Muscle strength as a predictor of loss of functional status in hospitalized patients

Cancer-associated muscle weakness - From triggers to molecular mechanisms

Skeletal muscle weakness is a debilitating consequence of many malignancies. Muscle weakness has a negative impact on both patient wellbeing and outcome in a range of cancer types and can be the result of loss of muscle mass (i.e. muscle atrophy, cachexia) and occur independently of muscle atrophy or cachexia. There are multiple cancer specific triggers that can initiate the progression of muscle weakness, including the malignancy itself and the tumour environment, as well as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and malnutrition. This can induce weakness via different routes: 1) impaired intrinsic capacity (i.e., contractile dysfunction and intramuscular impairments in excitation-contraction coupling or crossbridge cycling), 2) neuromuscular disconnection and/or 3) muscle atrophy. The mechanisms that underlie these pathways are a complex interplay of inflammation, autophagy, disrupted protein synthesis/degradation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The current lack of therapies to treat cancer-associated muscle weakness highlight the critical need for novel interventions (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological) and mechanistic insight. Moreover, most research in the field has placed emphasis on directly improving muscle mass to improve muscle strength. However, accumulating evidence suggests that loss of muscle function precedes atrophy. This review primarily focuses on cancer-associated muscle weakness, independent of cachexia, and provides a solid background on the underlying mechanisms, methodology, current interventions, gaps in knowledge, and limitations of research in the field. Moreover, we have performed a mini-systematic review of recent research into the mechanisms behind muscle weakness in specific cancer types, along with the main pathways implicated.

Assisted Enteral Feeding of Exotic Companion Animals

Malnutrition is a known concern during hospitalization for humans, dogs, and cats. The same nutrition principals to reduce the risk of malnutrition can be applied to exotic companion animal patients. However, it's important to understand that many nutritional requirements are ill defined for specific species and prudent clinical judgment is required.

Dietary assessment methods for measurement of oral intake in acute care and critically ill hospitalised patients: a scoping review

Quantification of oral intake within the hospital setting is required to guide nutrition care. Multiple dietary assessment methods are available, yet details regarding their application in the acute care setting are scarce. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with JBI methodology, describes dietary assessment methods used to measure oral intake in acute and critical care hospital patients. The search was run across four databases to identify primary research conducted in adult acute or critical care settings from 1st of January 2000-15th March 2023 which quantified oral diet with any dietary assessment method. In total, 155 articles were included, predominantly from the acute care setting (n = 153, 99%). Studies were mainly single-centre (n = 138, 88%) and of observational design (n = 135, 87%). Estimated plate waste (n = 59, 38%) and food records (n = 43, 28%) were the most frequent assessment methods with energy and protein the main nutrients quantified (n = 81, 52%). Validation was completed in 23 (15%) studies, with the majority of these using a reference method reliant on estimation (n = 17, 74%). A quarter of studies (n = 39) quantified completion (either as complete versus incomplete or degree of completeness) and four studies (2.5%) explored factors influencing completion. Findings indicate a lack of high-quality evidence to guide selection and application of existing dietary assessment methods to quantify oral intake with a particular absence of evidence in the critical care setting. Further validation of existing tools and identification of factors influencing completion is needed to guide the optimal approach to quantification of oral intake in both research and clinical contexts.

Reference values for Jamar+ digital dynamometer hand grip strength in healthy adults and in adults with non-communicable diseases or osteoarthritis: the Norwegian Tromsø study 2015-2016

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a key indicator of intrinsic capacity and has shown good predictive ability for morbidity and mortality. Reference values from normative populations are valuable, and such data from the Norwegian population are scarce. Normative values for the digital Jamar+ dynamometer are largely lacking.HGS was assessed in the Norwegian Tromsø study, survey 7 in 2015-2016 for 7824 participants (9324 invited) aged 40+ using a Jamar+ digital dynamometer, and three measurements for each hand were performed following the Southampton protocol. To account for non-response, full Tromsø population data, by age, education and sex, were collected from registry data from microdata.no, a service from Statistics Norway, and were then used as post-stratification weights, to provide standardized HGS values. HGS was higher in men than in women and inversely associated with age. Men and women with a history of non-communicable diseases had lower HGS than those without these conditions, while osteoarthritis was associated with lower HGS only among men. Lower height was associated with lower HGS, especially at younger ages in men. This article provides up-to-date references values for HGS in the community-dwelling population aged 40+ with or without osteoarthritis or non-communicable diseases, in Tromsø, Norway. These reference values will guide clinicians and researchers.

Incident sarcopenia in hospitalized older people: A systematic review

Hospitalization has been associated with the development of sarcopenia. This study aimed to examine the new incidences of hospital sarcopenia, associated risk factors and health outcomes, as defined by internationally recognized diagnostic criteria in hospitalized older people. Pre-defined search terms were run through five databases. Six studies that assessed sarcopenia on two separate time points during hospitalization on older inpatients were included. Prevalence of sarcopenia varied from 14.1% to 55% depending on diagnostic criteria and cut-off points used. New sarcopenia occurred between 12% to 38.7% patients following hospitalization. Risk factors were older age, longer duration of bed rest, lower baseline body mass index, cognitive impairment and activities of daily living disability. None of the studies reported health outcomes associated with newly developed sarcopenia in hospital.

Respiratory and peripheral muscle strength influence recovery of exercise capacity after severe exacerbation of COPD? An observational prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) have decreased exercise tolerance, which may persist for months. In this context, little is known about the associations between muscle strength and recovery of exercise capacity.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether respiratory and peripheral muscle strength influence recovery of exercise capacity in patients hospitalized due to AECOPD.

METHODS

Twenty-seven AECOPD patients (aged 69 ± 7 years, 56% male) were included. The following assessments were performed within 24 to 72 h of hospital admission: (i) respiratory muscle strength, measured by maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP); (ii) peripheral muscle strength, assessed by handgrip and quadriceps muscle strength; and (iii) exercise capacity, measured by 6-min walking distance (6MWD). The 6MWD was reassessed 30 days later to determine the recovery of exercise capacity.

RESULTS

After 30 days, while 63% of the patients showed clinically important improvement in the 6MWD (recovery ≥ 30 m), 37% showed no change (recovery < 30 m). During hospital stay, the non-recovered group had lower quadriceps muscle strength compared to the recovered group (15 ± 5 vs. 22 ± 6 kgf; P = 0.006), with no significant difference for MIP, MEP and handgrip strength. Only quadriceps muscle strength was associated with recovery of exercise capacity (r = 0.56; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

AECOPD patients with quadriceps muscle weakness during hospitalization have poor recovery of exercise capacity after 30 days. This finding suggests the importance of early rehabilitation to improve quadriceps strength and accelerate functional recovery after AECOPD.

