Hyponatremia as a predictor of cognitive deterioration in hospitalized post-stroke patients

PURPOSE

Evidence is scarce regarding the association between hyponatremia and alterations in cognitive function among hospitalized older patients. We aimed to investigate the associations between hyponatremia and the baseline cognitive status, as well as the improvement in cognitive function, in hospitalized post-stroke patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive hospitalized post-stroke patients. Serum sodium concentrations were extracted from medical records based on blood tests performed within 24 h of admission, with hyponatremia defined as a serum sodium concentration < 135 mEq/L. The main outcomes included admission and discharge scores for cognitive levels, assessed through the cognitive domain of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-cognition), as well as the score changes observed during the hospitalization period. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between hyponatremia and outcomes of interest, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Data from 955 patients (mean age 73.2 years; 53.6 % men) were included in the analysis. The median baseline blood sodium level was 139 [137, 141], and 84 patients (8.8 %) exhibited hyponatremia. After full adjustment for confounders, the baseline hyponatremia was significantly and negatively associated with FIM-cognition values at admission (β = -0.009, p = 0.016), discharge (β = -0.038, p = 0.043), and the gain during hospital stay (β = -0.040, p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Baseline hyponatremia has demonstrated a correlation with decline in cognitive level over the course of rehabilitation in individuals after stroke. Assessing hyponatremia at the outset proves to be a pivotal prognostic indicator.

Impaired oral status is associated with sarcopenic obesity in post-stroke patients

PURPOSE

Oral problems and muscle health are indeed significant concerns in ageing populations. However, there is limited evidence concerning the association between these issues. The study's focus was to investigate the association between oral problems and sarcopenic obesity, wherein sarcopenia and obesity coexist concurrently, in post-stroke patients.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study included patients hospitalised for post-stroke rehabilitation. Oral problems were assessed using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG). Sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed according to the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism/European Association for the Study of Obesity criteria. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between the ROAG and sarcopenic obesity after adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 760 patients were included, with a mean (SD) age of 71 (9) years, of whom 408 (54.7%) were male. The median (interquartile range, 25th and 75th percentiles) ROAG was 11 [9, 13]. Sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed in 16 (3.9%) men, 18 (5.1%) women, and 34 (4.5%) patients overall. Multivariate linear analysis showed that ROAG was significantly and positively associated with sarcopenic obesity (β = .091, P = .023), followed by obesity alone (β = .084, P = .044), and sarcopenia alone (β = .081, P = .037).

CONCLUSION

Oral problems were associated with sarcopenic obesity in post-stroke. Oral assessment and intervention may have a positive impact on ADL and QOL in post-stroke patients with sarcopenic obesity.

Exploring the impact of anticholinergic burden on urinary independence: insights from a post-stroke cohort of older adults

BACKGROUND

Anticholinergic burden is associated with adverse events in the older adults. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding its effect on urinary independence in stroke patients.

AIM

This study examined the association between increased anticholinergic burden during hospitalization and urinary independence in post-stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.

METHOD

This observational cross-sectional study included stroke patients admitted to a post-acute rehabilitation hospital between 2020 and 2022 who were not independently urinating. The degree of urinary independence was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure-Bladder (FIM-Bladder), a subscale of the motor domain of the FIM, and urinary independence was defined as FIM-Bladder ≥ 6. Anticholinergic burden was assessed using the anticholinergic risk scale (ARS), and changes in ARS during hospitalization were calculated by subtracting the value at admission from the value at discharge. The study outcome was urinary independence at discharge. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine whether change in ARS score was independently associated with the outcome. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 573 patients enrolled, 312 patients (mean age 77.5 years, 51.9% male) were included in the analysis. ARS increased during hospitalization in 57 patients (18.3%). Change in ARS score was independently associated with urinary independence (odds ratio: 0.432, 95% confidence interval: 0.247-0.756, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Increased anticholinergic burden in post-stroke patients who require assistance with urination is significantly associated with less independent urination. Anticholinergic agents may need to be introduced cautiously in patients who require assistance with urination.

Sarcopenia as a robust predictor of readmission within six months among individuals experiencing acute stroke

Objective

Sarcopenia negatively affects the short-term prognosis of hospitalized older adults. However, no evidence currently supports a direct relationship between sarcopenia and readmission among individuals who have experienced an acute stroke. Therefore, we investigated whether sarcopenia is associated with readmission after discharge.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who had experienced acute stroke. Sarcopenia was defined as the coexistence of low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and grip strength. We applied the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to analyze whether sarcopenia, low SMI, and low grip strength were associated with readmission within 6 months.

Results

Among 228 included patients (mean age, 72.8 years; 146 males), the prevalence of sarcopenia was 24.6% (n=56; male, 17.8%; female, 36.6%). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis using the propensity score as a covariate revealed that sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 7.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45-35.8]; p=0.016) and low skeletal muscle mass (HR 7.40 [95% CI 1.14-48.1; p=0.036), but not low grip strength (HR 1.42 [95% CI 0.281-7.21]; p=0.670), were significantly associated with readmission for stroke within 6 months.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia was negatively associated with readmission within 6 months of stroke onset in patients in Japan who had experienced an acute stroke. These findings suggest that the identification of sarcopenia may facilitate prognostic prediction from the acute stage and intervention(s) to prevent rehospitalization.

Prenatal features of congenital peribronchial myofibroblastic tumor

Here, we report a case of a congenital peribronchial myofibroblastic tumor (CPMT). A 34-year-old primigravida was referred to our hospital at 31 gestation weeks because of suspected congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). Fetal ultrasonography showed a mass measuring 4.6 × 4.0 × 3.9 cm with mixed high and low echogenicity in the left lung, which was associated with microvascular blood flow in the tumor. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a low-intensity left lobe lung lesion on a T2-weighted image. These findings suggested that the mass was a CPAM with atypical hypointense findings on MRI T2-weighted images or a rare primary pulmonary tumor, such as a CPMT. Unfortunately, the fetus died in utero at 34 gestation weeks due to cardiovascular failure, which could have resulted from direct encasement of the great vessels or cardiac compression due to rapid tumor growth. The autopsy findings confirmed the diagnosis of CPMT. Primary pulmonary tumors, such as CPMT, are extremely rare lung diseases that develop in utero. These tumors often rapidly grow during pregnancy, resulting in intrauterine fetal death. However, if the patient survives surgical mass resection, the prognosis is good. Given the adverse outcomes observed in our case, careful fetal monitoring is required in case of suspected CPMT during the third trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, in case the well-being of the fetus cannot be assured, immediate delivery should be considered, even in the preterm period, followed by surgery.

