Dietary treatment of hypercholesterolemia: do dietitians do it better? A randomized, controlled trial

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Different Intensity of Dietary Counselling on Cardiometabolic Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Dietary counselling has been identified as one of the nutritional strategies to alleviate cardiometabolic health conditions. Its effectiveness however may vary due to factors such as intensity level and provider while this has not been comprehensively studied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of dietary counselling on the cardiometabolic health in middle-aged and older adults and the sub-group analyses with dietary counselling intensity and the provider were also assessed. Four databases including PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Library and EMBASE were systematically searched. Data from 22 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were compiled and those from 9 RCTs were utilised for meta-analysis. Dietary counselling lowered total cholesterol (TC) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) but had no impact on triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Sub-group analysis revealed significant lowering effect of high intensity dietary counselling for TG (weighted mean difference (WMD): −0.24 mmol/L, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): −0.40 to −0.09), TC (WMD: −0.31 mmol/L, 95% CIs: −0.49 to −0.13), LDL (WMD: −0.39 mmol/L, 95% CIs: −0.61 to −0.16) and FBS (WMD: −0.69 mmol/L, 95% CIs: −0.99 to −0.40) while medium or low intensity dietary counselling did not show favouring effects. Counselling provider showed differential responses on cardiometabolic health between dietitian and all other groups. The findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that dietary counselling is a beneficial dietary strategy to improve cardiometabolic health in middle-aged and older adults with the emphasis on the counselling intensity.

The effect of brief versus individually tailored dietary advice on change in diet, lipids and blood pressure in patients with inflammatory joint disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population. Nutritional advice has been shown to influence CVD risk factors. Our objective was to evaluate whether an individually tailored dietary counselling versus a brief standardised advice on heart-friendly diet had comparable effect on change in diet, lipids and blood pressure (BP) in patients with IJD.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with IJD aged 40-80 years received a brief standardised advice (4 min) on heart-friendly diet by a physician. Sixteen of the patients were randomised to receive an additional, individually tailored, heart-friendly dietary counselling session (60 min) by a dietitian. Change in dietary habits, measured by a validated questionnaire (SmartDiet), lipids, BP and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed after 8 weeks of follow-up.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks, the average increase in SmartDiet score was 5.1 and 5.7 points in the diet group (DG) and the control group (CG), respectively ( p = 0.65). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) was reduced by 12.6% in the DG versus 2.4% in the CG ( p = 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding change in BP, lipids or CRP.

CONCLUSION

Individually tailored dietary counselling resulted in more heart-friendly food choices in patients with IJD. However, the change in SmartDiet score was comparable for IJD patients receiving a brief nutritional advice and individually tailored heart-friendly dietary counselling. Further studies evaluating the longitudinal effects of dietary advice on CVD outcome in patients with IJD are warranted.

Clinically Actionable Hypercholesterolemia and Hypertriglyceridemia in Children with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the percentage of children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in whom intervention for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides was indicated based on National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN

This multicenter, longitudinal cohort study included children with NAFLD enrolled in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network. Fasting lipid profiles were obtained at diagnosis. Standardized dietary recommendations were provided. After 1 year, lipid profiles were repeated and interpreted according to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction. Main outcomes were meeting criteria for clinically actionable dyslipidemia at baseline, and either achieving lipid goal at follow-up or meeting criteria for ongoing intervention.

RESULTS

There were 585 participants, with a mean age of 12.8 years. The prevalence of children warranting intervention for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at baseline was 14%. After 1 year of recommended dietary changes, 51% achieved goal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 27% qualified for enhanced dietary and lifestyle modifications, and 22% met criteria for pharmacologic intervention. Elevated triglycerides were more prevalent, with 51% meeting criteria for intervention. At 1 year, 25% achieved goal triglycerides with diet and lifestyle changes, 38% met criteria for advanced dietary modifications, and 37% qualified for antihyperlipidemic medications.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one-half of children with NAFLD met intervention thresholds for dyslipidemia. Based on the burden of clinically relevant dyslipidemia, lipid screening in children with NAFLD is warranted. Clinicians caring for children with NAFLD should be familiar with lipid management.