Nutrition issues in the general medical ward patient: From general screening to specific diagnosis and individualized treatment

Disease-related malnutrition in patients in the general medical ward remains a complex syndrome, which contributes to high morbidity and mortality, and seriously interferes with recovery from acute illness. Recently, there have been important advances in the development of consensus diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, and through the recent completion of large-scale trials, the understanding of pathophysiological pathways and evidence-based treatment algorithms to provide nutrition care to patients at risk for malnutrition in the hospital setting has advanced. There is need to identify more specific clinical parameters and blood biomarkers, which allow a more personalized approach to the malnourished patients, because not all patients show the same response to nutrition interventions. Recent studies have suggested that some nutrition biomarkers of inflammation, kidney function and muscle health, among others, predict treatment response to nutrition interventions and may help to personalize treatments. In addition to advancing the science, there is need for more education of students and treating teams in the hospital to improve the screening of patients at hospital admission regarding nutrition risk with the start of individualized nutrition support interventions, thereby bringing optimal nutrition care to the bedside.

Nutritional status in post SARS-Cov2 rehabilitation patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

After prolonged hospitalization, the assessment of nutritional status and the identification of adequate nutritional support is of paramount importance. In this observational study, we aimed at assessing the presence of a malnutrition condition in SARS-Cov2 patients after the acute phase and the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on nutritional and functional status.

METHODS

We recruited 48 patients (26 males/22 females) admitted to our Rehabilitation Unit after discharge from acute Covid Hospitals in northern Italy with negative swab for SARS-Cov2. We used the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria to identify patients with different degrees of malnutrition. Patients underwent a 3 to 4-week individual multidisciplinary rehabilitation program consisting of nutritional intervention (energy intake 27to30 kcal/die/kg and protein intake 1-1.3 g/die/kg), exercise for total body conditioning and progressive aerobic exercise with cycle- and arm-ergometer (45 min, 5 days/week). At admission and discharge from our Rehabilitation Unit, body composition and phase angle (PhA) (BIA101 Akern), muscle strength (handgrip, HG) and physical performance (Timed-Up-and-Go, TUG) were assessed.

RESULTS

At admission in all patients the mean weight loss, as compared to the habitual weight, was -12.1 (7.6)%, mean BMI was 25.9 (7.9) kg/m2, mean Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI) was 6.6 (1.7) kg/m2 for males and 5.4 (1.4) kg/m2 for females, mean phase angle was 2.9 (0.9)°, mean muscle strength (HG) was 21.1 (7.8) kg for males and 16.4 (5.9) kg for females, mean TUG value was 23.7 (19.2) s. Based on GLIM criteria 29 patients (60% of the total) showed a malnutrition condition. 7 out of those 29 patients (24%) presented a mild/moderate grade and 22 patients (76%) a severe grade. After a rehabilitation program of an average duration of 25 days (range 13-46) ASMI increased, with statistically significant differences only in females (p = 0.001) and HG improved only in males (p = 0.0014). In all of the patients, body weight did not change, CRP/albumin (p < 0.05) and TUG (p < 0.001) were reduced and PhA increased (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We diagnosed a malnutrition condition in 60% of our post SARS-Cov2 patients. An individualized nutritional intervention with adequate energy and protein intake combined with tailored aerobic and strengthening exercise improved nutritional and functional status.

Handgrip Strength Values Depend on Tumor Entity and Predict 180-Day Mortality in Malnourished Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related malnutrition is a prevalent condition associated with a loss of muscle mass and impaired functional status, leading to immunodeficiency, impaired quality of life and adverse clinical outcomes. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a practical measure to assess muscle strength in individual patients during clinical practice. However, HGS reference values refer to populations of healthy people, and population-specific values, such as those in the population of cancer patients, still need to be defined.

METHODS

Within a secondary analysis of a previous randomized controlled nutritional trial focusing on hospitalized cancer patients at risk for malnutrition, we investigated sex-specific HGS values stratified by age and tumor entity. Additionally, we examined the association between HGS and 180-day all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

We included data from 628 cancer patients, which were collected from eight hospitals in Switzerland. Depending on the age of patients, HGS varied among female patients from 7 kg to 26 kg and among male patients from 20.5 kg to 44 kg. An incremental decrease in handgrip strength by 10 kg resulted in a 50% increase in 180-day all-cause mortality (odds ratio 1.52 (95%CI 1.19 to 1.94), p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data provide evidence of the prognostic implications of HGS measurement in cancer patients and validate the prognostic value of handgrip strength in regard to long-term mortality. In addition, our results provide expected HGS values in the population of hospitalized malnourished cancer patients, which may allow better interpretation of values in individual patients.

Hospitalization is associated with handgrip strength decline in older adults: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Hospitalization episodes in older people are considered critical events because they act in a complex interaction among immobilization effects.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hospitalization on older adults' handgrip strength (HGS) and to identify factors related to its performance on the test.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted in a hospital in Natal, Brazil, and enrolled all patients aged 60 years and older between January 2014, and April 2015. Cognitive (Leganés Cognitive Test) and functional status (Katz Index, Lawton Scale and Functional limitation Nagi), physical performance (HGS and gait speed) and depressive symptom assessment (GDS-15) were evaluated at admission and discharge time, as well as information about health and functional status prior to hospitalization. Linear Mixed Models were used to create a predictive model for handgrip strength.

RESULTS

A total of 1168 hospitalized older adults were evaluated. A significant decrease in HGS means was observed between admission and discharge time for men (28.12 ± 10.35 and 20.22 ± 14.08 Kgf, p < 0.01) and for women (19.18 ± 7.87 and 14.88 ± 9.79 Kgf, p < 0.01). Undergoing surgery and basal values of the Katz Index were associated with worse HGS performance at discharge.

CONCLUSION

A significant decline in handgrip strength during the hospitalization period was observed, which was more pronounced in men. Performing surgery during hospitalization was an important factor for HGS decline in men and women. This study reinforces the importance of early mobilization and muscle strength loss prevention protocols in hospitalized older patients.

