The influence of nutritional status on complications after operations for lung cancer

Gastrointestinal symptoms and weight loss in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy have a high risk of malnutrition secondary to the disease and treatment, and 40–80 % of cancer patients suffer from different degrees of malnutrition, depending on tumour subtype, location, staging and treatment strategy. Malnutrition in cancer patients affects the patient's overall condition, and it increases the number of complications, the adverse effects of chemotherapy and reduces the quality of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate weight-loss prevalence depending on the tumour site and the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. We included 191 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Files of all patients were reviewed to identify symptoms that might potentially influence weight loss. The nutritional status of all patients was also determined. The cancer sites in the patients were as follows: breast (31·9 %); non-colorectal GI (18·3 %); colorectal (10·4 %); lung (5·8 %); haematological (13·1 %); others (20·5 %). Of these patients, 58 % experienced some degree of weight loss, and its prevalence was higher among the non-colorectal GI and lung cancer patients. Common symptoms included nausea (59·6 %), anorexia (46 %) and constipation (31·9 %). A higher proportion of patients with ≥ 5 % weight loss experienced anorexia, nausea and vomiting (OR 9·5, 2·15 and 6·1, respectively). In conclusion, these results indicate that GI symptoms can influence weight loss in cancer patients, and they should be included in early nutritional evaluations.

Nutritional status of patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for lung cancer

Impaired nutrition is an important predictor of perioperative complications in lung cancer patients, and preoperative chemoradiotherapy increases the risk of such complications. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of an immune-enhancing diet on nutritional status in patients undergoing lung resection after chemoradiotherapy. We compared the preoperative nutritional status in 15 patients with lung cancer undergoing lung resection without chemoradiotherapy and 15 who had chemoradiotherapy. Body mass index and lymphocyte counts were lower in patients who had chemoradiotherapy. Although there was no difference in the rate of postoperative morbidity between groups, the chemoradiotherapy patients were more likely to have severe complications postoperatively. After chemoradiotherapy in 12 patients, 6 received oral Impact for 5 days, and 6 had a conventional diet before surgery. Oral intake of Impact for 5 days before surgery modified the decrease in transferrin and lymphocytes after the operation. Preoperative immunonutrition may improve the perioperative nutritional status after induction chemoradiotherapy in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery, and reduce the severity of postoperative complications. These potential benefits need to be confirmed in a randomized controlled trial.

Impact of previous gastrectomy on postoperative pneumonia after pulmonary resection in lung cancer patients

Postoperative pneumonia is a serious complication following pulmonary resection. Aspiration of oesophageal reflux contents is known to cause pulmonary complications in patients with a history of gastrectomy. In this study, we compared the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in patients with or without previous gastrectomy. A retrospective review was conducted of clinical charts for patients who underwent radical pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer from January 2006 to December 2010. Pneumonia was diagnosed with chest computed tomography findings in all cases. A total of 333 patients underwent pulmonary resections during the study period. Twenty-seven patients (8.1%) had a history of gastrectomy. Eight patients (2.2%) had postoperative pneumonia. All eight patients who developed postoperative pneumonia did not have pneumonia before pulmonary resection. Of the aforementioned 27 patients, five (18.5%) developed pneumonia postoperatively, whereas only three of 325 patients who did not have a history of gastrectomy (0.9%) had pneumonia (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, a history of gastrectomy had the highest impact on the odds ratio (8.81) for postoperative pneumonia. A significantly higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia was found in patients with a history of gastrectomy. Prophylactic treatment, such as premedication with ranitidine, should be considered in those patients.

Changes in nutritional status in ICU patients receiving enteral tube feeding: a prospective descriptive study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the changes in nutritional status in Korean ICU patients receiving enteral feeding, and to understand the contribution of baseline nutritional status and energy intake to nutritional changes during the ICU stay.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of nutritional changes in 48 ICU patients receiving enteral feeding for 7 days. The Subjective Global Assessment scale was used upon admission. In addition, anthropometric measures (triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, body mass index and percent ideal body weight) and biochemical measures (albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, haemoglobin and total lymphocyte count) were evaluated twice, upon admission and 7 days after admission.

RESULTS

Seventy-five percent of ICU patients were severely malnourished at admission. Although the nutritional status worsened in both the patients with suspected malnourishment and the patients with severe malnutrition at admission, the nutritional status worsened significantly more in the patients with severe malnutrition than in the patients with suspected malnourishment. Moreover, a number of nutritional measures significantly decreased more in underfed patients than in adequately fed patients. The most significant predicting factor for underfeeding was under-prescription.

CONCLUSION

The ICU patients in our study were severely malnourished at admission, and their nutritional status worsened during their ICU stay even though enteral nutritional support was provided. The changes in nutritional status during the ICU stay were related to the patients' baseline nutritional status and underfeeding during their ICU stay. This study highlights an urgent need to provide adequate nutritional support for ICU patients.

Risk quantification for pulmonary complications after lung cancer surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications and to develop a scoring system to predict the surgical outcomes in lung cancer patients.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected from January 1990 to March 2007 for 1713 patients who underwent lung cancer surgery at Chiba University Hospital. Between January 1990 and December 2000, 1032 evaluation subjects' data were used to identify risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PC). These factors were subclassified into grades to develop a scoring system to predict surgical outcomes. This scoring system was applied to 681 test patients between January 2001 and March 2007.

RESULTS

Postoperative PC were present in 115 (11.1%) evaluation subjects. Multivariate analyses revealed six risk factors associated with postoperative PC: male, advanced age, preoperative interstitial pneumonia, high smoking index, combined resection, and vascular and/or bronchial reconstruction. Each risk factor was scored from 0 to 2 or 3, based on the frequency of the PC. The sum of these scores provided a total risk index (TRI: Sekine score). There was a significant correlation between the frequency of PC and the TRI (R (2) = 0.957, P < 0.0001). Fifty-one of the test subjects had PC (7.5%). They also showed a significant correlation between the PC and TRI (R (2) = 0.946, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The TRI was a valuable scoring system for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications.