Effectiveness of motivational interviewing in patients with dyslipidemia: a randomized cluster trial

BACKGROUND

It is known that making people change their habits is challenging. It is crucial to identify the most effective approach that general practitioners (GPs) should use to help their patients change unhealthy habits. The objective this study was to assess the efficacy of a multifactorial intervention based on Motivational Interviewing performed by general practitioners to enhance lipid levels in patients with dyslipidemia, as compared to standard care.

METHODS

A multicenter, controlled, randomized, cluster, two-parallel arm trial with a 12-month follow-up conducted in 25 community health centers of the Spanish. 38 GPs and 227 primary care patients with uncontrolled dyslipidemia were included in the trial. GPs performed an intervention based either on Motivational Interviewing (MI) or standard practice. Lipid levels were measured, and the control degree was analyzed based on the criteria of clinical guidelines.

RESULTS

107 were assigned to the Experimental Group (EG) and 120 to the Control Group (CG). An overall improvement was achieved in total cholesterol levels (Mean Difference -MD- = -19.60; 95 % CI: -15.33 at -23.87 mg/dl; p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol levels (MD = -13.78; 95 % CI: -9.77 at -17.79 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and triglycerides (MD = -19.14; CI 95 %: -11.29 at -26.99 mg/dl; p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two groups. However, when we assessed the degree of lipid control by combining cholesterol <200 mg/dl and LDL-cholesterol < 130 mg/dl parameters, it was observed that a higher percentage of patients achieved target figures in the EG versus CG (13.1 % vs. 5.0 %; adjusted OR = 5.77, 95 % CI: 1.67-19.91).

CONCLUSION

A Motivational Interviewing-based approach conducted by Primary Care physicians aimed at patients with dyslipidemia, achieved a significant reduction in all lipid parameters, cardiovascular risk, weight reduction and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, similar to that obtained with the usual intervention and superior in the proportion of patients achieving combined lipid control goals and the level of physical exercise.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

the trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01282190 ; January 21, 2011).

Effect of nutritional counseling on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among Thai HIV-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy

HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy have increased risk of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidemia. In this study, we determined whether individual nutritional counseling reduced dyslipidemia, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, among HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia not currently taking lipid-lowering medication. We conducted a randomized 24-week trial among HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia who were on antiretroviral therapy and were eligible to initiate therapeutic lifestyle changes according to the Thai National Cholesterol Education Program. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group that received individual counseling with a nutritionist for seven sessions (baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24) and a control group that received standard verbal diet information at baseline and nutritional counseling only at week 24. A 24-h recall technique was used to assess dietary intake for both groups at baseline and week 24. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride) was measured at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy. An intention-to-treat and linear mixed model were used. Seventy-two patients were randomly assigned, and 62 (86%) participants completed their lipid profile test. After 12 weeks of follow-up, there were significant reductions in the intervention group for total cholesterol (-14.4 ± 4.6 mg/dL, P = .002), LDL cholesterol (-13.7 ± 4.1 mg/dL, P = .001), and triglyceride (-30.4 ± 13.8 mg/dL, P = .03). A significant reduction in LDL cholesterol was also observed in the control group (-7.7 ± 3.8 mg/dL, P = .04), but there were no significant differences in change of mean lipid levels between the groups at 12 weeks of follow-up. After 24 weeks, participants assigned to the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater decreases in serum total cholesterol (-19.0 ± 4.6 vs. 0.2 ± 4.3 mg/dL, P = .003) and LDL cholesterol (-21.5 ± 4.1 vs. -6.8 ± 3.8 mg/dL, P = .009). There were no significant changes in HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in either group.

The nutrition consult for recurrent stone formers

Diet is implicated in stone formation and growth. Whether alone or in concert with pharmacologics, dietary changes may be useful in reducing recurrence but only when they correct dietary stone-forming risks. Patients benefit from recommendations individualized to their food preferences as well as to lifestyle, age, food knowledge and access, preparation skills, and cultural and ethnic identities. Urologists can provide general dietary recommendations but often lack the time to provide the full complement of individualized nutrition care offered by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Urologists can partner with and refer patients to a RDN for any component of the nutrition care process: assessment of diet, diagnosis of dietary factors that contribute to stone risk factors, intervention formulation and implementation, and monitoring the effectiveness of the intervention and modifying it as needed to maintain suitably low dietary risk for stone recurrence.