Value of handgrip strength to predict clinical outcomes and therapeutic response in malnourished medical inpatients: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Disease-related malnutrition is associated with loss of muscle mass and impaired functional status. Handgrip strength (HGS) has been proposed as an easy-to-use tool to assess muscle strength in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the prognostic implications of HGS in patients at nutritional risk with regard to clinical outcomes and response to nutritional support.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of the randomized controlled, multicenter, Effect of Early Nutritional Support on Frailty, Functional Outcome, and Recovery of Malnourished Medical Inpatients Trial, which compared the effects of individualized nutritional support with usual hospital food in medical inpatients at nutritional risk. Our primary endpoint was 30-d all-cause mortality. The association between sex-specific HGS and clinical outcomes was investigated using multivariable regression analyses, adjusted for randomization, age, weight, height, nutritional risk, admission diagnosis, comorbidities, interaction terms, and study center. We used interaction terms to investigate possible effect modification regarding the nutritional support intervention.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD HGS in the 1809 patients with available handgrip measurement was 17.0 ± 7.1 kg for females and 28.9 ± 11.3 kg for males. Each decrease of 10 kg in HGS was associated with increased risk of 30-d mortality (female: adjusted OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.62, P = 0.007; male: adjusted OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.93, P = 0.015) and 180-d mortality (female: adjusted OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.10, P = 0.048; male: adjusted OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.28, 1.89, P < 0.001). Individualized nutritional support was most effective in reducing mortality in patients with low HGS (adjusted OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.82 in patients in the ≤10th percentile compared with OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.48 in patients in the >10th percentile; P for interaction = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

In medical inpatients at nutritional risk, HGS provided significant prognostic information about expected mortality and complication risks and helps to identify which patients benefit most from nutritional support. HGS may thus improve individualization of nutritional therapy.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02517476.

The Sit Up Squat Stand test and Hand Grip Strength: What is the role of tests of muscle power in risk assessment in Anorexia Nervosa?

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the validity and reliability of two variants of the Sit Up Squat Stand Test (SUSS) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) in predicting BMI and BMI risk level in hospitalised patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).

METHODS

25 inpatients with AN were tested roughly weekly for up to 16 weeks. Muscle power was assessed by two independent researchers.

RESULTS

Intra-class coefficients (ICCs) indicated high Inter-Rater Reliability (IRR) for the HGS (10 participants). Cohen's Kappa showed moderate IRR for the SUSS test (25 participants). Stepwise multiple regression showed that the SUSS tests plus HGS predicted BMI and BMI risk level explaining about two-third of the variance. Each test individually had lower predictive value. There was a little difference between the two versions of the SUSS tested.

CONCLUSIONS

HGS and SUSS are valid and reliable measurements of muscle power in AN. Together, the SUSS tests and the HGS represent a useful and effective measure of muscle power and hence one aspect of physical risk in Anorexia Nervosa. In the light of Covid restrictions, the SUSS test is one way that physical state can be monitored on video link in a way that is hard to falsify.

Hospitalization-associated muscle weakness and functional outcomes among oldest old patients: A hospital-based cohort study

AIM

To investigate the prognostic significance of hospitalization-associated muscle weakness for short-term and long-term functional declines among oldest old hospitalized patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU) of a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. Data from patients admitted to the GEMU were collected, including demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, functional assessments, and nutritional status. Handgrip strength was measured at admission and before discharge, and hospitalization-associated muscle weakness was defined accordingly. Functional status was ascertained by a telephone survey, and functional decline was defined based on a comparison with each patient's functional status before discharge.

RESULTS

Overall, data from 555 patients were retrieved, and 431 patients (mean age: 86.0 ± 6.2 years, 78.5% males) were included in the study, with a mean Barthel Index score of 74.7 ± 20.8, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 19.1 ± 6.8, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-5) score of 2.2 ± 1.6, Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) score of 8.9 ± 3.0, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatric (CIRS-G) score of 2.2 ± 0.9, and the regular use of 6.7 ± 3.5 medications. Patients with a 1-month postdischarge functional decline had significantly lower body weight and body mass index, more severe frailty and more hospitalization-associated muscle weakness. Patients with a 6-month postdischarge functional decline had lower body weight, BMI, MMSE scores, MNA-SF scores, handgrip strength, Barthel Index scores, and Braden Scale scores. BMI (OR: 0.815, 95% CI: 0.691-0.962, P = 0.015) and hospitalization-associated muscle weakness (OR: 1.227, 95% CI: 1.147-1.332, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a 1-month postdischarge functional decline. Hospitalization-associated muscle weakness (OR: 1.067, 95% CI: 1.035-1.101, P < 0.001), the risk of pressure sores (Braden Scale, OR: 0.767, 95% CI: 0.646-0.910, P = 0.002), and BMI (OR: 0.914, 95% CI: 0.838-0.998, P = 0.045) were independently associated with a 6-month postdischarge functional decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalization-associated muscle weakness significantly predicts functional decline among oldest old patients hospitalized for acute conditions. Further interventional studies are needed to examine the causal relationship between hospitalization-associated muscle weakness and clinical outcomes.

Female cancer survivors are more likely to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical importance for a number of quality of life subscales

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to explore malnutrition risk, handgrip strength and quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors.

METHODS

In total, 232 individuals completed a demographic questionnaire, Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Handgrip strength was determined using a spring-loaded handgrip dynamometer and anthropometric measurements were taken by an oncology nurse. Frequencies and distribution data, analysis of variance and chi-squared tests were then conducted.

RESULTS

The majority of the cohort were female (n = 141; 60.8%) had breast cancer (n = 62; 26.7%) and the mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 6.2 kg m^-2 . Less than a one-third reported seeing a dietitian (n = 68; 29.3%). Over one-third reported recent weight loss (n = 88; 37.3%). Some 40.9% (n = 95) were at moderate to high risk of malnutrition, with women more likely than men to be classified as high risk (p < 0.05). Mean ± SD handgrip strength was 25 ± 15 kg and this differed significantly by gender (p = 0.00), cancer type (p = 0.01) and BMI classification (p = 0.01). One-fifth of individuals were classified as having dynapenia (n = 48; 21.1%). Median (interquartile range) QOL score was 66.7 (33.3). The proportion of individuals meeting the threshold for clinical importance for QOL subscales ranged from 12.5% (constipation) to 42.7% (physical functioning). Females were more likely than males to meet the threshold for physical functioning (p = 0.00), fatigue (p = 0.02) and pain (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Females are more likely than males to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical significance for several QOL subscales.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status and Methods to Identify Nutritional Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) experience several nutritional challenges and are prone to develop malnutrition. This observational study aimed to perform a comprehensive nutritional assessment of outpatients diagnosed with RA and SpA, as well as to evaluate methods to identify nutritional risk. Nutritional status was investigated by anthropometric measures, body composition (DXA, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), and handgrip strength (HGS). Nutritional risk was classified by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) and malnutrition was defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and fat-free mass index (FFMI; kg/m², <16.7 (M), <14.6 (F)). Out of 71 included patients, 46 (66%) were abdominally obese, 28 (39%) were obese in terms of body mass index (BMI), and 33 (52%) were obese in terms of the fat mass index (FMI; kg/m², ≥8.3 (M), ≥11.8 (F)). Malnutrition was identified according to FFMI in 12 (19%) patients, according to GLIM criteria in 5 (8%) patients, and on the basis of BMI (<18.5 kg/m²) in 1 (1%) patient. None were identified by NRS2002 to be at nutritional risk. Our study revealed high prevalence of abdominal obesity and low FFMI. Waist circumference was a good indicator of FMI. BMI, NRS2002, and HGS did not capture patients with malnutrition identified by DXA.