Nutritional aspects of care

Malnutrition in the oral and maxillofacial surgery surgical patient can have critical implications in the overall well-being and prognosis of the long-term, hospitalized, ill patient. The OMS should be capable of assessing the patient's nutritional status and nutritional requirements and developing appropriate recommendations for proper nutritional management. Knowledge of the various modalities of nutritional support should be readily available to the OMS practitioner.

Surgery and transplantation - Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition, Chapter 18

In surgery, indications for artificial nutrition comprise prevention and treatment of catabolism and malnutrition. Thus in general, food intake should not be interrupted postoperatively and the re-establishing of oral (e.g. after anastomosis of the colon and rectum, kidney transplantation) or enteral food intake (e.g. after an anastomosis in the upper gastrointestinal tract, liver transplantation) is recommended within 24 h post surgery. To avoid increased mortality an indication for an immediate postoperatively artificial nutrition (enteral or parenteral nutrition (PN)) also exists in patients with no signs of malnutrition, but who will not receive oral food intake for more than 7 days perioperatively or whose oral food intake does not meet their needs (e.g. less than 60–80%) for more than 14 days. In cases of absolute contraindication for enteral nutrition, there is an indication for total PN (TPN) such as in chronic intestinal obstruction with a relevant passage obstruction e.g. a peritoneal carcinoma. If energy and nutrient requirements cannot be met by oral and enteral intake alone, a combination of enteral and parenteral nutrition is indicated. Delaying surgery for a systematic nutrition therapy (enteral and parenteral) is only indicated if severe malnutrition is present. Preoperative nutrition therapy should preferably be conducted prior to hospital admission to lower the risk of nosocomial infections. The recommendations of early postoperative re-establishing oral feeding, generally apply also to paediatric patients. Standardised operative procedures should be established in order to guarantee an effective nutrition therapy.

ESPEN Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition: surgery

In modern surgical practice it is advisable to manage patients within an enhanced recovery protocol and thereby have them eating normal food within 1-3 days. Consequently, there is little room for routine perioperative artificial nutrition. Only a minority of patients may benefit from such therapy. These are predominantly patients who are at risk of developing complications after surgery. The main goals of perioperative nutritional support are to minimize negative protein balance by avoiding starvation, with the purpose of maintaining muscle, immune, and cognitive function and to enhance postoperative recovery. Several studies have demonstrated that 7-10 days of preoperative parenteral nutrition improves postoperative outcome in patients with severe undernutrition who cannot be adequately orally or enterally fed. Conversely, its use in well-nourished or mildly undernourished patients is associated with either no benefit or with increased morbidity. Postoperative parenteral nutrition is recommended in patients who cannot meet their caloric requirements within 7-10 days orally or enterally. In patients who require postoperative artificial nutrition, enteral feeding or a combination of enteral and supplementary parenteral feeding is the first choice. The main consideration when administering fat and carbohydrates in parenteral nutrition is not to overfeed the patient. The commonly used formula of 25 kcal/kg ideal body weight furnishes an approximate estimate of daily energy expenditure and requirements. Under conditions of severe stress requirements may approach 30 kcal/kg ideal body weights. In those patients who are unable to be fed via the enteral route after surgery, and in whom total or near total parenteral nutrition is required, a full range of vitamins and trace elements should be supplemented on a daily basis.

Body mass index is inversely related to mortality in elderly subjects

PURPOSE

To study the long-term effect of being overweight on mortality in very elderly subjects.

METHODS

The medical records of 470 inpatients (226 males) with a mean age of 81.5 +/- 7 years and hospitalized in an acute geriatric ward between 1999 and 2000 were reviewed for this study. Body mass index (BMI) at admission day was subdivided into quartiles: <22, 22-25, 25.01-28, and > or =28 kg/m(2). Patients were followed-up until August 31, 2004. Mortality data were taken from death certificates.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 3.46 +/- 1.87 years (median 4.2 years [range 1.6 to 5.34 years]), 248 patients died. Those who died had lower baseline BMI than those who survived (24.1 +/- 4.2 vs 26.3 +/- 4.6 kg/m(2); p < .0001). The age-adjusted mortality rate decreased from 24 to 9.6 per 100 patient-years from the highest to lowest BMI quartile (p < .001). BMI was associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality even after controlling for sex. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model identified that even after controlling for male gender, age, renal failure, and diabetes mellitus, which increased the risk of all-cause mortality, elevated BMI decreased the all-cause mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS

In very elderly subjects, elevated BMI was associated with reduced mortality risk.

Evaluation of an inflammation-based prognostic score in patients with advanced ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that the presence of an ongoing systemic inflammatory response is associated with poor outcome in patients with advanced cancer. The aim of this study was to validate whether an inflammation-based prognostic score (Glasgow Prognostic Score, GPS) is associated with survival in patients with advanced stage (stage III/IV) ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An audit was conducted of patients with a new diagnosis of stage III or IV ovarian cancer presenting to the West London Gynae-Oncology Centre between October 2003 and June 2006 (n=154). The GPS was constructed as follows: Patients with both an elevated C-reactive protein (>10 mg/l) and hypoalbuminaemia (<35 g/l) were allocated a score of 2. Patients in whom only one or none of these biochemical abnormalities was present were allocated a score of 1 or 0, respectively.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis GPS, histological type, ALP, performance status, primary surgery and ascites were predictors of overall survival. On multivariate a high GPS score, non-serous histology, high ALP and no initial surgery were independent predictors of worse overall survival in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as measured by the GPS, is an independent predictor of poor overall survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer independent of treatment received.