Dietary advice for reducing cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

Changes in population diet are likely to reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer, but the effect of dietary advice is uncertain. This review is an update of a previous review published in 2007.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of providing dietary advice to achieve sustained dietary changes or improved cardiovascular risk profile among healthy adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and the HTA database on The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2010). We searched MEDLINE (Ovid) (1950 to week 2 October 2010) and EMBASE (Ovid) (1980 to Week 42 2010). Additional searches were done on CAB Health (1972 to December 1999), CVRCT registry (2000), CCT (2000) and SIGLE (1980 to 2000). Dissertation abstracts and reference lists of articles were checked and researchers were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised studies with no more than 20% loss to follow-up, lasting at least three months and involving healthy adults comparing dietary advice with no advice or minimal advice. Trials involving children, trials to reduce weight or those involving supplementation were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-four trials with 52 intervention arms (comparisons) comparing dietary advice with no advice were included in the review; 18,175 participants or clusters were randomised. Twenty-nine of the 44 included trials were conducted in the USA. Dietary advice reduced total serum cholesterol by 0.15 mmol/L (95% CI 0.06 to 0.23) and LDL cholesterol by 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI 0.08 to 0.24) after 3 to 24 months. Mean HDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels were unchanged. Dietary advice reduced blood pressure by 2.61 mm Hg systolic (95% CI 1.31 to 3.91) and 1.45 mm Hg diastolic (95% CI 0.68 to 2.22) and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion by 40.9 mmol (95% CI 25.3 to 56.5) after 3 to 36 months but there was heterogeneity between trials for the latter outcome. Three trials reported plasma antioxidants, where small increases were seen in lutein and β-cryptoxanthin, but there was heterogeneity in the trial effects. Self-reported dietary intake may be subject to reporting bias, and there was significant heterogeneity in all the following analyses. Compared to no advice, dietary advice increased fruit and vegetable intake by 1.18 servings/day (95% CI 0.65 to 1.71). Dietary fibre intake increased with advice by 6.5 g/day (95% CI 2.2 to 10.82), while total dietary fat as a percentage of total energy intake fell by 4.48% (95% CI 2.47 to 6.48) with dietary advice, and saturated fat intake fell by 2.39% (95% CI 1.4 to 3.37).Two trials analysed incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (TOHP I/II). Follow-up was 77% complete at 10 to 15 years after the end of the intervention period and estimates of event rates lacked precision but suggested that sodium restriction advice probably led to a reduction in cardiovascular events (combined fatal plus non-fatal events) plus revascularisation (TOHP I hazards ratio (HR) 0.59, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.08; TOHP II HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.12).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Dietary advice appears to be effective in bringing about modest beneficial changes in diet and cardiovascular risk factors over approximately 12 months, but longer-term effects are not known.

Effect of the telephone-delivered nutrition education on dietary intake and biochemical parameters in subjects with metabolic syndrome

As prevalence of metabolic syndrome has rapidly increased over the past decade, lifestyle changes including dietary habits are considered as a therapeutic cornerstone for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular complications and type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the effectiveness of a telephone-delivered nutrition education to improve metabolic parameters compared with a single-visit with a dietitian in subjects with metabolic syndrome. A total of seventy-one adults who met diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to either the single-visit group or the in-depth nutrition education group during a 3-month intervention study period. The in-depth telephone-delivered nutrition education group had an initial visit with a dietitian and additional two telephone counseling during the first 4 weeks of the study periods. Sixty-six subjects completed a 3-month intervention study. The trial examined participant's anthropometric changes and dietary intakes as well as changes in the metabolic syndrome factors. At the end of the trial, the in-depth nutrition education group showed significantly higher reduction in weight, body fat and abdominal circumference compared with the other group (p < 0.05). In the in-depth nutrition groups, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was decreased to 45.5%, while 69.7% of the subjects were metabolic syndrome patients in the single-visit group (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the telephone-intervention counseling is a feasible mean to deliver dietary intervention in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Dietary advice for reducing cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