Hand grip strength as a surrogate marker for postoperative changes in spinopelvic alignment in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

There are a few studies on the postoperative changes in sagittal alignment and corresponding factors, including hand grip strength (HGS) and muscle performance tests for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Thus, we aimed to determine whether HGS can be a surrogate marker for global sagittal alignment changes after decompression with fusion surgery for LSS. This retrospective observational study included 91 patients who underwent spine fusion surgery for LSS. Radiological spinopelvic parameters, including sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), global tilt (GT), and T1 pelvic angle (T1PA), were analyzed preoperatively and 1 year after posterior decompression and fusion surgery. To assess muscle performance, the 6-m walk (SMT), timed up and go (TUGT), and sit-to-stand (STS) tests were conducted. The relationship between HGS and postoperative SVA was examined through multiple linear regression analysis. Additionally, the relationship between HGS and preoperative/postoperative radiologic spinopelvic parameters and muscle performance test results was analyzed through Pearson's correlation. HGS was significantly correlated with age, preoperative and postoperative SVA, and the muscle performance tests. Furthermore, HGS was a factor that can significantly influence postoperative SVA changes in multiple linear regression analyses. Therefore, HGS may be a good predictor of postoperative SVA change.

Malnutrition in Chronic Pancreatitis: Causes, Assessment Methods, and Therapeutic Management

PURPOSE

In recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on early diagnosis and adequate treatment of malnutrition in the course of chronic diseases (CP). One of these diseases is chronic pancreatitis in which malnutrition may develop as a consequence of abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and alcohol abuse. The aim of this review paper is recognized if we can improve the nutritional status of patients with CP.

METHODS

This paper is based on systematic literature review according to the PubMed.

RESULTS

One of the most important problems is lack of "gold standard" in screening of nutritional status in patients with CP, especially in outpatient clinics. Another problem is preventing malnutrition in these patients and beginning treatment already at significant stages of disease. To prevent malnutrition you must first recognize the causes of malnutrition in CP, adequately assess its severity using one of available questionnaires and then apply the appropriate therapeutic management. At each visit, remember to assess the nutritional status of the patient, including laboratory markers and anthropometric measurements. Patients should be advised to stop smoking and drinking alcohol and to use adequate enzyme supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CP should be led by a team of gastroenterologist, diabetologist, and psychologist and consulted by a dietitian, specialist of pain treatment, and surgeon.

Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Hospitalised Cancer Patients Who Develop Intestinal Failure and Require Parenteral Nutrition: An Observational Study

(1) Background: Malnutrition in cancer patients impacts quality of life (QoL) and performance status (PS). When oral/enteral nutrition is not possible and patients develop intestinal failure, parenteral nutrition (PN) is indicated. Our aim was to assess nutritional status, QoL, and PS in hospitalised cancer patients recently initiated on PN for intestinal failure. (2) Methods: The design was a cross-sectional observational study. The following information was captured: demographic, anthropometric, biochemical and medical information, as well as nutritional screening tool (NST), patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), functional assessment of cancer therapy-general (FACT-G), and Karnofsky PS (KPS) data. (3) Results: Among 85 PN referrals, 30 oncology patients (56.2 years, 56.7% male) were identified. Mean weight (60.3 ± 16.6 kg) corresponded to normal body mass index values (21.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2). However, weight loss was significant in patients with gastrointestinal tumours (p < 0.01). A high malnutrition risk was present in 53.3-56.7% of patients, depending on the screening tool. Patients had impaired QoL (FACT-G: 26.6 ± 9.8) but PS indicated above average capability with independent daily activities (KPS: 60 ± 10). (4) Conclusions: Future research should assess the impact of impaired NS and QoL on clinical outcomes such as survival, with a view to encompassing nutritional and QoL assessment in the management pathway of this patient group.

Association of handgrip strength with patient-reported outcome measures after total hip and knee arthroplasty

About 33% patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty are not satisfied with the outcome, warranting the need to improve patient selection. Handgrip strength (HGS) has been suggested as a proxy for overall muscle strength and may be associated with post-arthroplasty function. This study aims to assess the association of pre-operative HGS with change in hip/knee function and quality of life in patients with arthroplasty. 226 hip (THA) and 246 knee (TKA) arthroplasty patients were included in this prospective cohort study. Pre-operative HGS was assessed by means of a dynamometer and the HOOS/KOOS and SF-36 questionnaires were collected before arthroplasty and 1 year thereafter. The association of HGS with score change on each sub-domain of the included questionnaires was assessed by linear regression models, adjusting for sex, body mass index and baseline score. Mean pre-operative HGS was 26 kg for patients undergoing THA and 24 kg for those undergoing TKA. HGS was positively associated with an increased improvement score on “function in sport and recreation”-domain in hip (β = 0.68, P = 0.005) and knee (β = 0.52, P = 0.049) and “symptoms”-domain in hip (β = 0.56, P = 0.001). For patients with THA, HGS was associated with the “quality of life” domain (β = 0.33, P = 0.033). In patients with TKA, HGS was associated with the physical component score (β = 0.31, P = 0.001). All statistically significant effects were positive, indicating that with greater pre-operative HGS, an increased gain in 1-year post-surgery score was observed. HGS can be used as a tool to inform patients with OA who are future candidates for a prosthesis about the possible improvements of certain aspects of life after arthroplasty.

Brazilian Nutritional Consensus in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Adults

The nutritional status of patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplant is considered an independent risk factor, which may influence on quality of life and tolerance to the proposed treatment. The impairment of nutritional status during hematopoietic stem cell transplant occurs mainly due to the adverse effects resulting from conditioning to which the patient is subjected. Therefore, adequate nutritional evaluation and follow-up during hematopoietic stem cell transplant are essential. To emphasize the importance of nutritional status and body composition during treatment, as well as the main characteristics related to the nutritional assessment of the patient, the Brazilian Consensus on Nutrition in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Adults was prepared, aiming to standardize and update Nutritional Therapy in this area. Dietitians, nutrition physicians and hematologists from 15 Brazilian centers thar are references in hematopoietic stem cell transplant took part.