Low hemoglobin levels are associated with compromised muscle health: Insights from a post-stroke rehabilitation cohort

AIM

There is limited evidence concerning the association between anemia and alterations in muscle health among hospitalized older patients. We aimed to evaluate the associations between baseline hemoglobin (Hb) levels and changes in muscle function in patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive hospitalized post-stroke patients. Data on serum Hb level were extracted from medical records on tests performed within 24 h of admission. The main outcomes were discharge score for the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) obtained through bioimpedance analysis and the corresponding change in SMI during hospitalization. Other outcomes were handgrip strength (HGS) at discharge and the alteration in HGS during hospitalization. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the association between Hb levels at admission and outcomes of interest, adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Data from 955 patients (mean age 73.2 years; 53.6% men) were included in the analysis. The median Hb level at admission was 13.3 [11.9, 14.5] g/dL. After fully adjusting for confounding factors, the baseline Hb level was significantly and positively associated with SMI at discharge (β = 0.046, P = 0.039) and with SMI gain (β = 0.010, P = 0.039). Further, the baseline Hb level was independently and positively associated with HGS at discharge (β = 0.058, P = 0.014) and with its change from baseline (β = 0.100, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Diminished baseline Hb levels were demonstrated be correlated with compromised muscle health in patients after stroke. Evaluating anemia at the outset serves as a crucial prognostic indicator. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 305-311.

Deprescribing psychotropic medications is associated with improvements in activities of daily living in post-stroke patients

AIMS

To examine the effect of deprescribing psychotropic medications on activities of daily living (ADLs) and swallowing function in patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation following a stroke.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent convalescent rehabilitation after a stroke were divided into two groups: deprescribing (number of psychotropic medications decreased during hospitalization) and non-deprescribing (number of psychotropic medications increased or remained unchanged). The primary outcome measure was ADLs assessed using the Functional Independence-Measured Motor Activity (FIM-motor) score at discharge. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent association between deprescribing psychotropic medications and rehabilitation outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 586 patients enrolled, 128 with a mean age of 74.1 ± 12.7 years were included in the final analysis after being prescribed psychotropic medications, with 36 of them (28.1%) in the deprescribing group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that deprescribing psychotropic medications was independently associated with FIM-motor function at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Deprescribing psychotropic medications is positively associated with improvements in ADLs among patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after a stroke. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 275-282.

Prognostic Value of Dysphagia for Activities of Daily Living Performance and Cognitive Level after Stroke

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between baseline dysphagia and the improvement of activities of daily living performance and cognitive level among inpatients after stroke.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after stroke. Dysphagia was assessed using the Food Intake LEVEL Scale. Outcomes were the motor and cognitive scores of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at discharge. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the association between dysphagia at admission and these outcomes.

Results

There were 499 participants with a median age of 74 years. A multiple regression analysis was carried out after adjusting for potential confounders including age and sex. Dysphagia at admission was independently and negatively associated with motor (β=-0.157, P<0.001) and cognitive (β=-0.066, P=0.041) FIM scores at discharge.

Conclusions

Baseline dysphagia in patients after stroke was negatively associated with improvement in performance of activities of daily living and cognitive level.

Psychological aspects of rehabilitation nutrition: A position paper by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition (secondary publication)

Psychological aspects of rehabilitation nutrition affect physical, cognitive, and social rehabilitation nutrition. When depression is recognized, not only pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, but also non-pharmacological therapies such as exercise, nutrition, psychosocial, and other interventions can be expected to improve depression. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and intervention without overlooking depression is important. Psychological aspects of preventive rehabilitation nutrition is also important because depression can be partially prevented by appropriate exercise and nutritional management. Even in the absence of psychological negatives, increasing more psychological positives from a positive psychology perspective can be useful for both patients and healthcare professionals. Positive rehabilitation nutrition interventions can increase more psychological positives, such as well-being, through cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness on their own, as well as through interventions on environmental factors. Consequently, physical, cognitive, and social positives are also expected to be enhanced.

Change in phase angle is associated with improvement in activities of daily living and muscle function in patients with acute stroke

PURPOSE

The phase angle (PhA) is a simple index that reflects nutritional status and muscle quality. This study aimed to investigate the association between PhA changes and activities of daily living (ADL), muscle strength, and muscle mass in patients with acute stroke.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study included patients hospitalized for acute stroke. The primary outcome was functional independence measure (FIM) of motor gain. The secondary outcomes were changes in handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) during hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was used to examine whether PhA changes were associated with outcomes, after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Hundred and sixty one subjects (mean age 74.6 years, 92 men) were included in the study. Multivariate analysis showed that PhA change was significantly and positively correlated with the gain in FIM motor scores, both for men (β = 0.634, p < 0.001) and women (β = 0.660, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there were significant associations between PhA change and changes in handgrip strength for men (β = 0.222, p = 0.030) and women (β = 0.491, p < 0.001), as well as SMI for men (β = 0.556, p < 0.001) and women (β = 0.290, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased phase angle was positively associated with ADL, muscle strength, and muscle mass at discharge in patients with acute stroke.

Usefulness of the GLIM criteria to predict recovery of activities of daily living in older adults with post-acute stroke

OBJECTIVES

The usefulness of malnutrition diagnosed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria as a predictor of recovery of activities of daily living is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether baseline malnutrition diagnosed using the GLIM criteria was predictive of recovery of activities of daily living in older patients with post-acute stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients aged ≥70 years with post-acute stroke. The outcome was activities of daily living measured using the motor domain of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) score at discharge. Participants were classified as malnourished or non-malnourished according to the GLIM criteria. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine whether baseline malnutrition diagnosed using the GLIM criteria was predictive of the FIM-motor score at discharge. The analysis was adjusted for clinically relevant covariates associated with rehabilitation outcomes after stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 236 patients (mean age, 80.0 years; female, 54.2%) were included in the analysis. On admission, 83 (35.2%) patients were diagnosed with malnutrition. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that malnutrition diagnosed using the GLIM criteria was predictive of the FIM-motor score at discharge (β = -0.347, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying malnutrition using the GLIM criteria is useful for predicting recovery of activities of daily living in older patients with post-acute stroke.

Hospital-associated sarcopenia and the preventive effect of high energy intake along with intensive rehabilitation in patients with acute stroke

OBJECTIVES

Hospital-associated sarcopenia is prevalent and associated with poor outcomes in acutely admitted patients. Prevention of developing sarcopenia during hospitalization is an important factor in stroke management. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether energy intake and rehabilitation duration contribute to the prevention of hospital-associated sarcopenia in patients with acute stroke.