Changes in population diet are likely to reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer, but the effect of dietary advice is uncertain. This review is an update of a previous review published in 2007.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of providing dietary advice to achieve sustained dietary changes or improved cardiovascular risk profile among healthy adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and the HTA database on The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2010). We searched MEDLINE (Ovid) (1950 to week 2 October 2010) and EMBASE (Ovid) (1980 to Week 42 2010). Additional searches were done on CAB Health (1972 to December 1999), CVRCT registry (2000), CCT (2000) and SIGLE (1980 to 2000). Dissertation abstracts and reference lists of articles were checked and researchers were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised studies with no more than 20% loss to follow-up, lasting at least three months and involving healthy adults comparing dietary advice with no advice or minimal advice. Trials involving children, trials to reduce weight or those involving supplementation were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-four trials with 52 intervention arms (comparisons) comparing dietary advice with no advice were included in the review; 18,175 participants or clusters were randomised. Twenty-nine of the 44 included trials were conducted in the USA. Dietary advice reduced total serum cholesterol by 0.15 mmol/L (95% CI 0.06 to 0.23) and LDL cholesterol by 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI 0.08 to 0.24) after 3 to 24 months. Mean HDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels were unchanged. Dietary advice reduced blood pressure by 2.61 mm Hg systolic (95% CI 1.31 to 3.91) and 1.45 mm Hg diastolic (95% CI 0.68 to 2.22) and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion by 40.9 mmol (95% CI 25.3 to 56.5) after 3 to 36 months but there was heterogeneity between trials for the latter outcome. Three trials reported plasma antioxidants, where small increases were seen in lutein and β-cryptoxanthin, but there was heterogeneity in the trial effects. Self-reported dietary intake may be subject to reporting bias, and there was significant heterogeneity in all the following analyses. Compared to no advice, dietary advice increased fruit and vegetable intake by 1.18 servings/day (95% CI 0.65 to 1.71). Dietary fibre intake increased with advice by 6.5 g/day (95% CI 2.2 to 10.82), while total dietary fat as a percentage of total energy intake fell by 4.48% (95% CI 2.47 to 6.48) with dietary advice, and saturated fat intake fell by 2.39% (95% CI 1.4 to 3.37).Two trials analysed incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (TOHP I/II). Follow-up was 77% complete at 10 to 15 years after the end of the intervention period and estimates of event rates lacked precision but suggested that sodium restriction advice probably led to a reduction in cardiovascular events (combined fatal plus non-fatal events) plus revascularisation (TOHP I hazards ratio (HR) 0.59, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.08; TOHP II HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.12).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Dietary advice appears to be effective in bringing about modest beneficial changes in diet and cardiovascular risk factors over approximately 12 months, but longer-term effects are not known.

Interventions to enhance adherence to dietary advice for preventing and managing chronic diseases in adults