Association between preoperative potential sarcopenia and survival of cancer patients undergoing major surgical procedures

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the impact of probable sarcopenia (PS) on the survival of oncological patients submitted to major surgeries. Method: prospective cohort bicentrical study enrolling adult oncological patients submitted to major surgeries at Cancer Hospital and Santa Casa de Misericordia in Cuiabá-MT. The main endpoint was the verification of postoperative death. Demographic and clinical data was collected. PS was defined as the presence of 1) sarcopenia risk assessed by SARC-F questionnaire and 2) low muscle strength measured by dynamometry. The cumulative mortality rate was calculated for patients with either PS or non PS using Kaplan Meier curve. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression model was used to evaluate the association of mortality with various investigated confounding variables. Results: a total of 220 patients with a mean (SD) age of 58.7±14.0 years old, 60.5% males participated of the study. Patients with PS had higher risk to postoperative death (RR=5.35 95%CI 1.95-14.66; p=0,001) and for infectious complications (RR=2.45 95%CI 1.12-5.33; p=0.036). The 60 days mean survival was shorter for patients with PS: 44 (IQR=32-37) vs 58 (IQR=56-59) days (log rank <0,001). The Cox multivariate regression showed that PS was an independent risk factor (HR=5.8 95%CI 1.49-22.58; p=0.011) for mortality. Conclusion: patients bearing PS submitted to major oncological surgery have less probability of short term survival and preoperative PS is an independent risk for postoperative mortality.

Major oncological surgery reduces muscular function in patients with or without nutritional risk

ABSTRACT Objectives : to investigate the impact of oncological surgical procedures on the muscle function of patients with and without nutritional risk. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted with cancer patients undergoing major operations between July 2018 to March 2019 in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Patients were assessed preoperatively for the nutritional risk by the Nutricional Risk Screening-2002, and handgrip strength (FPP) was assessed both on the pre- and 2nd and 5th postoperative days (PO). Results: 92 patients were evaluated, of whom 55.4% were men and 44.6% women, with a mean age (SD) of 64 (10.81) for patients at risk and 51 (12.99) for patients without nutritional risk. The preoperative nutritional risk evaluation indicated that 34.8% of the patients had no risk and 65.2% had a nutritional risk. The FPP was lower (p = 0.008) in the group with nutritional risk in the preoperative period. In both groups, there was a significant drop in FPP on the 2nd PO day. The preoperative FPP compared with the 2nd PO FPP was more pronounced in patients without nutritional risk (p = 0.039). Patients with nutritional risk had a longer hospital stay (p = 0.049). Conclusion: surgical trauma causes loss of muscle function in the early PO. Patients without nutritional risk have a more significant decrease in muscle strength after surgical oncological procedures than those with nutritional risk. These results may infer the need to implement pre-habilitation in all patients who will undergo major oncological procedures.

Differences in function and recovery profiles between patterns of multimorbidity among older medical patients the first year after an acute admission-An exploratory latent class analysis

INTRODUCTION

Multimorbidity is common among older people and may contribute to adverse health effects, such as functional limitations. It may help stratify rehabilitation of older medical patients, if we can identify differences in function under and after an acute medical admission, among patient with different patterns of multimorbidity.

AIM

To investigate differences in function and recovery profiles among older medical patients with different patterns of multimorbidity the first year after an acute admission.

METHODS

Longitudinal prospective cohort study of 369 medical patients (77.9 years, 62% women) acutely admitted to the Emergency Department. During the first 24 h after admission, one month and one year after discharge we assessed mobility level using the de Morton Mobility Index. At baseline and one-year we assessed handgrip strength, gait speed, Barthel20, and the New Mobility Score. Information about chronic conditions was collected by national registers. We used Latent Class Analysis to determine differences among patterns of multimorbidity based on 22 chronic conditions.

RESULTS

Four distinct patterns of multimorbidity were identified (Minimal chronic disease; Degenerative, lifestyle, and mental disorders; Neurological, functional and sensory disorders; and Metabolic, pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders). The "Neurological, functional and sensory disorders"-pattern showed significant lower function than the "Minimal chronic disease"-pattern in all outcome measures. There were no differences in recovery profile between patients in the four patterns.

CONCLUSION

The results support that patients with different patterns of multimorbidity among acutely hospitalized older medical patients differ in function, which suggests a differentiated approach towards treatment and rehabilitation warrants further studies.

Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum and Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Pathophysiology of Disease-Related Malnutrition in Leukocytes of an Outpatient Population

Cellular pathways such as inflammation or oxidative stress are the cause and triggers of disease-related malnutrition (DRM), but the influence of these markers on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between mitochondrial function and ER stress parameters in a DRM population. The study population was composed of 82 outpatient subjects, of whom 45 were diagnosed with DRM and 37 were confirmed to be normonourished according to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ASPEN criteria. We evaluated anthropometrical and biochemical parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum. Oxidative and ER stress markers were analyzed in leukocytes. DRM patients showed significant reductions in albumin and transferrin concerning the normonourished group, and also displayed higher levels of hsCRP, IL6, and TNFα, and the soluble adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Besides, oxygen consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential were reduced and Radical Oxygen Species ROS production was enhanced in DRM patients. In the case of ER markers, protein and mRNA expression revealed that CHOP, ATF6, and the P-eIF2α signal were enhanced in malnourished patients compared to control subjects. Correlation studies supported a relationship between weight loss and increased inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised function of the ER. Our results demonstrate that ER stress signaling pathways are influenced by inflammation and mitochondrial function in the leukocytes of a DRM population.

Nutrition indicators as potential predictors of AIDS-defining illnesses among ARV-naïve HIV-positive adults in Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia 2008-2009

Early changes in nutritional status may be predictive of subsequent HIV disease progression in people living with HIV (PLHIV). In addition to conventional anthropometric assessment using body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC), measures of strength and fatigability may detect earlier changes in nutrition status which predict HIV disease progression. This study aims to examine the association between various nutritional metrics relevant in resource-scarce setting and HIV disease progression. The HIV disease progression outcome was defined as any occurrence of an incident AIDS-defining illnesses (ADI) among antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve PLHIV. From 2008–2009, HIV+ Zambian adult men and non-pregnant women were followed for 9 months at a Doctors without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontiers, MSF) HIV clinic in Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia. Since the study was conducted in the time period when former WHO recommendations on ART (i.e., ≤200 CD4 cell count as opposed to treating all individuals regardless of CD4 cell count or disease stage) were followed, caution should be applied when considering the implications from this study’s results to improve HIV case management under current clinical guidelines, or when comparing findings from this study with studies conducted in recent years. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between baseline nutritional measurements and the outcome of incident ADI. Self-reported loss of appetite study (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04, 3.45, P = 0.036) and moderate wasting based on MUAC classification (AOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.13, 5.10, P = 0.022) were independently associated with increased odds of developing incident ADI within 9 months, while continuous increments (in psi) of median handgrip strength (AOR 0.74, 95%CI 0.60, 0.91, P = 0.004) was independently associated with decreased odds of incident ADI only among women. The association between low BMI and the short-term outcome of ADI was attenuated after controlling for these nutritional indicators. These findings warrant further research to validate the consistency of these observed associations among larger ART-naïve HIV-infected populations, as well as to develop nutritional assessment tools for identifying disease progression risk among ART-naïve PLHIV.