METHODS

Patients with acute stroke were included in this study. Energy intake during the first week of hospitalization was classified as "high" or "low" based on the reported cutoff value. Rehabilitation time during hospitalization was classified as "intense" or "mild" based on the median. The four groups were compared based on the combinations of high or low energy intake and intense or mild rehabilitation. The primary outcome was the development of sarcopenia during hospitalization. The secondary outcome was the Functional Independence Measure motor item gain during hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was performed with the primary or secondary outcome as the dependent variable and the effect of each group on the outcome was examined.

RESULTS

A total of 112 participants (mean age = 70.6 y; 63 men) were included in the study. Multivariate analysis found that high × intense (odds ratio = 0.113; P = 0.041) was independently associated with the development of sarcopenia during hospitalization (i.e., hospital-related sarcopenia). High × intense (β = 0.395; P < 0.001) was independently associated with the gain of Functional Independence Measure motor items.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute stroke, the combination of high energy intake and adequate rehabilitation time is associated with prevention of hospital-associated sarcopenia.

Concurrent Negative Impact of Undernutrition and Heart Failure on Functional and Cognitive Recovery in Hip Fracture Patients

Evidence on the effects of frailty, undernutrition, and heart failure (HF) on patients with hip fractures is scarce. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the effects of undernutrition and HF on outcomes in patients who underwent convalescent rehabilitation after hip fracture. Undernutrition was defined as body mass index (BMI) < 20.0 (Low BMI). Heart failure (HF) was defined as a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) > 100 (High BNP). The study outcomes included the Functional Independence Measure motor domain (FIM-motor) and cognitive domain (FIM-cognition) at discharge. To consider the effects of low BMI, high BNP, and the simultaneous presence of both ("low BMI and high BNP"), we used multivariate linear regression analyses to examine whether these were associated with the outcomes. A total of 110 (mean age 87.4 years, 24.8% male) were analyzed. As a result, low BMI (β = -0.088, p = 0.027) and high BNP (β = -0.053, p = 0.015), each alone, were significantly associated with the FIM motor at discharge, whereas the simultaneous presence of "low BMI and high BNP" was significantly associated with the FIM motor at discharge, while the strength of the association was greater than each association alone (β = -0.152, p = 0.010). Further, the simultaneous presence of "low BMI and high BNP" was significantly associated with FIM cognition at discharge (β = -0.109, p = 0.014). Comprehensive multidisciplinary management is needed, including preoperative or early postoperative nutritional support and rehabilitation, followed by rehabilitation nutrition care management, in patients with hip fracture.

Phase angle is associated with sarcopenic obesity in post-stroke patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Evidence is limited concerning the association between bioimpedance analysis-derived phase angle and sarcopenic obesity. This study examined this association in patients who underwent convalescent rehabilitation after stroke.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included hospitalized patients with post-acute stroke. The phase angle was measured using a multifrequency bioimpedance analysis. Sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed according to the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism/European Association for the Study of Obesity criteria. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between the phase angle and sarcopenic obesity after adjusting for confounding factors. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the optimal phase angle cutoff value for predicting sarcopenic obesity.

RESULTS

A total of 760 patients (median age 71 years; 352 women) were analyzed. The median (interquartile range, 25th and 75th percentiles) phase angle was 4.45° (4.10°, 4.88°). Sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed in 16 (3.9%) men, 18 (5.1%) women, and 34 (4.5%) patients overall. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that sarcopenic obesity (β = -0.185, p = 0.017) and sarcopenia (β = -0.121, p = 0.012) were significantly and negatively associated with the phase angle. Obesity was not significantly associated with the phase angle (β = -0.078, p = 0.094). The optimal cutoff value of the phase angle for diagnosing sarcopenic obesity was 4.29° (sensitivity 0.65, specificity 0.80, area under the curve [AUC] 0.79, 95% CI 0.77-0.87, p < 0.001) in men and 3.84° (sensitivity 0.67, specificity 0.84, AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.79-0.86, p < 0.001) in women.

CONCLUSION

The phase angle was associated with sarcopenic obesity, and the cutoff values of the phase angle that could predict sarcopenic obesity were 4.29° for men and 3.84° for women. This simple and practical phase angle-based prediction of sarcopenic obesity can be useful in clinical practice.

Statin use impairs muscle strength recovery in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia

AIM

The effects of statins on muscle health are not well established. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of statin use on muscle strength and mass recovery in patients with sarcopenia after stroke.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included stroke patients with sarcopenia hospitalized between 2015 and 2021 at a post-acute rehabilitation hospital. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis according to the 2019 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The study outcomes included handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index at hospital discharge. We used multivariate analyses to examine whether statin use was independently associated with the outcomes. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 586 patients enrolled, 241 (mean age 79.3 years, 44.4% men) presented with sarcopenia and were included in the analysis. Statin use was observed in 61 (25.3%) patients. Statin use was independently negatively associated with handgrip strength at discharge (β = -0.095, P = 0.032), but not with skeletal muscle mass index at discharge (β = 0.019, P = 0.692).

CONCLUSIONS

Statin use was negatively associated with muscle strength recovery, but not with muscle mass in patients with sarcopenia who underwent rehabilitation after stroke. To maximize outcomes, sufficient consideration is needed for statin use in these patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 676-683.

Association of poor oral health with increased incidence of dysphagia and impaired improvement in nutritional status among patients with acute heart failure: a prospective cohort study

AIMS

This study aimed to clarify the association between oral health and the incidence of dysphagia as well as the recovery of nutritional status and improvement of dysphagia in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure.

METHODS

Hospitalized patients with AHF were prospectively enrolled. Oral health was evaluated using the Japanese Version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT-J) after circulation dynamics improved (defined as baseline), and participants were classified into good and poor oral health groups (OHAT-J 0-2 and ≧ 3, respectively). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of dysphagia evaluated using the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) at baseline. Secondary outcome measures were nutritional status and FILS score at discharge. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between oral health and the study outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 203 recruited patients (mean age, 79.5 years; 50.7% female), 83 (40.9%) were in the poor oral health group. Participants with poor oral health were significantly older, had lower skeletal muscle mass and strength, lower nutrient intake and nutritional status, worse swallowing status, as well as lower cognitive level, and physical function than those with good oral health. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, baseline poor oral health was significantly associated with the incidence of dysphagia (odds ratio = 1.036, P = 0.020), as well as with the improvement in nutritional status (odds ratio = 0.389, P = 0.046) and dysphagia (odds ratio = 0.199, P = 0.026) at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor baseline oral health was associated with the incidence of dysphagia, as well as with the lack of improvement in nutritional status and dysphagia in patients with acute heart failure.

