonable to approach this problem with different strategies directed to modulate the pathologic alterations associated. The analysis of specific nutritional support as part as the treatment of these patients from a systematic review conclude that no high methodological quality studies to analyze the impact of oral supplementation on a specific group of patients, neither the study of functional effects are done. However, an increase in the total energy intake, not maintained over the time, was observed. The effects on weight and corporal composition are variable, with small differences between groups with o without supplementation and confuse due to, mainly, the heterogeneity of the patients included in the different studies analyzed. The analysis of the effects of nutritional supplements administered by enteral feeding shown an increase in the energy intake with an increase in body weight or a lack of decrease it, and with some functional and clinical beneficial effects. Despite the results and conclusions obtained, a strong recommendation to conduct clinical trials in specific group of cancer patients with different antineoplasic treatment seems necessary. N-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid may have anticachectic properties. Although further trials are necessary the limited results available suggests that nutritional supplements enriched with EPA may reverse cachexia in cancer patients.

[Use of ready-to-use (RTU) products in home-based parenteral nutrition]

AIMS

To analyze the real possibility to use ready-to-use multichamber bags for total parenteral nutrition in adult patients on home parenteral nutrition.

METHODS

In June 2005 we studied the adult patients on home parenteral nutrition treatment controlled by the Nutritional Support Unit from an University Hospital. Demographic data, data relating to underlying disease state; infusion regimen and the necessity to modify it; body mass index, fat free mass index, and Karnofsky index evolution, and complications related to parenteral nutrition were assessed.

RESULTS

At the time of the study, 8 patients aged 48,9 +/- 17,7 years, were on home parenteral nutrition. The artificial nutrition treatment was administered due to short-bowel syndrome (2); motility disorders (2); suboclusion (2); rapid intestinal transit (1), and malabsorption syndrome (1). With the exception of the patient who started more recently the treatment, all the others needed changes in the parenteral nutrition treatment (number of days for week, or formula modification). In general, both the body mass index and the fat free mass index increased during the treatment. The Karnofsky index was maintained or increased. In relation to catheter-related infection, 4 episodes were observed (0.85/1.000 d of HPN).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the effectiveness, safety and the diversity of multichamber bags available for parenteral nutrition, and the few complications observed in the patients studied, although more studied are necessary, our results suggest that we can use this commercial bags for adult patients on home parenteral nutrition.

Nutritional status among adult patients admitted to an university-affiliated hospital in Spain at the time of genoma

BACKGROUND

Although malnutrition in hospitalized patients is generally associated with increasing morbidity and mortality, it is yet a widely unknown problem in hospitals.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of patients admitted to a university-affiliated hospital in Spain using anthropometry measurements and the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) technique.

METHODS

We enrolled 400 patients selected at random using a computer software program. The primary end-point was nutritional status determined within 48 h of admission by anthropometric data (body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, and upper arm muscle circumference) and by the SGA technique. Using anthropometric data, patients were considered to have normonutrition or malnutrition. Those with malnutrition, were subdivided in patients with low (undernutrition) or high (overnutrition) body weight. Through SGA patients were classified as having normonutrition or malnutrition (moderate and severe). Secondary end-points were hospital length of stay (LOS), mortality, and readmissions (total and non-elective readmissions) over the next 6 months. Overall population, patients scheduled admitted, patients admitted from emergency room, and those with any cancer were individually analyzed.

RESULTS

The frequency of malnutrition varied from 72.7% assessed by anthropometry (undernutrition in 26.7% and overnutrition in 46.0%), to 46% using SGA. Malnutrition was not related to the type of admission neither to the diagnosis of cancer. Of 400 patients analyzed, two patients died (0.5%). Using SGA, LOS was significantly higher in patients with malnutrition vs. those with normonutrition, in the overall population and in patients scheduled admitted, and there were more total and non-elective readmissions in patients with malnutrition than in patients with normonutrition in the overall population, in patients scheduled admitted and in those with cancer. When we used anthropometric data, LOS was superior in undernutrition compared to normo and overnutrition in scheduled admitted patients alone. Although there were more total readmissions in undernutrition than in normonutrition and overnutrition in overall population, no significant differences were observed with the non-elective readmission rate.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of malnutrition was found in this study. At a time, a high prevalence of overnutrition was observed. Anthropometric data and SGA technique are not concordant, reflecting the limitations of markers of nutritional status. While with SGA malnutrition was detected in patients with normal to high BMI, with anthropometry overnutrition was diagnosed. SGA seems to be more accurate than anthropometry to anticipate hospital LOS and readmission rate. Due to the increased LOS and readmission rates found in patients with malnutrition, further steps among health care professionals are warranted to identify and control them.

Effects of oleic-rich and omega-3-rich diets on serum lipid pattern and lipid oxidation in mildly hypercholesterolemic patients

AIMS

To evaluate which dietary fat elicits the best response in terms of plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and oxidative processes.

METHODS

After a 4-week run-in period, 14 mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects were fed two balanced diets for 6-week periods. During the first intervention period, patients received a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-enriched diet (olive oil diet). During the second period this diet was supplemented by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (n-3 diet).

RESULTS

After the olive oil diet, a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol (-8.54%, P<0.01), and in apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (-10.0%, P<0.01) was observed. With the addition of n-3 fatty acids no further significant changes in serum lipid concentrations were found. However, the n-3 diet was followed by an increase in lipoperoxides in isolated native low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (67.23%, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A beneficial effect on the serum lipid pattern was observed with the olive oil-enriched diet. The lack of further beneficial modifications on blood lipids and lipoproteins and the increase in the oxidative susceptibility of LDL observed after the addition of n-3 PUFA to the olive oil diet does not favor the use of this diet in hypercholesterolemic patients if it is not associated with a high intake of antioxidants.

[Infections related to parenteral nutrition catheter]

Infectious complications related to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) catheters were prospectively evaluated during a four-month period in a third level teaching hospital in which a protocol on parenteral nutrition is implemented. The study included 102 catheters inserted for a total of 1,448 days (mean 12.06 day/catheter). Local pain, redness, and fever were recorded among 1.9%, 9.8% and 10.7% of cases, respectively. In no case were the defined criteria for catheter related sepsis fulfilled. Catheter tips were cultured in 72.5% of the studied catheters. Tip colonization was observed in 4.1% of cultured tips whereas infection was detected in 8% of them according to microbiological criteria. During the same time period in the hospital, 15 episodes of catheter bacteremia among 6,874 inpatients were observed which were not related to parenteral nutrition, which represents 0.22% of inpatients. The conclusion of our study is that adhering to a parenteral nutrition protocol, with special emphasis in catheter and connection management involves a very low incidence of infectious complications related to parenteral nutrition.