Effect of perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion on the immune-inflammatory response after colorectal cancer resection

Cytokines play an important role in the acute-phase response to trauma. Few studies have analyzed the effects of allogeneic blood transfusion containing packed red blood cells (RBCs) on the early postoperative immune/inflammatory response after colorectal resection for cancer This study investigated whether allogeneic RBC transfusion influences the postoperative immune/inflammatory response of patients submitted to large bowel resection due to cancer. A total of 26 patients -- 15 men and 11 women, with a median age of 56.5 years (range 24-87 years) -- were prospectively studied. Blood samples were obtained preoperatively and on the first and fourth postoperative days for C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 assays and for CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte counts. Transfused (> or =3 and <3 units), and nontransfused patients were compared. Both IL-6 and IL-10 increased postoperatively in transfused patients (p < 0.01). The serum IL-6 level was higher in patients receiving > or =3 units of RBCs (p < 0.01). CRP increased postoperatively unrelated to blood transfusion. The CD8 count decreased (p < 0.04) in transfused subjects, whereas CD4 decreased (p < 0.01) only in major-transfusion patients. Perioperative allogeneic RBC transfusion enhances the inflammatory systemic response and decreased immunity in patients submitted to colorectal resection for cancer.

Obesity Does Not Increase Complications After Anatomic Resection for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

The effect of obesity on complications after resection for lung cancer is unknown. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with increased complications after anatomic resections for non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

A review of our prospective general thoracic database identified 499 consecutive anatomic resections for non-small cell lung cancer from November 2002 to May 2006. Body mass index (BMI) was used to group patients as nonobese (BMI > 18.5 to < 30) and obese (BMI > or = 30). Patient characteristics and oncologic and operative variables were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit with BMI included at every level. Outcomes examined included in-hospital morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and readmission.

RESULTS

Seventy-five percent (372 of 499) were nonobese, and 25% (127 of 499) were obese. Preoperative variables were similar, except for a greater incidence of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001) in the obese group. Overall mortality was 1.4% (7 of 499) and was not different between groups (p = 0.85). Thirty-day readmission rates (p = 0.76) and length of stay (p = 0.30) were similar. Obese patients had a higher incidence of acute renal failure (p = 0.001). A complication occurred in 33% (124 of 372) of nonobese and 31% (39 of 127) of obese patients (p = 0.59). Respiratory complications occurred in 22% (81 of 372) of nonobese and 14% (18 of 127) of obese patients (p = 0.06). Significant predictors of any complication include performance status, diffusing capacity, and tumor stage. Significant predictors of respiratory complications include performance status, diffusing capacity, chronic renal insufficiency, prior thoracic surgery, and chest wall resection.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to our hypothesis, obesity does not increase the incidence of perioperative complications, mortality, or length of stay after anatomic resection for non-small cell lung cancer.

The incidence and impact of low body mass index on patients with operable lung cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

To prospectively assess the nutritional status of patients referred for lung cancer surgery, as well as to assess the prognostic value of nutritional status in determining the surgical outcome.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-six patients with potentially operable lung cancer were recruited. Loss of appetite and weight loss were recorded. All patients had serum albumin levels and body mass index (BMI) measured. Surgical outcome were noted.

RESULTS

Mean age was 69 (range 42-85) years; 29/146 were not referred for surgery. Eight patients underwent failed thoracotomy. In the remaining 109 patients, mean BMI was 26. Seven patients had BMI of 19 or less. Forty-four patients had ideal body weight. The majority of patients (n=58) were overweight. Mean serum albumin was 37g/l and lower than 30g/l in 5 cases. There were 4% postoperative deaths and 32% with poor surgical outcome. There was no statistical difference in mean BMI, serum albumin, loss of appetite or weight loss between the two outcome groups.

CONCLUSION

BMI is usually well preserved in patients with operable lung cancer. There was no association between low BMI, low serum albumin, loss of appetite or weight loss, and postoperative death or poor surgical outcome in this study.

Nutritional status affects long term survival after lobectomy for lung cancer

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Nutritional status has been reported as a predictor of complications following surgery for lung cancer. However, the impact of impaired nutrition in the long term has not been extensively studied. We have analysed our own experience after lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS

Six hundred and forty-two consecutive patients undergoing lobectomy for primary lung cancer in a single centre between October 1991 and April 2004 were included in the study.

STUDY DESIGN

Impaired nutritional status was defined as any of low pre-operative albumin level (less than 30g/L), recent history of weight loss or low body mass index (BMI)--less than 18.5kg/m(2). There were 400 males and 242 females, median age 66 (range 32-89 years). Outcomes studied were hospital mortality and complications, and long term survival.

RESULTS

A high proportion of patients (185 of 642, 28%) were classed as having poor nutritional status. There were 12 hospital deaths (1.9%). Nutritional depletion had no significant impact on hospital mortality (1.3% versus 2.7%), cardiac (14.4% versus 16.8%), or respiratory (17.5% versus 18.9%) complications. The overall median survival was 48+/-6 months (standard error). On Cox multivariate analysis, impaired nutritional status, tumour stage and need for en bloc chest wall excision were all independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional status does not appear to significantly influence immediate outcomes following lobectomy for lung cancer. However, it is a predictor of survival in the long term independently of tumour extension and staging.

Genetics of postoperative complications following thoracic surgery

The field of complex trait-gene interaction research has expanded exponentially in recent years, and new insights into the ways patients respond to surgical stimuli have arisen from this body of work. From a physiological systems perspective, thoracic surgical procedures (thoracotomy in particular) represent a massive input stimulus, and it is, therefore, not surprising that approximately 30% of these patients experience an adverse postoperative event. The best risk prediction models have typically explained about 60% to 70% of the risk, leaving a large residual component unaccounted for. It is quite possible that there is a genetic (heritable) component to this residual risk. This article explores some of the concepts underlying gene-disease interactions, the preliminary work that has been done to date in this area, and finally discusses some of the more important methodological issues involved in complex trait association study design.