BACKGROUND

It has been recognized that poor adherence can be a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of patients, and greater adherence to dietary advice is a critical component in preventing and managing chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of interventions for enhancing adherence to dietary advice for preventing and managing chronic diseases in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases up to 29 September 2010: The Cochrane Library (issue 9 2010), PubMed, EMBASE (Embase.com), CINAHL (Ebsco) and PsycINFO (PsycNET) with no language restrictions. We also reviewed: a) recent years of relevant conferences, symposium and colloquium proceedings and abstracts; b) web-based registries of clinical trials; and c) the bibliographies of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated interventions enhancing adherence to dietary advice for preventing and managing chronic diseases in adults. Studies were eligible if the primary outcome was the client's adherence to dietary advice. We defined 'client' as an adult participating in a chronic disease prevention or chronic disease management study involving dietary advice.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of the studies. They also assessed the risk of bias and extracted data using a modified version of the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group data extraction template. Any discrepancies in judgement were resolved by discussion and consensus, or with a third review author. Because the studies differed widely with respect to interventions, measures of diet adherence, dietary advice, nature of the chronic diseases and duration of interventions and follow-up, we conducted a qualitative analysis. We classified included studies according to the function of the intervention and present results in a narrative table using vote counting for each category of intervention.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 38 studies involving 9445 participants. Among studies that measured diet adherence outcomes between an intervention group and a control/usual care group, 32 out of 123 diet adherence outcomes favoured the intervention group, 4 favoured the control group whereas 62 had no significant difference between groups (assessment was impossible for 25 diet adherence outcomes since data and/or statistical analyses needed for comparison between groups were not provided). Interventions shown to improve at least one diet adherence outcome are: telephone follow-up, video, contract, feedback, nutritional tools and more complex interventions including multiple interventions. However, these interventions also shown no difference in some diet adherence outcomes compared to a control/usual care group making inconclusive results about the most effective intervention to enhance dietary advice. The majority of studies reporting a diet adherence outcome favouring the intervention group compared to the control/usual care group in the short-term also reported no significant effect at later time points. Studies investigating interventions such as a group session, individual session, reminders, restriction and behaviour change techniques reported no diet adherence outcome showing a statistically significant difference favouring the intervention group. Finally, studies were generally of short duration and low quality, and adherence measures varied widely.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for further, long-term, good-quality studies using more standardized and validated measures of adherence to identify the interventions that should be used in practice to enhance adherence to dietary advice in the context of a variety of chronic diseases.

The evidence for dietary prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease

During the past few decades numerous studies have reported the atherogenic potential of saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, and cholesterol, and beneficial effects of fiber, phytostanols/phytosterols, n-3 fatty acids, a Mediterranean diet, and other plant-based approaches. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the evidence associated with key dietary factors and risk of cardiovascular disease-an umbrella term encompassing diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension-in conjunction with the work of the American Dietetic Association Evidence Analysis Library review on diet and lipids, updated with new evidence from the past 2 years. The criteria used and results cited provide scientific rationale for food and nutrition professionals and other health professionals for counseling patients. Details of these searches are available within the American Dietetic Association Evidence Analysis Library online (http://adaevidencelibrary.com). Potential mechanisms and needs for future research are summarized for each relevant nutrient, food, or food component.

Dietary advice for reducing cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

Changes in population diet are likely to reduce cardiovascular disease and cancer, but the effect of dietary advice is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of providing dietary advice to achieve sustained dietary changes or improved cardiovascular risk profile among healthy adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, DARE and HTA databases on The Cochrane Library (Issue 4 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2000, 2004 to November 2006) and EMBASE (1985 to December 2000, 2005 to November 2006). Additional searches were done on CAB Health (1972 to December 1999), CVRCT registry (2000), CCT (2000) and SIGLE (1980 to 2000). Dissertation abstracts and reference lists of articles were checked and researchers were contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised studies with no more than 20% loss to follow-up, lasting at least 3 months involving healthy adults comparing dietary advice with no advice or minimal advice. Trials involving children, trials to reduce weight or those involving supplementation were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-eight trials with 46 intervention arms (comparisons) comparing dietary advice with no advice were included in the review. 17,871 participants/clusters were randomised. Twenty-six of the 38 included trials were conducted in the USA. Dietary advice reduced total serum cholesterol by 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI 0.06 to 0.25) and LDL cholesterol by 0.18 mmol/L (95% CI 0.1 to 0.27) after 3-24 months. Mean HDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels were unchanged. Dietary advice reduced blood pressure by 2.07 mmHg systolic (95% CI 0.95 to 3.19) and 1.15 mmHg diastolic (95% CI 0.48 to 1.85) and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion by 44.2 mmol (95% CI 33.6 to 54.7) after 3-36 months. Three trials reported plasma antioxidants where small increases were seen in lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin, but there was heterogeneity in the trial effects. Self-reported dietary intake may be subject to reporting bias, and there was significant heterogeneity in all the following analyses. Compared to no advice, dietary advice increased fruit and vegetable intake by 1.25 servings/day (95% CI 0.7 to 1.81). Dietary fibre intake increased with advice by 5.99 g/day (95% CI 1.12 to 10.86), while total dietary fat as a percentage of total energy intake fell by 4.49 % (95% CI 2.31 to 6.66) with dietary advice and saturated fat intake fell by 2.36 % (95% CI 1.32 to 3.39).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Dietary advice appears to be effective in bringing about modest beneficial changes in diet and cardiovascular risk factors over approximately 10 months but longer term effects are not known.