Exposure to parental smoking during pregnancy and handgrip strength in 7-10-year old children

BACKGROUND

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor associated with intrauterine growth retardation and postnatal complications.

AIM

To assess the relationship between prenatal exposure to smoking on hand grip strength in children 7-10 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN

Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used to assess the relationship between grip strength and smoking status of parents, controlling for social status, birth outcome and body size.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Height, weight and hand grip strength were measured by trained staff. Smoking status of both parents during pregnancy, mother's level of education and birth outcome were reported by questionnaire.

SUBJECTS

734 records (297 boys, 437 girls) of healthy children aged 7-10 years from a survey conducted in 2001-2003 in randomly selected primary schools of Łódź.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Boys exposed to both maternal and paternal smoking during prenatal life showed lower muscular strength at 7-10 years, but a similar relationship was not observed in girls. Intrauterine hypoxia due to maternal smoking during pregnancy and subsequent postnatal exposure to maternal and paternal smoking may have attenuated the formation and subsequent development of muscle fibres in boys.

Effects of overnight fasting on handgrip strength in inpatients

Objective:

To investigate the effects of overnight fasting on handgrip strength of adult inpatients.

Methods:

A prospective clinical study enrolling 221 adult patients. The endpoints were handgrip strength obtained by dynamometry in three time points (morning after an overnight fasting, after breakfast and after lunch) and the cumulative handgrip strength (mean of handgrip strength after breakfast and lunch) in the same day. The mean of three handgrip strength measures was considered to represent each time point. A cut-off for the mean overnight fasting handgrip strength at the 50^th percentile (35.5kg for males and 27.7kg for females) was used for comparisons. We registered the age, sex, current and usual weight (kg), weight loss (kg), diagnosis of cancer, nutritional status, elderly frequency, digestive tract symptoms, type of oral diet, and the amount of dinner ingested the night before handgrip strength (zero intake, until 50%, <100% and 100%).

Results:

Handgrip strength evaluated after an overnight fasting (31.2±8.7kg) was lesser when compared with handgrip strength after breakfast (31.6±8.8kg; p=0.01), and with cumulative handgrip strength (31.7±8.8kg; p<0.001). Handgrip strength was greater in patients who ingested 100% (33.2±9.1kg versus 30.4±8.4kg; p=0.03) and above 50% of dinner (32.1±8.4kg versus 28.6±8.8kg; p=0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that ingesting below 50% of dinner, severe malnutrition, and elderly were independent factors for handgrip strength reduction after overnight fasting.

Conclusion:

The muscular function was impaired after an overnight fasting of adult patients hospitalized for medical treatment, especially for those with low ingestion, malnourished and elderly.

Change in skeletal muscle associated with unplanned hospital admissions in adult patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the review was to describe change that occurs in skeletal muscle during periods of unplanned hospitalisation in adult patients. The secondary objective was to examine the relationship between both physical activity and inflammation with the change in skeletal muscle. A further objective was to investigate the effect of interventions on change in skeletal muscle during periods of unplanned hospitalisation.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analyses. Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies that included any measures of skeletal muscle (excluding pulmonary function) at two time points during unplanned hospitalisation. Studies that were set in critical care, or included patients with acute or progressive neurological illness, were excluded.

RESULTS

Our search returned 27,809 unique articles, of which 35 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses of change between baseline and follow-up in random effects models suggested that grip strength had an average increase: standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.03; 0.16); knee extension strength had an average reduction: SMD = -0.24 (95% CI: -0.33; -0.14); and mid-arm muscle circumference had an average reduction: SMD = -0.17 (95% CI: -0.22; -0.11). Inflammation appeared to be associated with greater loss of muscle strength. There was inconclusive evidence that the level of physical activity affects change in skeletal muscle. In regard to the effect of interventions, only exercise interventions were consistently associated with improved skeletal muscle outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adult patients who undergo an unplanned hospital admission may experience a small reduction in knee extension strength and mid-arm muscle mass. Prospective research is needed to clarify the contribution of confounding factors underlying the observations made in this review, with particular attention to levels of physical activity, and possible contributions from environmental factors and processes of hospital care.

The influence of hand grip strength on surgical outcomes after surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: a preliminary result

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Although a number of prognostic factors have been demonstrated to be associated with surgical outcome of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS), no study has investigated the relation between hand grip strength (HGS) and treatment outcome of DLSS.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of HGS on surgical outcomes after surgery for patients with DLSS.

STUDY DESIGN

This is an observational study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients who underwent spine surgery for DLSS were included in the study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQOL (EQ-5D), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back or leg pain were assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 172 consecutive patients who underwent spine surgery for DLSS were included in the present study. Patients were assigned to either high HGS group (≥26 kg for men and ≥18 kg for women, n=124) or low HGS group (<26 kg for men and <18 kg for women, n=48) based on their preoperative HGS performance. Oswestry Disability Index, EQ-5D, and VAS scores for back and leg pain were assessed and compared between two groups preoperatively, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was baseline-adjusted ODI scores 6 months after surgery. The secondary outcome measures, including the overall ODI score, EQ-5D score, VAS score for back and leg pain, were assessed at each time point during the 6-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

As primary outcome, baseline-adjusted ODI scores were significantly lower in the high HGS group than in the low HGS group 6 months after surgery. In the secondary outcome measurements, the ODI, EQ-5D, and VAS scores for back and leg pain improved significantly with time after surgery in both groups. The effects of HGS group on the overall changes in the ODI and EQ-5D scores during the 6-month period were significantly different between the two groups; however, they were not significantly different on VAS score for back and leg pain. The pattern of change in the ODI during the follow-up period was significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with preoperative high HGS display better surgical outcome in terms of disability and health status 6 months after spine surgery. Preoperative HGS can act as a predictor of surgical outcome in patients with DLSS.