Cancer wasting and quality of life react to early individualized nutritional counselling!

To devise a meaningful nutritional therapy in cancer, a greater understanding of nutritional dimensions as well as patients' expectations and disease impact is essential. We have shown that nutritional deterioration in patients with gastrointestinal and head and neck cancer was multifactorial and mainly determined by the tumour burden and location. In a larger cohort, stage and location were yet again the major determinants of patients' quality of life (QoL), despite the fact that nutritional deterioration combined with intake deficits were functionally more relevant than cancer stage. Based on this framework, the potential role of integrated oral nutritional support on outcomes was investigated. In a pilot study using individualized nutritional counselling on a heterogeneous patient population, the achieved improvement of nutritional intake was proportional to a better QoL. The role of early nutritional support was further analysed in a prospective randomized controlled trial in head and neck cancer patients stratified by stage undergoing radiotherapy. Pre-defined outcomes were: nutritional status and intake, morbidity and QoL, at the end and 3 months after radiotherapy. Nutritional interventions, only given during radiotherapy, consisted of three randomization arms: (1) individualized nutritional counselling vs. (2) ad libitum diet+high protein supplements vs. (3) ad libitum diet. Nutritional interventions 1 and 2 positively influenced outcomes during radiotherapy; however, 3 months after its completion individualized nutritional counselling was the single method capable of sustaining a significant impact on patients' outcomes. The early provision of the appropriate mixture of foods and textures using regular foods may modulate outcomes in cancer patients.

Lobectomia por carcinoma brônquico: análise das co-morbidades e seu impacto na morbimortalidade pós-operatória

OBJETIVO: Analisar o impacto das co-morbidades no desempenho pós-operatório de lobectomia por carcinoma brônquico. MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se retrospectivamente 493 pacientes submetidos a lobectomia por carcinoma brônquico e 305 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A técnica cirúrgica foi sempre semelhante. Analisaram-se as co-morbidades categorizando-se os pacientes nas escalas de Torrington-Henderson e de Charlson, estabelecendo-se grupos de risco para complicações e óbito. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade operatória foi de 2,9% e o índice de complicações de 44%. O escape aéreo prolongado foi a complicação mais freqüente (20,6%). A análise univariada mostrou que sexo, idade, tabagismo, terapia neo-adjuvante e diabetes apresentaram impacto significativo na incidência de complicações. O índice de massa corporal (23,8 ± 4,4 kg/m²), volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (74,1 ± 24%) e relação entre volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo e capacidade vital forçada (0,65 ± 0,1) foram fatores preditivos da ocorrência de complicações. As escalas foram eficazes na identificação de grupos de risco e na relação com a morbimortalidade (p = 0,001 e p < 0,001). A análise multivariada identificou que o índice de massa corporal e o índice de Charlson foram os principais determinantes de complicações; o escape aéreo prolongado foi o principal fator envolvido na mortalidade (p = 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Valores reduzidos de volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo, relação entre volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo e capacidade vital forçada, índice de massa corporal e graus 3-4 de Charlson e 3 de PORT associaram-se a mais complicações após lobectomias por carcinoma brônquico. O escape aéreo persistente associou-se fortemente à mortalidade.

Body fat mass and lean mass as predictors of survival in hemodialysis patients

A higher body mass index (BMI) is a predictor of better survival in hemodialysis patients, although the relative importance of body fat and lean mass has not been examined in the dialysis population. We performed an observational cohort study in 808 patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis. At baseline, fat mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and expressed as fat mass index (FMI; kg/m2). Lean mass index (LMI) was defined as BMI minus FMI. During the mean follow-up period of 53 months, 147 deaths, including 62 cardiovascular (CV) and 85 non-CV fatal events, were recorded. In univariate analysis, LMI was not significantly associated with CV or non-CV death, whereas a higher FMI was predictive of lower risk for non-CV death. Analyses with multivariate Cox models, which took other confounding variables as covariates, indicated the independent associations between a higher LMI and a lower risk of CV death, as well as between a higher FMI and a lower risk of non-CV death. These results indicate that increased fat mass and lean mass were both conditions associated with better outcomes in the dialysis population.

Postoperative Pneumonia after Major Lung Resection

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pneumonia (POP) is a life-threatening complication of lung resection. The incidence, causative bacteria, predisposing factors, and outcome are poorly understood.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

A prospective study of all patients undergoing major lung resections for noninfectious disease was performed over a 6-mo period. Culture of intraoperative bronchial aspirates was systematically performed. All patients with suspicion of pneumonia underwent bronchoscopic sampling and culture before antibiotherapy.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-eight patients were included in the study. Bronchial colonization was identified in 31 of 136 patients (22.8%) on analysis of intraoperative samples. The incidence of POP was 25% (42 of 168). Microbiologically documented and nondocumented pneumonias were recorded in 24 and 18 cases, respectively. Haemophilus species, Streptococcus species, and, to a much lesser extent, Pseudomonas and Serratia species were the most frequently identified pathogens. Among colonized and noncolonized patients, POP occurred in 15 of 31 and 20 of 105 cases, respectively (p = 0.0010; relative risk, 2.54). Death occurred in 8 of 42 patients who developed POP and in 3 of 126 of patients who did not (p = 0.0012). Patients with POP required noninvasive ventilation or reintubation more frequently than patients who did not develop POP (p < 0.0000001 and p = 0.00075, respectively). POP was associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital stay (p < 0.0000001 and p = 0.0000005, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, extent of resection, presence of intraoperative bronchial colonization, and male sex were independent risk factors for POP.

CONCLUSIONS

Pneumonia acquired in-hospital represents a relatively frequent complication of lung resections, associated with an important percentage of postoperative morbidity and mortality.