Association of resting energy expenditure-based energy intake sufficiency with functional recovery, dysphagia, and 1-year mortality following heart failure: A prospective observational study

AIM

Evidence for the influence of resting energy expenditure (REE)-based energy intake on the outcomes of patients with heart failure (HF) is scarce. This study evaluates the relationship between REE-based energy intake sufficiency and clinical outcomes in hospitalized HF patients.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included newly admitted patients with acute HF. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry at baseline and total energy consumption (TEE) was calculated by multiplying REE with activity index. Energy intake (EI) was recorded, and the patients were classified into two groups, namely, the energy intake sufficiency (i.e., EI/TEE ≥1) and energy intake deficiency groups (i.e., EI/TEE <1). The primary outcome was the performance of activities of daily living, assessed using the Barthel Index, at discharge. Other outcomes included dysphagia at discharge and all-cause 1-year mortality following discharge. Dysphagia was defined as a Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) score of <7. Multivariable analyses and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to determine the association of energy sufficiency both at baseline and at discharge with the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

The analysis included 152 patients (mean age, 79.7 years; 51.3% women); of them, 40.1% and 42.8% had inadequate energy intake both at baseline and at discharge, respectively. In multivariable analyses, energy intake sufficiency at discharge was significantly associated with the BI (β = 0.136, p = 0.002) and FILS score (odds ratio = 0.027, p < 0.001) at discharge. Moreover, energy intake sufficiency at discharge was associated with 1-year mortality after discharge (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adequate energy intake during hospitalization was associated with improved physical and swallowing functions and 1-year survival in HF patients. Adequate nutritional management is essential for hospitalized HF patients, suggesting that adequate energy intake may lead to optimal outcomes.

Cut-off values for severe low muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass in post-acute patients with sarcopenia

AIM

This study aimed to calculate the cut-off values for severe decline in muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass in post-acute patients with sarcopenia and to determine their effect on activities of daily living.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients with sarcopenia consecutively admitted to a Japanese rehabilitation hospital between 2014 and 2016. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index. The outcome was the functional independence measure of motor function at discharge. Cut-off values for predicting severe decline in handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index were calculated separately by sex. Values below the cut-off were used to define severely low handgrip strength and severely low skeletal muscle mass index.

RESULTS

Overall, 451 patients (median age, 83 years; 61.4% women) were evaluated. The median functional independence measure of motor function score at discharge was 57. The optimal cut-off values for severely low handgrip strength were 9.0 kg for women and 14.6 kg for men, and those for severely low skeletal muscle mass index were 4.6 kg/m² for women and 5.6 kg/m² for men. Severely low handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass index were independently associated with the functional independence measure of motor function score at discharge (β = -0.178, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

In post-acute patients with sarcopenia, a severe decline in muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass is further negatively associated with an improvement in activities of daily living. The cut-off values herein can serve as indicators to assess sarcopenia severity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••-••.

Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenia: Multidisciplinary Approaches in Clinical Practice

Sarcopenia is a common clinical problem in older people and often leads to severe adverse outcomes [...].

Intravaginal injection of Lactobacillus johnsonii may modulates oviductal microbiota and mucosal barrier function of laying hens

The avian oviduct connects to the gastrointestinal tract through cloaca, where it is exposed to pathogenic bacteria from intestinal contents. Therefore, improvement of mucosal barrier function in the oviduct is important for safe poultry production. Lactic acid bacteria are known to contribute to strengthening the mucosal barrier function in the intestinal tract, and a similar effect is expected in the oviduct mucosa of chickens. This study aimed to clarify the effects of vaginal administration of lactic acid bacteria on the mucosal barrier function of the oviduct. White Leghorn laying hens (500-days old) were intravaginally administered 1 mL of Lactobacillus johnsonii suspension (1 × 10⁵ and 1 × 10⁸ cfu/mL: low concentration of Lactobacillus (LL) and high concentration of Lactobacillus (HL) groups, respectively) or without bacteria (control: C group) for 7 d (n = 6). The oviductal magnum, uterus, and vagina were collected for histological observations and mucosal barrier function-related gene expression analysis. Amplicon sequence analysis of oviductal mucus bacteria was also performed. Eggs were collected during the experimental period and their weight was measured. Vaginally administering L. johnsonii for 7 d caused 1) an increase in α-diversity of vaginal mucosa microbiota with an increase in the abundance ratio of beneficial bacteria and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria, 2) enhanced claudin (CLA) 1 and 3 gene expression in the magnum and vaginal mucosa, and 3) a decrease in avian β-defensin (AvBD) 10, 11, and 12 gene expression in the magnum, uterus, and vaginal mucosa. These results suggest that transvaginal administration of L. johnsonii contributes to protection against infection in the oviduct by improving the microflora of the oviductal mucosa and strengthening the mechanical barrier function of the tight junctions. In contrast, transvaginal administration of lactic acid bacteria does not enhance the production of AvBD10, 11, and 12 in the oviduct.

Aging-associated increased nitric oxide production is a potential cause of inferior eggshell quality produced by aged laying hens

It is important to prolong the productive life of laying hens without compromising their welfare. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify the cause for inferior quality egg production of aged hens by investigating the aging-associated molecular changes related to eggshell formation in the isthmic and uterine mucosae and determining whether nitric oxide plays a role in decreasing the quality of eggs produced by aged hens. Young (35 weeks old) and aged (130 weeks old) White Leghorn laying hens were used in this study to determine the effects of age on the expression of proteins related to eggshell membranes formation in the isthmus and eggshell biomineralization and nitric oxide production in the uterus. Nitric oxide synthesis during the ovulatory cycle was examined in twenty-five laying hens (46-52 weeks old) euthanized at 0, 4, 7, 16, and 24 h after oviposition. S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (a nitric oxide donor) was added to the cultured isthmic and uterine mucosal cells to examine the effects of nitric oxide on the expression of genes related to eggshell membranes formation and eggshell biomineralization, respectively. The results showed that the protein abundance of collagen I and V in the isthmic mucosa and collagen V in the eggshell membranes were lower in aged hens than in young hens. The mRNA expression levels of calbindin, osteopontin, and ovocalyxin-36 and the protein abundance of calbindin and carbonic anhydrase-2 were lower in the uterine mucosa of aged hens than in that of young hens. Nitric oxide synthesis was higher in the uterine mucosa of aged hens than in that of young hens. Nitric oxide downregulated the mRNA expression levels of osteopontin and ovocalyxin-36 in cultured uterine mucosal cells. Our results indicated that the eggshell quality decreases with aging due to molecular changes in the uterine mucosa affecting the eggshell membrane formation and eggshell biomineralization. Moreover, nitric oxide overproduction may play a role in this dysfunction.