Comparison of Jamar and Bodygrip Dynamometers for Handgrip Strength Measurement

Guerra, RS, Amaral, TF, Sousa, AS, Fonseca, I, Pichel, F, and Restivo, MT. Comparison of Jamar and Bodygrip dynamometers for handgrip strength measurement. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1931-1940, 2017-Studies that compared the agreement between Jamar and other models of dynamometers for handgrip strength (HGS) measurement have exhibited variability in the provided results. The lack of comparability between dynamometers led to the development of the Bodygrip dynamometer. This study aims to examine the reliability of the Bodygrip for HGS measurement, to compare it with the Jamar, and to explore the HGS differences between instruments considering the ergonomic effect of using the Bodygrip with 2 different handles. A cross-sectional study was conducted in free-living (n = 114, 18-89 years) and inpatient (n = 50, 65-93 years) volunteers. Nondominant HGS was tested randomly with the Jamar and Bodygrip, the latter using 2 different handles-curved and straight types. Handgrip strength was obtained for each participant under the same conditions. Each individual performed 2 HGS measurements with each dynamometer, and the maximum HGS value was considered for dynamometers comparison. Differences in the maximum HGS value between the 2 devices (Jamar-Bodygrip), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland and Altman plots, and limits of agreement were obtained. Correlation between the highest HGS measurement obtained for the nondominant hand with the Jamar and with the Bodygrip using each handle was excellent (ICCs: 0.93-0.95). Mean differences of -0.5 (limits of agreement: -4.6; 3.5) kgf with the curved handle and of 1.0 (-7.7; 9.7) kgf with the straight handle for the free-living participants were obtained, whereas for inpatients these values were -1.0 (-3.8; 1.9) kgf and 2.1 (-3.3; 7.5) kgf, respectively, for the curved and straight handles. The Bodygrip is comparable to the Jamar in free-living adults and in hospitalized older adults, exhibiting excellent interinstrument reliability. The Bodygrip with the curved handle produces results closer to the Jamar when compared with Bodygrip with the straight handle, which emphasizes the importance of grip handle ergonomics to measurement reliability.

Assessing the Effect of Preoperative Nutrition on Upper Body Function in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition among elderly surgical patients has been associated with poor postoperative outcomes and reduced functional status. Although previous studies have shown that nutrition contributes to patient outcomes, its long-term impact on functional status requires better characterization. This study examines the effect of nutrition on postoperative upper body function over time in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery.

METHODS

This is a 2-year prospective study of elderly patients (≥70 years) undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Preoperative nutrition status was determined with the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). The primary outcome was handgrip strength (HGS) at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks postsurgery. Repeated measures analysis was used to determine whether SGA status affects the trajectory of postoperative HGS.

RESULTS

The cohort included 144 patients with a mean age of 77.8 ± 5.0 years and a mean body mass index of 27.7 ± 5.1 kg/m² . The median (interquartile range) Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 (2-6). Participants were categorized as well-nourished (86%) and mildly to moderately malnourished (14%), with mean preoperative HGS of 25.8 ± 9.2 kg and 19.6 ± 7.0 kg, respectively. At 24 weeks, 64% of well-nourished patients had recovered to baseline HGS, compared with 44% of mildly to moderately malnourished patients. Controlling for relevant covariates, SGA did not significantly affect the trajectory of postoperative HGS.

CONCLUSION

While HGS values over the 24 weeks were consistently higher in the well-nourished SGA group than the mildly to moderately malnourished SGA group, no difference in the trajectories of HGS was detected between the groups.

Hospital malnutrition in Latin America: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Disease-related malnutrition is a major public health issue in both industrialised and emerging countries. The reported prevalence in hospitalised adults ranges from 20% to 50%. Initial reports from emerging countries suggested a higher prevalence compared with other regions, with limited data on outcomes and costs.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search for articles on disease-related malnutrition in Latin American countries published between January 1995 and September 2014. Studies reporting data on the prevalence, clinical outcomes, or economic costs of malnutrition in an adult (≥18 years) inpatient population with a sample size of ≥30 subjects were eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed by two independent reviewers using published criteria.

RESULTS

We identified 1467 citations; of these, 66 studies including 29 ,474 patients in 12 Latin American countries met the criteria for inclusion. There was considerable variability in methodology and in the reported prevalence of disease-related malnutrition; however, prevalence was consistently in the range of 40%-60% at the time of admission, with several studies reporting an increase in prevalence with increasing duration of hospitalisation. Disease-related malnutrition was associated with an increase in infectious and non-infectious clinical complications, length of hospital stay, and costs.

CONCLUSION

Disease-related malnutrition is a highly prevalent condition that imposes a substantial health and economic burden on the countries of Latin America. Further research is necessary to characterise screening/assessment practices and identify evidence-based solutions to this persistent and costly public health issue.

Malnutrition: laboratory markers vs nutritional assessment

Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for patient morbidity and mortality and is associated with increased healthcare-related costs. However, a major dilemma exists due to lack of a unified definition for the term. Furthermore, there are no standard methods for screening and diagnosing patients with malnutrition, leading to confusion and varying practices among physicians across the world. The role of inflammation as a risk factor for malnutrition has also been recently recognized. Historically, serum proteins such as albumin and prealbumin (PAB) have been widely used by physicians to determine patient nutritional status. However, recent focus has been on an appropriate nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) for diagnosing malnutrition. The current consensus is that laboratory markers are not reliable by themselves but could be used as a complement to a thorough physical examination. Future studies are needed to identify serum biomarkers in order to diagnose malnutrition unaffected by inflammatory states and have the advantage of being noninvasive and relatively cost-effective. However, a thorough NFPE has an unprecedented role in diagnosing malnutrition.

Identifying effective and feasible interventions to accelerate functional recovery from hospitalization in older adults: A randomized controlled pilot trial

Hospitalization induces functional decline in older adults. Many geriatric patients fail to fully recover physical function after hospitalization, which increases the risk of frailty, disability, dependence, re-hospitalization, and mortality. There is a lack of evidence-based therapies that can be implemented following hospitalization to accelerate functional improvements. The aims of this Phase I clinical trial are to determine 1) the effect size and variability of targeted interventions in accelerating functional recovery from hospitalization and 2) the feasibility of implementing such interventions in community-dwelling older adults. Older patients (≥65years, n=100) will be recruited from a single site during hospitalization for an acute medical condition. Subjects will be randomized to one of five interventions initiated immediately upon discharge: 1. protein supplementation, 2. in-home rehabilitation plus placebo supplementation, 3. in-home rehabilitation plus protein supplementation, 4. single testosterone injection, or 5. isocaloric placebo supplementation. Testing will occur during hospitalization (baseline) and at 1 and 4weeks post-discharge. Each testing session will include measures of muscle strength, physical function/performance, body composition, and psychological function. Physical activity levels will be continuously monitored throughout study participation. Feasibility will be determined through collection of the number of eligible, contacted, and enrolled patients; intervention adherence and compliance; and reasons for declining enrollment and study withdrawal. This research will determine the feasibility of post-hospitalization strategies to improve physical function in older adults. These results will also provide a foundation for performing larger, multi-site clinical trials to improve physical function and reduce readmissions in geriatric patents.

Lower handgrip strength at discharge from acute care hospitals is associated with 30-day readmission: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition at admission, using various parameters, is associated with 30-day readmission. However, the association between 30-day readmission and nutritional parameters at discharge has not been studied.