ESPEN Guidelines on Enteral Nutrition: Surgery including organ transplantation

Enhanced recovery of patients after surgery ("ERAS") has become an important focus of perioperative management. From a metabolic and nutritional point of view, the key aspects of perioperative care include: Enteral nutrition (EN) by means of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and if necessary tube feeding (TF) offers the possibility of increasing or ensuring nutrient intake in cases where food intake is inadequate. These guidelines are intended to give evidence-based recommendations for the use of ONS and TF in surgical patients. They were developed by an interdisciplinary expert group in accordance with officially accepted standards and are based on all relevant publications since 1980. The guideline was discussed and accepted in a consensus conference. EN is indicated even in patients without obvious undernutrition, if it is anticipated that the patient will be unable to eat for more than 7 days perioperatively. It is also indicated in patients who cannot maintain oral intake above 60% of recommended intake for more than 10 days. In these situations nutritional support should be initiated without delay. Delay of surgery for preoperative EN is recommended for patients at severe nutritional risk, defined by the presence of at least one of the following criteria: weight loss >10-15% within 6 months, BMI<18.5 kg/m(2), Subjective Global Assessment Grade C, serum albumin <30 g/l (with no evidence of hepatic or renal dysfunction). Altogether, it is strongly recommended not to wait until severe undernutrition has developed, but to start EN therapy early, as soon as a nutritional risk becomes apparent.

Bioelectric impedance and individual characteristics as prognostic factors for post-operative complications

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malnutrition increases morbidity and mortality in surgical patients, and for this reason, several nutritional markers have been used as prognostic tools to identify surgical patients under a higher risk to develop complications in post-operative period. Few studies show the impact of nutritional markers after controlling for others variables, such as age and severity of disease. A new method, bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), and its parameter, phase angle, have been described as a prognostic tool in several clinical situations, but they have never been studied in surgical population. The objective of this work is to assess the importance of nutritional variables and parameters from BIA as predictors of post-operative complications in a multivariable regression model.

METHODS

The nutritional status of 225 adult patients scheduled to undergo gastrointestinal surgery was assessed by several methods, including bioelectric impedance analysis and subjective global assessment. Potential confounding factors were also studied. Patients were screened for post-operative complications until hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Weight loss greater than 10%, subjective global assessment, nutritional risk assessment, ECM/BCM ratio and phase angle (from BIA) were the prognostic factors significantly associated with post-operative complications in the crude analysis. After adjusting for sex, age, marital status, tumors and pre-operative infections, only phase angle remained as a prognostic factor (RR=4.3; CI95% 1.6-11.8 for phase angle <-0.8 sd), while the other nutritional variables lost their association with post-operative complications.

CONCLUSION

Phase angle remains as an important prognostic factor for postoperative complications, even after adjusting for other individual predictors and confounders. Its utility in the identification of patients eligible for nutritional therapy has now to be evaluated.

The causes and consequences of cancer-associated malnutrition

Cancer-associated malnutrition can result from local effects of a tumour, the host response to the tumour and anticancer therapies. Although cancer patients often have reduced food intake (due to systemic effects of the disease, local tumour effects, psychological effects or adverse effects of treatment), alterations in nutrient metabolism and resting energy expenditure (REE) may also contribute to nutritional status. Several agents produced by the tumour directly, or systemically in response to the tumour, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and hormones, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of malnutrition and cachexia. The consequences of malnutrition include impairment of immune functions, performance status, muscle function, and quality of life. In addition, responses to chemotherapy are decreased, chemotherapy-induced toxicity and complications are more frequent and severe, and survival times are shortened. Depression, fatigue and malaise also significantly impact on patient well-being. In addition, cancer-related malnutrition is associated with significant healthcare-related costs. Nutritional support, addressing the specific needs of this patient group, is required to help improve prognosis, and reduce the consequences of cancer-associated nutritional decline.

The Subjective Global Assessment reliably identifies malnutrition-related muscle dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Muscle dysfunction is a common finding in malnourished patients and is associated with poor outcome. We investigated whether the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) is a valuable tool for identifying malnutrition-related muscle dysfunction.

METHODS

Two hundred eighty seven consecutive patients were assessed on admission to hospital according to the SGA, anthropometric measurements, and to the results of bioelectrical impedance analysis. The SGA was used as the main criterion for the classification of malnutrition. Muscle function was assessed by handgrip strength.

RESULTS

Maximal voluntary handgrip strength was significantly lower in malnourished than in well-nourished male and female patients (45.22 (13.51-67.7)kg versus 30.82(11-48) kg in men; 23.81 (5.60-56.5) kg versus 18.5 (5.90-48.8) kg in women). Handgrip strength tended to decline with age. Handgrip strength was positively correlated to body cell mass (BCM) (r=0.72, P<0.001 in men and: r=0.56, P<0.001 in women) and to body mass index (r=0.271, P=0.03 in men and r=0.183, P=0.02 in women). BCM was identified as a powerful contributor to the variation in handgrip strength (delta r2=0.645, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The SGA appears to be a reliable bedside assessment tool for malnutrition and malnutrition-related dysfunction. Patients classified malnourished according to the SGA have an impaired functional status. Every effort should be made to provide both nutritional and physical therapy in order to improve the patients' outcome.

Inflammatory Gene Polymorphisms Influence Risk of Postoperative Morbidity After Lung Resection

BACKGROUND

Polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins involved in the inflammatory response may lead to a differential response to a noxious stimulus. We hypothesized that proinflammatory alleles at candidate loci would predispose patients undergoing lung resection to cardiopulmonary complications with a presumed inflammatory cause.

METHODS

We determined the genotypes at six candidate loci in 155 patients who underwent 160 lung resection operations at our center. We correlated these results with data from our clinical database, constructed a model predicting the risk of postoperative complications, and assessed its adequacy using receiver operating characteristic curve methodology.