Association between deprescribing from polypharmacy and functional recovery and home discharge among older patients with sarcopenia after stroke

OBJECTIVE

Evidence regarding the association between deprescribing from polypharmacy and outcomes in the convalescent rehabilitation setting is rare. The aim of this study was to assess the association between deprescribing from polypharmacy and functional recovery and home discharge in older patients with sarcopenia after stroke.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a convalescent rehabilitation hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. Among newly admitted patients in the convalescent rehabilitation ward who had experienced a stroke, patients aged ≥65 y with sarcopenia at admission and who were using at least five medications were included. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to hand-grip strength and skeletal muscle mass index following the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. The primary outcome measures were functional independence-measured motor activity (FIM-motor) at discharge and home discharge. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether deprescribing from polypharmacy at admission was independently associated with rehabilitation outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 264 patients with polypharmacy, 153 patients (mean age, 81.1 y; 46.4% males) were diagnosed with sarcopenia and included in the analysis. Of them, 56 (36.6%) were deprescribed from polypharmacy. Deprescribing from polypharmacy was independently associated with FIM-motor at discharge (β, 0.137; P = 0.017) and home discharge (odds ratio, 1.393; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Because no effective pharmacotherapy for sarcopenia has been established, the novel findings of this study may be useful in the pharmacotherapy for older patients with sarcopenia after stroke. Deprescribing from polypharmacy on admission was positively associated with functional status at discharge and home discharge in older patients with sarcopenia after stroke.

Improvement in sarcopenia is positively associated with recovery of independence in urination and defecation in patients undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the association between improvement in sarcopenia and the recovery of urinary and defecatory independence in patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 849 older inpatients after a stroke. Of these, patients with sarcopenia and dependent voiding movements were targeted. Sarcopenia was assessed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019, and diagnosed using handgrip strength (HGS) and skeletal muscle-mass index. Outcomes were sphincter control items of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at the time of discharge: urinary (FIM-Bladder) and defecation (FIM-Bowel). A score of six or higher was considered independent. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether sarcopenia improvement was associated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the patients recruited, 151 were diagnosed with sarcopenia at baseline, of whom patients dependent in urination (109 patients) and defecation (102 patients) were included in the analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that improvement in sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.01-10.70; P = 0.048) and HGS (OR: 6.25; 95% CI, 1.45-26.90; P = 0.014) were independently associated with FIM-Bladder at the time of discharge. Improvement in HGS (OR: 4.33; 95% CI, 0.99-18.90; P = 0.048) was independently associated with FIM-Bowel at the time of discharge CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in sarcopenia and muscle strength during hospitalization may have a positive effect on urinary independence in stroke patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation, and improvement in muscle strength may have a positive effect on defecation independence. Multidisciplinary sarcopenia treatment should be implemented in addition to conventional rehabilitation for these patients.

Multimodal single-cell analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COVID-19 patients in Japan

SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread worldwide. Patients with COVID-19 show distinct clinical symptoms. Although many studies have reported various causes for the diversity of symptoms, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from COVID-19 patients were collected longitudinally, and single-cell transcriptome and T cell receptor repertoire analysis was performed. Comparison of molecular features and patients' clinical information revealed that the proportions of cells present, and gene expression profiles differed significantly between mild and severe cases; although even among severe cases, substantial differences were observed among the patients. In one severely-infected elderly patient, an effective antibody response seemed to have failed, which may have caused prolonged viral clearance. Naïve T cell depletion, low T cell receptor repertoire diversity, and aberrant hyperactivation of most immune cell subsets were observed during the acute phase in this patient. Through this study, we provided a better understanding of the diversity of immune landscapes and responses. The information obtained from this study can help medical professionals develop personalized optimal clinical treatment strategies for COVID-19.

Validity of sarcopenia diagnosis defined by calf circumference for muscle mass to predict functional outcome in patients with acute stroke

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the association between sarcopenia diagnosed by defining muscle mass with calf circumference and physical function at hospital discharge in patients with acute stroke and to perform a comparison with sarcopenia diagnosis according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia.

RESEARCH METHODS & PROCEDURES

This retrospective cohort study included patients with acute stroke. We calculated the calf circumference cut-off value defining low skeletal muscle index for the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia diagnostic criteria and used a combination of low calf circumference and low grip strength to define sarcopenia-calf circumference. A combination of low skeletal muscle index and low grip strength defined sarcopenia-Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Associations between sarcopenia-calf circumference, sarcopenia-Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, and Functional Independence Measure motor score were evaluated using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 308 patients (198 men; mean age, 73.2 years). Sarcopenia-calf circumference prevalence was 24.7% in men and 46.4% in women. In men, sarcopenia-calf circumference (β=-0.178; 95% CI: -0.284, -0.073; p=0.001) and sarcopenia-Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (β=-0.228; 95% CI: -0.330, -0.127; p<0.001) were significantly associated with Functional Independence Measure motor score at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia diagnosed by defining muscle mass with calf circumference was negatively associated with physical function at discharge in male patients with acute stroke. Sarcopenia diagnosed using Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria was superior to sarcopenia-calf circumference for predicting physical function at discharge. Our findings suggest that the use of CC enables assessment of sarcopenia even at facilities where muscle mass measurements may be difficult.

Immunosuppressive therapy before and during pregnancy may improve obstetric outcomes in pregnancy complicated by dermatomyositis with anti-MDA-5 antibody positivity: A case report

Dermatomyositis (DM) is one of the most common autoimmune rheumatic diseases affecting women of childbearing age. Pregnancy may lead to exacerbation of DM, especially of DM with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene (MDA) 5 antibody positivity, leading to a poor obstetric outcome. Here, we report consecutive pregnancies complicated by DM with anti-MDA-5 antibodies. A 32-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 3 para 1, presented with fetal growth restriction. Emergency cesarean section was performed because of non-reassuring fetal status at 28 weeks of gestation. Two days postpartum, the patient's hand eczema had worsened and she was diagnosed with DM with MDA-5 antibody positivity. Immunosuppressive therapy using corticosteroids combined with tacrolimus was immediately started, suppressing the DM symptoms. Eighteen months later, she became pregnant again but was then negative for anti-MDA-5 antibodies while continuing immunosuppressive therapy. During pregnancy, the titer of the antibody gradually increased, peaked in the second trimester and declined to near normal range through the third trimester. A male infant weighing 2418 g was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. Our case demonstrates that controlling of DM activity using immunosuppressive treatment before and during pregnancy may be beneficial to obstetric outcomes.