Estimating the impact of adding C-reactive protein as a criterion for lipid lowering treatment in the United States

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to help select patients for lipid lowering therapy--although this practice is not yet supported by evidence of benefit in a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the number of Americans potentially affected if a CRP criteria were adopted as an additional indication for lipid lowering therapy. To provide context, we also determined how well current lipid lowering guidelines are being implemented.

METHODS

We analyzed nationally representative data to determine how many Americans age 35 and older meet current National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) treatment criteria (a combination of risk factors and their Framingham risk score). We then determined how many of the remaining individuals would meet criteria for treatment using 2 different CRP-based strategies: (1) narrow: treat individuals at intermediate risk (i.e., 2 or more risk factors and an estimated 10-20% risk of coronary artery disease over the next 10 years) with CRP > 3 mg/L and (2) broad: treat all individuals with CRP > 3 mg/L.

DATA SOURCE

Analyses are based on the 2,778 individuals participating in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with complete data on cardiac risk factors, fasting lipid levels, CRP, and use of lipid lowering agents.

MAIN MEASURES

The estimated number and proportion of American adults meeting NCEP criteria who take lipid-lowering drugs, and the additional number who would be eligible based on CRP testing.

RESULTS

About 53 of the 153 million Americans aged 35 and older meet current NCEP criteria (that do not involve CRP) for lipid-lowering treatment. Sixty-five percent, however, are not currently being treated, even among those at highest risk (i.e., patients with established heart disease or its risk equivalent)-62% are untreated. Adopting the narrow and broad CRP strategies would make an additional 2.1 and 25.3 million Americans eligible for treatment, respectively. The latter strategy would make over half the adults age 35 and older eligible for lipid-lowering therapy, with most of the additionally eligible (57%) coming from the lowest NCEP heart risk category (i.e., 0-1 risk factors).

CONCLUSION

There is substantial underuse of lipid lowering therapy for American adults at high risk for coronary disease. Rather than adopting CRP-based strategies, which would make millions more lower risk patients eligible for treatment (and for whom treatment benefit has not yet been demonstrated in a randomized trial), we should ensure the treatment of currently defined high-risk patients for whom the benefit of therapy is established.

Primary prevention trials: lessons learned about treating high-risk patients with dyslipidemia without known cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Many serious cardiovascular (CV) events occur in individuals with no prior manifestation of the disease, and often result in death. Awareness of the contributions of various risk factors to the occurrence of CVD is growing. Asymptomatic individuals with multiple risk factors at low or moderate levels can be at greater risk for CVD than those with a single risk factor at a high level. Dyslipidemia and hypertension are two risk factors that commonly coexist and are modifiable through lifestyle changes and/or medications. Recent trials with hydroxymethyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have demonstrated that aggressive cholesterol-lowering therapy in patients without known atherosclerotic disease, but at high risk for CVD with relatively normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (< 130 mg/dL), can significantly reduce the number of coronary events experienced by these patients. This subset of at-risk patients is better served by this approach than by treatment solely based on degree of dyslipidemia.

Niacin in HIV-infected individuals with hyperlipidemia receiving potent antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Extended release (ER)-niacin therapy, which has been associated with reduced glucose tolerance in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seronegative individuals, has not been evaluated in the HIV-infected population.

METHODS

This open, prospective trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of ER-niacin therapy for antiretroviral therapy-associated dyslipidemia. Fourteen individuals received ER-niacin at maximum doses of 2000 mg per day for 14 weeks.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in serum levels of triglycerides (P=.02), total cholesterol (P=.005), and non-HDL cholesterol (P=.04) were seen after ER-niacin therapy. Seven of 11 subjects were glucose intolerant after ER-niacin therapy; for 3 of these subjects, this was a new finding. Beta-cell sensitivity to basal glucose levels increased significantly without concomitant increase in overall glucose disposition indices. The values for the homeostasis model of insulin resistance index increased significantly (P=.005).