METHOD

From a large cohort study (n = 1022), 413 patients with a length of stay of ≥7 days who had information on readmission and discharge location were included into the analysis. Their nutritional status at discharge was assessed by subjective global assessment, body mass index, albumin, nutritional risk index and handgrip strength. Data on demography, diagnoses and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were also collected. Missing data was handled using multiple imputations by chained equations. Association of nutrition related measures with 30 day readmission was tested in logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 413 patients, 86 (20.8%) were readmitted within 30 days. The proportion of readmitted patients was higher for medical (42.2%) versus surgical patients (25.6%) (p = 0.005) and disease severity was higher in the readmission group with (median (q1, q3) CCI of 3 (2, 6) versus 2(1, 4) for no readmission (p = 0.009). Among the nutritional parameters assessed at discharge, only handgrip strength was significantly associated with 30-day readmission both in unadjusted and adjusted models. Stronger handgrip was associated with decreased chances for readmission where adjusted OR (95% CI) per unit increase were 0.95 (0.92, 0.99). Handgrip strength was not associated with disease severity assessed by CCI (p = 0.14) but was significantly associated with SGA (SGA A and B significantly different from SGA C: both p-values <0.001) after adjusting for age and gender.

CONCLUSION

Lower handgrip at discharge was associated with 30-day readmission. This assessment may be useful to detect patients at risk of readmission to better individualize discharge planning including nutrition care.

Handgrip strength is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Muscle wasting is associated with mortality in dialysis patients. The measurement of muscle mass has some limitations, while muscle strength assessment is simple, safe and allows the recognition of patients at risk of progressing to poor outcomes related to malnutrition. The aim of this study is verify if handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with all-cause mortality in patients in maintenance haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD).

METHODS

This was an observational retrospective cohort study which included all patients in maintenance HD and PD from July 2012 to October 2014. Patients were followed-up until June 2015.

RESULTS

Two-hundred sixty five patients were enrolled (218 HD and 47 PD) and they were followed for 13.4 ± 7.9 months. During the follow-up period, 53 patients (20%) have died, 36 patients (13.6%) have undergone renal transplantation, 13 patients (4.9%) have switched off dialysis method and 5 patients (1.9%) have transferred to another facility. The cut-off of HGS able to predict mortality was 22.5 kg for men and 7 kg for women. Using this cut-off to fit the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, the association of HGS with all-cause mortality for both genders was confirmed. Finally, in the multivariate analysis adjusted for demographic, clinical and nutritional variables, HGS remained significant predictor of mortality, independent of dialysis modality.

CONCLUSIONS

HGS cut-offs that predict mortality were 22.5 kg for men and 7 kg for women. HGS was associated with mortality independent of dialysis modality.

Enhanced muscle strength with carbohydrate supplement two hours before open cholecystectomy: a randomized, double-blind study

Objective: to investigate the effects of preoperative fasting abbreviation with oral supplementation with carbohydrate in the evolution of grip strength in patients undergoing cholecystectomy by laparotomy. Methods : we conducted a clinical, randomizeddouble blind study with adult female patients, aged 18-60 years. Patients were divided into two groups: Control Group, with fasting prescription 6-8h until the time of operation; and Intervention Group, which received prescription of fasting for solids 6-8h before surgery, but ingested an oral supplement containing 12.5% carbohydrate, six (400ml) and two (200ml) hours before theprocedure. The handgrip strength was measured in both hands in both groups, at patient's admission (6h before surgery), the immediate pre-operative time (1h before surgery) and 12-18h postoperatively. Results : we analyzed 27 patients, 14 in the intervention group and 13 in the control group. There was no mortality. The handgrip strength (mean [standard deviation]) was significantly higher in the intervention group in the three periods studied, in at least one hand: preoperatively in the dominant hand (27.8 [2.6] vs 24.1 [3.7] kg; p=0.04), in the immediate preoperative in both hands, and postoperatively in the non-dominant hand (28.5 [3.0] vs 21.3 [5.9] kg; p=0.01). Conclusion : the abbreviation of preoperative fasting to two hours with drink containing carbohydrate improves muscle function in the perioperative period.

Physical function and body composition in kidney transplant recipients over time with physiotherapy intervention

Introduction:

The long-term usage of immunosuppressants post-kidney transplantation often results in adverse effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity has been shown to have a protective effect against these adverse effects. This paper aims to investigate the changes over time in physical function and body composition in kidney transplant recipients with a home exercise regimen prescribed by a physiotherapist.

Methods:

Forty-two kidney transplant recipients aged 45 ± 12 years were recruited before transplant and reviewed at fixed time points after transplant. Body composition, hand grip strength and functional exercise capacity were measured at every session. A home exercise regimen was prescribed and modified when appropriate.

Results:

There was an observed trend towards an improvement in functional exercise capacity in terms of six-minute walk distance. There was no change in body weight, fat mass and skeletal muscle mass.

Conclusion:

There may be a need to provide supervised exercise training programmes for kidney transplant recipients in bringing about positive changes in body composition as well as ensure compliance to exercise training after transplant. Further research is needed for more conclusive results.

Hand-grip strength does not correlate with treatment-related weight loss in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Hand-grip strength has been shown to be a reliable predictor of health outcomes. However, evidence supporting its use as an indicator of nutritional status is inconsistent. This study investigated its use in monitoring nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS

A prospective audit of patients treated for head and neck cancer was undertaken at four centres over a three-month period in 2009. Nutritional outcomes were collected at 3, 6 and 12 months, and the data were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

Data from 114 patients showed that mean weight, but not hand-grip strength, fell significantly at 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment (p < 0.003 vs p < 0.126).

CONCLUSION

A fall in weight does not coincide with a drop in hand-grip strength in patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer. Hand-grip strength may therefore not be of benefit in the nutritional assessment of these patients and should not be part of routine assessment.

Muscular strength as a strong predictor of mortality: A narrative review

Muscular strength, an important component of physical fitness, has an independent role in the prevention of chronic diseases whereas muscular weakness is strongly related to functional limitations and physical disability. Our purpose was to investigate the role of muscular strength as a predictor of mortality in health and disease. We conducted a systematic search in EMBASE and MEDLINE (1980-2014) looking for the association between muscular strength and mortality risk (all-cause and cause-specific mortality). Selected publications included 23 papers (15 epidemiological and 8 clinical studies). Muscular strength was inversely and independently associated with all-cause mortality even after adjusting for several confounders including the levels of physical activity or even cardiorespiratory fitness. The same pattern was observed for cardiovascular mortality; however more research is needed due to the few available data. The existed studies failed to show that low muscular strength is predictive of cancer mortality. Furthermore, a strong and inverse association of muscular strength with all-cause mortality has also been confirmed in several clinical populations such as cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, cancer, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis and patients with critical illness. However, future studies are needed to further establish the current evidence and to explore the exact independent mechanisms of muscular strength in relation to mortality. Muscular strength as a modifiable risk factor would be of great interest from a public health perspective.