RESULTS

Preexisting cardiovascular disease (p < 0.001), primary lung cancer (p = 0.009), extent of lung resection (p = 0.042), interleukin 6 genotype (p = 0.017), and tumor necrosis factor genotype (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with complications. The odds ratio for complications for rare allele homozygosity was 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 10.4) for interleukin 6 and 15.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 131.4) for tumor necrosis factor. In multivariate analysis we found that cardiovascular disease (p < 0.001; odds ratio, 4.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 8.6]), interleukin 6 genotype (p = 0.027; odds ratio, 1.8 [95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.1]), and tumor necrosis factor genotype (p = 0.011; odds ratio, 2.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 5.1]) were independently predictive of complications, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the entire model of 0.765.

CONCLUSIONS

Carriage of specific alleles, and homozygosity in particular, at loci within the interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor genes appears to contribute to the risk of experiencing an adverse event after lung resection.

Importance of a comprehensive geriatric assessment in prediction of complications following thoracic surgery in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of comorbidities and functional impairment among elderly patients may enhance the risk of operation-related complications, but the importance of these conditions in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery remains unclear.

METHODS

One hundred twenty patients >/= 60 years of age who underwent thoracic surgery were registered prospectively and examined. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) that evaluated such diverse areas as functional status (ie, performance status and activities of daily living [ADLs] using the Barthel index), comorbidity, nutrition (ie, body mass index, arm-muscle circumference, albumin level, transferrin level, lymphocyte count, and cholinesterase level), and cognitive function (ie, mini-mental state examination [MMSE] and negative emotions for operation) was performed in the 2 weeks before patients underwent the operation.

RESULTS

The diseases of the 120 patients were as follows: lung cancer, 85 patients; mediastinal tumor, 14 patients; bullas, 12 patients; and other diseases, 9 patients. Postoperative complications developed in 20 patients (16.7%). The patients with dependence for performing the ADLs, and dementia were more likely to develop postoperative complications (p = 0.041, and p = 0.0065, respectively). The patients who experienced longer operation times (ie, >/= 300 min; p = 0.018) were more likely to have complications. The incidence of prolonged air leak in the patients with malnutrition increased seven-fold (p = 0.045) and that of postoperative infectious diseases in those patients with obesity increased 24-fold (p = 0.0013), while all patients who developed delirium had low scores in the MMSE preoperatively (p = 0.0003). Using multiple logistic regression, the best model was obtained with a combination of MMSE (p = 0.031) and the Barthel index (p = 0.04). When the operation variables were added to this model, the operation time had the strongest effect (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Dependence for the performance of ADLs and impaired cognitive conditions are important predictors of postoperative complications, especially when the operation time is long. CGA is necessary in addition to the conventional cardiopulmonary functional assessment in elderly patients.

Cancer-associated malnutrition

Malnutrition is a common problem among patients with cancer, affecting up to 85% of patients with certain cancers (e.g. pancreas). In severe cases, malnutrition can progress to cachexia, a specific form of malnutrition characterised by loss of lean body mass, muscle wasting, and impaired immune, physical and mental function. Cancer cachexia is also associated with poor response to therapy, increased susceptibility to treatment-related adverse events, as well as poor outcome and quality of life. Cancer cachexia is a complex, multifactorial syndrome, which is thought to result from the actions of both host- and tumour-derived factors, including cytokines involved in a systemic inflammatory response to the tumour. Early intervention with nutritional supplementation has been shown to halt malnutrition, and may improve outcome in some patients. However, increasing nutritional intake is insufficient to prevent the development of cachexia, reflecting the complex pathogenesis of this condition. Nutritional supplements containing anti-inflammatory agents, for example the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), have been shown to be more beneficial to malnourished patients than nutritional supplementation alone. EPA has been shown to interfere with multiple mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia, and in clinical studies, has been associated with reversal of cachexia and improved survival.

Optimization of lung function before pulmonary resection: pulmonologists' perspectives

Many risk factors for morbidity and mortality with lung resection have been identified. Factors such as age, gender, and cancer stage cannot be altered, but lung function can be optimized by treating COPD or asthma with bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or antibiotics (when indicated) and by inspiratory muscle training. Although smoking cessation 2 months in advance of surgery may not be feasible, cessation nevertheless should be encouraged because it may decrease postoperative inflammation and in the long-term may decrease the risk of recurrence. In addition, morbidity and mortality can be minimized by careful patient selection using lung scanning or CT to determine predicted postoperative functions (FEV1% and DLco%) and some form of exercise testing, such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing or simple stair climbing. When the risk of surgery is high, any benefit from possible cure must be weighed against the risk of long-term disability or death. Although much data are available to guide clinicians in these decisions, there still is no one test that provides the answer in individual cases. The art and science of medicine must merge at this point.

Resection for lung cancer in the elderly patient

Age is sometimes used as an excuse not to resect lung cancer. Nugent et al [10] noted that, although only 6% of patients younger than 45 years had stage I or II disease, 33% underwent surgical resection. In contrast, of the 33% of elderly patients who had stage I or II disease, only 6% underwent surgical resection. The elderly patients who are carefully selected for lung resection are undoubtedly stronger physiologically than others their same age. Patients with adequate predicted postoperative lung function, no contraindications from other medical problems, good performance status, and social support should be offered standard resection for early-stage NSCLC. Lung cancer resection in elderly patients is justified and has decreasing morbidity and mortality rates. Careful patient selection and operative planning are necessary, however. It is wise to have a diagnosis and staging done before the patient arrives in the operating suite. The surgeon should avoid extended resections when possible. In addition, elderly patients should be ambulated as soon as possible and adequate pain control should be ensured. Finally, the stage of the cancer and occurrence of cardiopulmonary complications are the main determinants of outcome.

Salvage intensive care following initial recovery from pulmonary resection: is it justified?