Predicting the Readmission and Mortality in Older Patients Hospitalized with Pneumonia with Preadmission Frailty

BACKGROUND

In older people, frailty has been recognized as an important prognostic factor. However, only a few studies have focused on multidimensional frailty as a predictor of mortality and readmission among inpatients with pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to assess the association between preadmission frailty and clinical outcomes after the hospitalization of older patients with pneumonia.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Acute phase hospital at Kobe, Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

The present study included 654 consecutive older inpatients with pneumonia.

MEASUREMENTS

Frailty status before admission was assessed using total Kihon Checklist (KCL) score, which has been used as a self-administered questionnaire to assess comprehensive frailty, including physical, social, and cognitive status. The primary outcome was a composited 6-month mortality and readmission after discharge.

RESULTS

In total, 330 patients were analyzed (median age: 79 years, male: 70.4%, median total KCL score: 10 points), of which 68 were readmitted and 10 died within 6 months. After multivariate analysis, total KCL score was associated with a composited 6-month mortality and readmission (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.12; p = 0.006). The cutoff value for total KCL score determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 15 points (area under the curve = 0.610). The group with a total KCL score ≥ 15 points had significantly higher readmission or mortality rates than the groups with a total KCL score < 15 points (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preadmission frailty status in older patients with pneumonia was an independent risk factor for readmission and survival after hospitalization.

Respiratory sarcopenia: A position paper by four professional organizations

We defined respiratory sarcopenia as a coexistence of respiratory muscle weakness and decreased respiratory muscle mass. Although respiratory muscle function is indispensable for life support, its evaluation has not been included in the regular assessment of respiratory function or adequately evaluated in clinical practice. Considering this situation, we prepared a position paper outlining basic knowledge, diagnostic and assessment methods, mechanisms, involvement in respiratory diseases, intervention and treatment methods, and future perspectives on respiratory sarcopenia, and summarized the current consensus on respiratory sarcopenia. Respiratory sarcopenia is diagnosed when respiratory muscle weakness and decreased respiratory muscle mass are observed. If respiratory muscle mass is difficult to measure, we can use appendicular skeletal muscle mass as a surrogate. Probable respiratory sarcopenia is defined when respiratory muscle weakness and decreased appendicular skeletal muscle mass are observed. If only respiratory muscle strength is decreased without a decrease in respiratory function, the patient is diagnosed with possible respiratory sarcopenia. Respiratory muscle strength is assessed using maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure. Ultrasonography and computed tomography are commonly used to assess respiratory muscle mass; however, there are insufficient data to propose the cutoff values for defining decreased respiratory muscle mass. It was jointly prepared by the representative authors and authorized by the Japanese Society for Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation, Japanese Association on Sarcopenia and Frailty, Japanese Society of Respiratory Physical Therapy and Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 5-15.

Applicability of the Diagnostic Criteria for Sarcopenic Obesity Defined by ESPEN/EASO Criteria in Acutely Admitted Patients with Stroke: Prevalence and Association with Outcomes

Few reports have described sarcopenic obesity in patients with stroke. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity, as defined by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) consensus statement, in patients with acute stroke and to determine whether it was associated with improved physical function at discharge. This retrospective cohort study was conducted from May 2020 to November 2021 in patients with acute stroke. Sarcopenic obesity was determined using the ESPEN and EASO consensus statement. The main outcome was physical function based on the Functional Independence Measure motor score at discharge. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between sarcopenic obesity and the Functional Independence Measure motor score. This study included 276 patients (182 men; mean age, 72.4 y). Sarcopenic obesity screened for obesity with body mass index >27.5 was found in 11 (4%) patients. Multiple regression analysis revealed that sarcopenic obesity screened for obesity with body mass index >27.5 was not significantly associated with the Functional Independence Measure motor score at discharge (β=0.038; 95% confidence interval: -0.046, 0.123; p=0.369). This study revealed a prevalence rate of 4% for sarcopenic obesity diagnosed by the ESPEN and EASO criteria and showed that sarcopenic obesity was not statistically associated with activities of daily living at acute discharge in patients with stroke.

The Applicability of the ESPEN and EASO-Defined Diagnostic Criteria for Sarcopenic Obesity in Japanese Patients after Stroke: Prevalence and Association with Outcomes

Sarcopenic obesity is of growing research and clinical interest; however, validated diagnostic criteria are lacking. We therefore aimed to examine the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity as diagnosed by the criteria recently proposed by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), and its association with outcomes among patients after stroke. This study was based on a cohort of 760 Japanese patients after stroke admitted to a post-acute rehabilitation hospital. Sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed at admission according to the ESPEN and EASO criteria using reference values specific to Asians. Outcomes included the motor domain of the functional independence measure (FIM-motor) and the food intake level scale (FILS) at discharge. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess the associations between sarcopenic obesity and outcomes. Among 760 patients (median age, 73 years; 352 women and 408 men), sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed in 34 patients (4.5%; 5.4% of women and 4.1% of men). In multivariate analyses, sarcopenic obesity was independently and negatively associated with FIM-motor (β = −0.048, p = 0.031) and FILS at discharge (β = −0.095, p = 0.046) in women. In contrast, in men, sarcopenic obesity showed an independent negative association with FIM-motor at discharge (β = −0.117, p < 0.001) but no statistically significant association with FILS at discharge (β = −0.004, p = 0.323). In conclusion, the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity diagnosed by the ESPEN and EASO-defined criteria was as low as 4.5% among Japanese patients after stroke. Furthermore, sarcopenic obesity was negatively associated with improvements in activities of daily living and dysphagia.

Association of polypharmacy at hospital discharge with nutritional intake, muscle strength, and activities of daily living among older patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after stroke

Matsumoto A, Yoshimura Y, Shimazu S, Nagano F, Bise T, Kido Y, Shiraishi A, Sunahara T. Association of polypharmacy at hospital discharge with nutritional intake, muscle strength, and activities of daily living among older patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after stroke. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2022; 13: 41-48.

Objective

To investigate the association between polypharmacy at discharge and nutritional intake, muscle strength, and activities of daily living (ADL) among older patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after stroke.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved hospitalized patients aged 65 or older who underwent convalescent rehabilitation after stroke. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of six or more medications. Study outcomes included energy intake, protein intake, handgrip strength (HG), and motor subscore of Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) at hospital discharge. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between polypharmacy at discharge and outcomes.