BACKGROUND

There is little objective evidence concerning the outcome of thoracic surgical patients who suffer postoperative complications. We assessed the outcome and cost of care for patients admitted to the intensive care unit after initial recovery from pulmonary resection in a high dependency unit.

METHODS

In a single surgeon's practice, over a 3-year period, 28 patients [22 male, median age 66 years old (range 48-80 years old)] required intensive care admission. Preoperative pulmonary function, reason for initial operation, cause of intensive care admission, interventions, and outcome in hospital and at 6 months was studied. The cost of care provided was estimated.

RESULTS

The major reason for intensive care admission was respiratory failure; 61% of patients required mechanical ventilation and 54% renal support. All 4 patients who required both mechanical ventilation and hemofiltration died. Intensive care and 6-month survival were 54% and 36%, respectively. On univarate analysis mechanical ventilation and renal support predicted both hospital mortality (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003) and 6-month mortality (p = 0.003 and p = 0.01). Patients who died in intensive care stayed longer (median stay 9 vs 3 days; p = 0.04) at a higher cost per patient (median cost $6975 vs $19,375; p = 0.04) than those who survived.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who suffer complications after lung resection and require salvage intensive care, particularly mechanical ventilation, have a poor prognosis. In the light of this data the onset of two-organ failure should prompt an informed discussion as to whether escalation of treatment is in the patient's best interest.

Allogenic blood transfusion is an independent risk factor for infective complications after less invasive gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to clarify the predisposing factors for postoperative infectious complications after less invasive surgery.

METHODS

A total 150 surgical patients were placed in either group H (operative blood loss > or = 500 mL) or group L (<500 mL). The patients' background factors and postoperative inflammatory responses were assessed.

RESULTS

The operating time was an independent risk factor for infectious complication in group H. In contrast, allogenic blood transfusion was the only significant risk factor for infection in group L. In the patients who received blood transfusion, exaggerated postoperative interleukin-6 response was found in group H, whereas an increased consumption of interleukin-6 soluble receptor with resultant induction of immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) were found in group L.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative blood transfusion may predominantly contribute to increased susceptibility to infection after less invasive surgery through increased affinity of interleukin-6 soluble receptor and enhanced IAP response.

Risk factors for the development of postoperative complications after bronchial sleeve resection for malignancy: a univariate and multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to identify risk factors responsible for postoperative complications after bronchoplastic procedures.

METHODS

Excluding sleeve pneumonectomies between January 1994 and December 2001, 108 patients underwent bronchoplastic procedures for bronchial malignancy. Prospectively documented data were age, gender, side, type of bronchial reconstruction, extended resection, histology, TNM stage, diseased lobe, and bronchial tumour occlusion. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors included heart disease, arterial hypertension, cerebro-occlusive disease, peripheral artery disease of the lower extremities, diabetes mellitus, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients were grouped according to the presence/absence of any CV risk factor and the absolute number of CV risk factors present (zero to four). Non-CV risk factors included neoadjuvant chemotherapy, alcoholism, lung disease, sleep apnea, history of recent pneumococcal sepsis, and repeat thoracotomy. Groups were assembled according to the presence or absence of any non-CV risk factor, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and alcoholism. Respiratory risk factors included lung function and blood gas analysis. Groups were assembled according to the absolute number of respiratory risk factors in each person (zero to three) and the combination of respiratory and CV risk factors. Complications were defined as septic (pneumonia, empyema, brochopleural fistula, colitis) and aseptic. For univariate statistical analysis, t test, cross-tabulation, and chi2 test were used. All factors with a significance of p < 0.1 were entered into a binary backwards-stepwise logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The combination of respiratory and CV risk factors (p = 0.012, OR = 0.165) was predictive for overall complications. Coronary artery disease (p = 0.02, OR = 0.062) and the combination of two respiratory risk factors (p = 0.008, OR = 0.062) were predictive for septic complications. Peripheral artery disease (p = 0.024, OR = 0.28), moderate (p = 0.01, OR = 0.13) and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.018, OR = 0.11), and extended resections (p = 0.003, OR = 0.017.) were predictive for aseptic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidity significantly influences the postoperative complication rate and is therefore crucial for evaluation of patients for bronchoplastic procedures. Different risk factors are responsible for the occurrence of septic and aseptic complications after bronchoplastic procedures.

Preoperative fasting for adults to prevent perioperative complications

BACKGROUND

Fasting before general anaesthesia aims to reduce the volume and acidity of stomach contents during surgery, thus reducing the risk of regurgitation/aspiration. Recent guidelines have recommended a shift in fasting policy from the standard 'nil by mouth from midnight' approach to more relaxed policies which permit a period of restricted fluid intake up to a few hours before surgery. The evidence underpinning these guidelines however, was scattered across a range of journals, in a variety of languages, used a variety of outcome measures and methodologies to evaluate fasting regimens that differed in duration and the type and volume of intake permitted during a restricted fasting period. Practice has been slow to change.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the effect of different preoperative fasting regimens (duration, type and volume of permitted intake) on perioperative complications and patient wellbeing (including aspiration, regurgitation and related morbidity, thirst, hunger, pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety) in different adult populations.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Electronic databases, conference proceedings and reference lists from relevant articles were searched for studies of preoperative fasting in August 2003 and experts in the area were consulted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials which compared the effect on postoperative complications of different preoperative fasting regimens on adults were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Details of the eligible studies were independently extracted by two reviewers and where relevant information was unavailable from the text attempts were made to contact the authors.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty eight randomised controlled comparisons (made within 22 trials) were identified. Most were based on 'healthy' adult participants who were not considered to be at increased risk of regurgitation or aspiration during anaesthesia. Few trials reported the incidence of aspiration/regurgitation or related morbidity but relied on indirect measures of patient safety i.e. intra-operative gastric volume and pH. There was no evidence that the volume or pH of participants' gastric contents differed significantly depending on whether the groups were permitted a shortened preoperative fluid fast or continued a standard fast. Fluids evaluated included water, coffee, fruit juice, clear fluids and other drinks (e.g. isotonic drink, carbohydrate drink). Participants given a drink of water preoperatively were found to have a significantly lower volume of gastric contents than the groups that followed a standard fasting regimen. This difference was modest and clinically insignificant. There was no indication that the volume of fluid permitted during the preoperative period (i.e. low or high) resulted in a difference in outcomes from those participants that followed a standard fast. Few trials specifically investigated the preoperative fasting regimen for patient populations considered to be at increased risk during anaesthesia of regurgitation/aspiration and related morbidity.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence to suggest a shortened fluid fast results in an increased risk of aspiration, regurgitation or related morbidity compared with the standard 'nil by mouth from midnight' fasting policy. Permitting patients to drink water preoperatively resulted in significantly lower gastric volumes. Clinicians should be encouraged to appraise this evidence for themselves and when necessary adjust any remaining standard fasting policies (nil-by-mouth from midnight) for patients that are not considered 'at-risk' during anaesthesia.

Influence of L-methionine-deprived total parenteral nutrition with 5-fluorouracil on gastric cancer and host metabolism

AIM: To investigate the influence of L-methionine-deprived total parenteral nutrition with 5-FU on gastric cancer and host metabolism.

METHODS: N-methyl-N’-nitro-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) induced gastric cancer rats were randomly divided into four groups: Met-containing TPN group (n = 11), Met-deprived TPN group (n = 12), Met-containing TPN+5-FU group (n = 11) and Met-deprived TPN+5-FU group (n = 12). Five rats in each group were sacrificed after 7 d of treatment and the samples were taken for examination. The remaining rats in each group were then fed separately with normal diet after the treatment until death, the life span was noted.

RESULTS: The tumors were enlarged in Met-containing group and shrank in Met-deprived group markedly after the treatment. The DNA index (DI) of tumor cells and the body weight (BW) of rats had no significant change in the two groups, however, the ratio of tumor cells’ S phase was increased. The ratio of G2M phase went up in Met-containing group, but down in Met-deprived group. In the other two groups that 5-FU was added, the BW of rats, and the diameter of tumors, the DI of tumor cells, the S and G2M phase ratio of tumor cells were all decreased, particularly in Met-deprived plus 5-FU group. Pathological examination revealed that the necrotic foci of the tumor tissue increased after Met-deprived TPN treatment, and the nucleoli of tumor cells enlarged. In -MetTPN+5-FU group, severe nuclear damage was also found by karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis, meanwhile there was slight degeneration in some liver and kidney cells. The serum free Met and Cysteine decreased markedly (P ＜ 0.001), while other amino acids, such as serum free serine and glutamine increased significantly (P ＜ 0.005). All the rats died of multiple organ failure caused by cancer metastasis. The average survival time was 18.6 d in Met-containing TPN group, 31 d in Met-deprived TPN group, 27.5 d in Met-containing TPN+5-FU group, and 43 d in Met-deprived TPN+5-FU group (P ＜ 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Met-deprived TPN causes methionine starvation of tumor cells, and can enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU and prolong the life span of gastric cancer-bearing rats.

Surgical outcome of pulmonary resection in chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis is hazardous and controversial.

METHODS

Ten patients (8 men, 2 women; mean age, 50 years) with chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis underwent pulmonary resection between 1989 and 2000. Single segmentectomy or lobectomy, pneumonectomy, or bilobectomy and multisegmentectomy were performed. Clinicopathologic features of these patients were reviewed to clarify the role of surgical intervention for chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis.

RESULTS

The mean time from the onset of clinical symptoms to operation was 5.3 years. Surgical intervention was undertaken because of prolonged illness in 4 patients and hemoptysis in 6 patients. All patients survived. Three major complications (1 late empyema, 2 bronchopleural fistulas) occurred in the large dead space in the right pleural cavity. All survivors were free of aspergillosis at a mean follow-up time of 4.8 years, and only 1 patient required antifungal drugs for relapse during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive pulmonary resection in chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis should be considered when patients have prolonged illness or frequent hemoptysis. Empyema and bronchopleural fistula are the main complications. Concomitant thoracoplasty or intrathoracic transposition of the chest wall musculature is recommended in cases involving a large residual pleural cavity on the right side.

Nutritional status of patients undergoing lung cancer operations

BACKGROUND

Patients referred for lung cancer operations were reported to be nutritionally depleted. This may be relevant in determining patient outcome after surgical procedures. A study was undertaken to measure a range of nutritional variables including dietary intake of patients referred to a regional cardiothoracic center for curative lung cancer operations.

METHODS

Anthropometric measurements, grip strength, fat-free mass (FFM), serum protein concentrations, lymphocyte count, creatinine-height index, subjective global assessment, and data on daily intakes of energy, protein, and vitamin C were collected prospectively. Anthropometric indices were also measured in a group of control patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RESULTS

Sixty patients and 22 control patients were recruited. Weight, skin-fold thickness, and grip strength were not significantly different between patients and control patients, and both groups were similar to the general population. However, 8 patients (13.3%) had a body mass index (BMI) less than 20, and 14 patients (24.1%) had a fat-free mass index less than 15. Serum albumin and transferrin concentrations and lymphocyte count were very rarely depressed but prealbumin and retinol-binding protein levels were below normal in 11.9% and 8.3% of patients, respectively. Thirty percent of patients reported low energy intake, 13% reported a low protein intake, and 61.7% had reduced vitamin C intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe nutritional depletion was uncommon in patients referred for operations for lung cancer and its frequency may have been overestimated in some previous reports. A low intake of vitamin C was common in our patients but its clinical significance is unclear.