Results

Of 361 eligible patients (mean [±SD] age, 78.3 ± 7.7 years; 49.3% male), 62.9% had polypharmacy. Multiple regression analysis revealed that polypharmacy at discharge was negatively associated with energy intake (β = -0.122, p = 0.003), protein intake (β = -0.133, p = 0.013), HG (β = -0.070, p = 0.022), and FIM-motor score (β = -0.069, p = 0.031) at discharge.

Conclusion

The impact of polypharmacy should be considered when designing nutritional management strategies for rehabilitation patients to maximize rehabilitation outcomes.

Impact of trunk and appendicular skeletal muscle mass on improving swallowing function in acute stroke patients

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of trunk and appendicular skeletal muscle mass on the swallowing function at discharge in acute stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients hospitalized after acute strokes. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis within 5 days of admission. The primary outcome was swallowing function at acute hospital discharge, assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Secondary outcomes were Functional Independence Measure-eating (FIM-eating) scores and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Data from 231 patients (age 72.2 years; 151 men) were included in the analysis. The median trunk muscle mass index (TMI) was 8.2 and 6.8 kg/m² in men and women, respectively. The median appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was 7.7 and 5.7 kg/m² in men and women, respectively. The high TMI group had higher FIM-eating scores at discharge in each sex (p < 0.001). The high ASMI group had higher FOIS (p = 0.039 and 0.048) and FIM-eating scores at discharge (p = 0.046 and 0.047) in men and women, respectively. On multivariate analysis, TMI was independently associated with FIM-eating scores (β = 0.330, p < 0.001); ASMI was independently associated with FOIS (β = 0.229, p = 0.039) and FIM-eating scores (β = 0.111, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Skeletal muscle mass had site-specific impacts on swallowing function and eating activities. This finding may contribute to the design of more individualized rehabilitation programs.

Use of antipsychotics is negatively associated with muscle strength in older adults with sarcopenia after stroke

OBJECTIVE

The use of antipsychotics has been shown to affect activities of daily living during rehabilitation but reports regarding their effects on older patients with sarcopenia are insufficient. We aimed to examine the effect of the use of antipsychotics on muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients with sarcopenia undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after stroke.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a rehabilitation hospital between 2015 and 2020. The study outcomes included skeletal muscle mass index and hand grip strength at discharge. Multivariate analyses were used to determine whether the use of antipsychotics at admission and at 4 weeks after admission were independently associated with the study outcomes, after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 619 stroke patients admitted, 196 (mean age 81 years; 44.4% men) had sarcopenia at admission and were included in the final analysis. The median hand grip strength and median skeletal muscle mass index values were 12.5 (5.9-17.9) kg and 5.1 (4.5-6.0) kg/m², respectively. In the multivariate analyses, the use of antipsychotics at 4 weeks post-admission was independently associated with hand grip strength at discharge (β = -0.125, p = 0.008), which was not the case when used at admission. Furthermore, the use of antipsychotics at admission and at 4 weeks after admission were not significantly associated with the skeletal muscle mass index at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of antipsychotics in older patients with sarcopenia after stroke was negatively associated with handgrip strength at discharge.

Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in stroke rehabilitation: prevalence and association with outcomes

Background Evidence is scarce regarding polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in rehabilitation medicine. Aim To investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIMs and their association with outcomes in stroke rehabilitation. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 849 older inpatients post-stroke. Polypharmacy was defined as six or more medications, and PIMs were defined based on Beers criteria 2019. Study outcomes included functional independence measure (FIM)-motor, FIM-cognitive, energy intake, dysphagia, length of hospital stay, and the rate of home discharge. To consider the effect of pharmacotherapy during rehabilitation, multivariate analyses were used to determine whether the presence of polypharmacy or PIMs at discharge was associated with outcomes. Results After enrollment, 361 patients (mean age 78.3 ± 7.7 years; 49.3% male) were analyzed. Polypharmacy was observed in 43.8% and 62.9% of patients, and any PIMs were observed in 64.8% and 65.4% of patients at admission and discharge, respectively. The most frequently prescribed PIMs included antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and proton pump inhibitors. Polypharmacy was negatively associated with FIM-motor score (β = - 0.062, P = 0.049), FIM-cognitive score (β = - 0.076, P = 0.014), energy intake (β = - 0.143, P = 0.005), and home discharge (OR: 0.458; 95% CI: 0.248, 0.847; P = 0.013). PIMs were negatively associated with home discharge (OR: 0.375; 95% CI: 0.195, 0.718; P = 0.003). Conclusion Polypharmacy and PIMs are commonly found among older patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation. Moreover, polypharmacy was negatively associated with activities of daily living (ADL) but not with PIMs and ADLs, and both were associated with home discharge.

Pharmacotherapy and the Role of Pharmacists in Rehabilitation Medicine

Pharmacotherapy is important in older patients undergoing rehabilitation because such patients, especially those with frailty and physical disabilities, are susceptible to drug-related functional impairment. Drug-related problems include polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), and potential prescription omissions. These problems are associated with adverse drug events such as dysphagia, depression, drowsiness, falls and fractures, incontinence, decreased appetite, and Parkinson's syndrome, leading to impaired improvement in activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life (QOL), and nutritional status. Moreover, the anticholinergic burden is associated with impaired physical and cognitive functions. Therefore, pharmacist-centered multidisciplinary pharmacotherapy should be performed to maximize rehabilitation outcomes. Pharmacotherapy includes a review of all medications, the assessment of drug-related problems, goal setting, correction of polypharmacy and PIMs, monitoring of drug prescriptions, and reassessment of drug-related problems. The goal of pharmacotherapy in rehabilitation medicine is to optimize drug prescribing and to maximize the improvement of ADL and QOL as patient outcomes. The role of pharmacists during rehabilitation is to treat patients as part of multidisciplinary teams and as key members of nutritional support teams. In this review, we aim to highlight existing evidence regarding pharmacotherapy in older adults, including drug-related functional impairment and the association between pharmacotherapy and functional, cognitive, and nutritional outcomes among patients undergoing rehabilitation. In addition, we highlight the important role of pharmacists in maximizing improvements in rehabilitation outcomes and minimizing drug-related adverse effects.

Diagnostic reasoning in rehabilitation nutrition: Position paper by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition (secondary publication)

Diagnostic reasoning is the thought process used to arrive at a diagnosis based on symptoms, examination findings, and laboratory values. Diagnosis is categorized as nonanalytic reasoning (intuition) and analytic reasoning (analysis). Rehabilitation nutrition involves the diagnosis of nutritional disorders, sarcopenia, and excess or deficient nutrient intake. There is usually only one correct answer for the presence or absence of these. On the other hand, there may be no single correct answer for the causes of anorexia, weight loss, or sarcopenia, and analytical reasoning is required. In this case, diagnostic reasoning involves hypotheses. Simply using nutritional supplements without performing diagnostic reasoning about these causes is like prescribing antipyretic analgesics to a patient with a headache without diagnosing the cause of the headache. To maximize function and quality of life in rehabilitation nutrition, it is necessary to suspect the common causes of anorexia, weight loss, and sarcopenia in all cases.

Disease-specific Nutritional Physical Therapy: A Position Paper by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition (Secondary Publication)

Nutritional disorders diminish the effectiveness of physical therapy. The pathogenesis of nutritional disorders, such as sarcopenia, frailty, and cachexia, differs from disease to disease. Disease-specific nutrition can maximize the function, activity, participation, and quality of life for patients undergoing physical therapy, a practice known as nutritional physical therapy. Understanding and practicing disease-specific nutritional physical therapy is essential to meet patients' diverse needs and goals with any disease. Thus, the physical therapist division of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition, with advice from the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Swallowing Physical Therapy, developed this review. It discusses the impact of disease-specific nutritional physical therapy on sarcopenia and frailty in community-dwelling older adults, obesity and metabolic syndrome, critical illness, musculoskeletal diseases, stroke, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, renal disease, cancer, and sports.

Recent Advances in Clinical Nutrition in Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke is a common cause of death and disability worldwide [...].

Chair-Stand Exercise Improves Sarcopenia in Rehabilitation Patients after Stroke

Currently, there is a lack of evidence to show that exercise therapy improves sarcopenia in older patients in clinical practice. We therefore conducted a retrospective cohort study to clarify the effects of chair-stand exercise on improving sarcopenia among patients diagnosed with sarcopenia undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after stroke. According to the latest Asian criteria, sarcopenia was diagnosed when both skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and handgrip strength (HGS) were low. Patients were asked to perform a repeated chair-stand exercise as whole-body resistance training, in addition to the rehabilitation program. Outcomes included sarcopenia rates, SMI, HGS, and physical function at hospital discharge. Multivariate analyses were used to examine whether the frequency of daily chair-stand exercise was independently associated with the outcomes after adjustment for potential confounders. After enrollment, 302 patients with sarcopenia (mean age: 78.6 years; 46.4% male) were analyzed. Overall, sarcopenia prevalence decreased by 21.9%, from 100% at admission to 78.1% at discharge. Multivariate analyses showed that the frequency of the exercise was significantly associated with the presence of sarcopenia (odds ratio: 0.986, p = 0.010), SMI (β = 0.181, p < 0.001), and HGS (β = 0.101, p = 0.032) at discharge, respectively. The chair-standing exercise was effective in improving sarcopenia in these patients.

Deprescribing Leads to Improved Energy Intake among Hospitalized Older Sarcopenic Adults with Polypharmacy after Stroke

Evidence is scarce regarding the polypharmacy in patients with sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of deprescribing for polypharmacy on the improvement of nutritional intake and sarcopenia in older patients with sarcopenia. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with hospitalized older patients with sarcopenia undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. Study outcomes included energy intake, protein intake, handgrip strength (HG) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) at hospital discharge. To consider the effects of deprescribing for polypharmacy, we used multivariate analyses to examine whether the change in the number of medications during hospitalization was associated with outcomes. Of 361 patients after enrollment, 91 (mean age 81.0 years, 48.4% male) presented with sarcopenia and polypharmacy and were eligible for analysis. The change in the number of medications was independently associated with energy intake (β = −0.237, p = 0.009) and protein intake (β = −0.242, p = 0.047) at discharge, and was not statistically significantly associated with HG (β = −0.018, p = 0.768) and SMI (β = 0.083, p = 0.265) at discharge, respectively. Deprescribing was associated with improved nutritional intake in older sarcopenic patients with polypharmacy undergoing stroke rehabilitation.

Nutrition and Physical Therapy: A Position Paper by the Physical Therapist Section of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition (Secondary Publication)

Several patients undergoing physical therapy have nutritional problems. Knowledge of nutrition is necessary for addressing nutritional problems, such as malnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, and cachexia. However, the relationship between physical therapy and nutrition is not fully understood. Physical therapy plays an important role in nutritional management, and evaluations, such as muscle strength and muscle mass evaluations, play an important role in nutritional screening and diagnosis. Exercise, as the core of physical therapy, is essential for nutritional interventions. Several recent studies have suggested that a combination of nutrition and physical therapy interventions can maximize the function, activity, participation, and quality of life of patients. The combination of nutrition and physical therapy interventions is key to addressing the needs of modern and diverse populations. This position paper was developed by the Physical Therapist Section of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition in consultation with the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Swallowing Physical Therapy.

Association between BIA-derived Phase Angle and Sarcopenia and Improvement in Activities of Daily Living and Dysphagia in Patients undergoing Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the predictive value of the BIA-derived phase angle with respect to the functional prognosis and baseline sarcopenia in patients undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 577 Japanese patients admitted to a post-acute care hospital from 2016 to 2020 were recruited.

MEASUREMENTS

Body composition analysis, which included BIA-derived phase angle and skeletal muscle mass, was performed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Study outcomes included physical function assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) and the level of dysphagia assessed using the Food Intake LEVEL Scale (FILS). Sarcopenia was defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and decreased muscle strength. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the optimal cutoff value of BIA-derived phase angle to diagnose sarcopenia. Multivariate analyses were used to determine whether the BIA-derived phase angle at admission was associated with outcomes at discharge and baseline sarcopenia.

RESULTS

After enrollment, 499 patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 13.1 years; 52.0% men) were examined. The median FIM-motor and FILS scores at admission were 47 (20-69) and 8 (7-10), respectively. Sarcopenia was observed in 43.2% of patients. After adjusting for potential confounders, BIA-derived phase angle was positively associated with FIM-motor scores at discharge (β = 0.134, P < 0.001), FIM-motor score gain (β = 2.504, P < 0.001), and FILS scores at discharge (β = 0.120, P = 0.039). BIA-derived phase angle was negatively associated with the sarcopenia diagnosis at baseline (odds ratio = -0.409, P < 0.001); its cutoff value was 4.76° (sensitivity 0.800, specificity 0.790, P < 0.001) for sarcopenia diagnosis in men and 4.11° (sensitivity 0.735, specificity 0.829, P < 0.001) in women.

CONCLUSION

BIA-derived phase angle was positively associated with the recovery of physical function and dysphagia level and negatively associated with baseline sarcopenia in patients undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation. The BIA-derived phase angle cutoff for sarcopenia diagnosis was 4.76° for men and 4.11° for women.