CONCLUSION

ER-niacin's role in the treatment of antiretroviral therapy-associated dyslipidemia requires further evaluation, but the results of this pilot study indicate that it is safe and tolerated and provides a valuable treatment option.

Dietary Treatment of Hypercholestrolemia: Can We Predict Long-Term Success?

OBJECTIVE

To look for associations between changes in LDL cholesterol and baseline characteristics of patients receiving dietary therapy for hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

Ninety-six hypercholesterolemic individuals aged 30-65 from three primary care clinics and a worksite clinic received counseling by a physician and/or a dietitian for lifestyle and dietary modifications. Baseline nutritional intake was evaluated using three-day food diaries. Lipoprotein levels were evaluated at six weeks and thereafter every three months for one year. Partial (adjusted) correlations (beta) were calculated between baseline parameters (demographic, anthropometric, nutritional and laboratory) and changes of LDL cholesterol for the short and long term (three and 12 months).

RESULTS

The average LDL cholesterol level decreased by 6 +/- 10% (p < 0.001) at the end of 12 months. This reduction was positively correlated with baseline LDL cholesterol level (beta = +0.4, p = 0.001), and negatively correlated with the baseline BMI (beta = -0.2, p < 0.05) and saturated fat intake (beta = -0.3, p < 0.05). The differences between low and high subgroups of baseline LDL cholesterol, BMI and saturated fat intake became apparent only after six to twelve months of therapy and probably result from varying levels of adherence to the dietary regimen. A significant correlation was found between the change in LDL cholesterol after six weeks and the change in LDL cholesterol after 12 months (beta = 0.4, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of successfully reducing LDL cholesterol with dietary therapy can be predicted by baseline LDL cholesterol level, BMI and saturated fat intake, as well as by the response to dietary changes within six weeks of therapy.

The implementation of nutritional advice for people with diabetes

These consensus-based recommendations emphasize the practical implementation of nutritional advice for people with diabetes, and describe the provision of services required to provide the information. Important changes from previous recommendations include greater flexibility in the proportions of energy derived from carbohydrate and monounsaturated fat, further liberalization in the consumption of sucrose, more active promotion of foods with a low glycaemic index, and greater emphasis on the provision of nutritional advice in the context of wider lifestyle changes, particularly physical activity. Monounsaturated fats are now promoted as the main source of dietary fat because of their lower susceptibility to lipid peroxidation and consequent lower atherogenic potential. Consumption of sucrose for patients who are not overweight can be increased up to 10% of daily energy provided that this is eaten in the context of a healthy diet and distributed throughout the day [corrected]. Evidence is presented for the effectiveness of advice provided by trained dieticians. The increasing evidence for the importance of good metabolic control and the growing requirement for measures to prevent Type 2 diabetes in an increasingly obese population will require major expansion of dietetic services if the standards in National Service Frameworks are to be successfully implemented.

Medical nutrition therapy for hypercholesterolemia positively affects patient satisfaction and quality of life outcomes

Following a heart-healthy diet to lower cholesterol levels is often assumed to be difficult, to be burdensome, and to have a negative impact on quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) versus usual care (UC) for hypercholesterolemia on patient satisfaction and QOL. Ninety ambulatory care patients (60 men and 30 women), age 28 to 66, were randomly assigned to receive either MNT from dietitians using a National Cholesterol Education Program-based protocol or UC from their physicians. Patients who received MNT reported no difference in QOL related to the taste or enjoyment of food compared with UC patients. However, the MNT group reported initial improvements in QOL related to the convenience and cost of following a low-fat diet when compared with the UC group. The MNT group also reported significant and lasting improvements in perceived QOL related to self-care compared with the UC group. MNT patients were more satisfied with the interaction at visits, knowledge and ability to manage their cholesterol, eating habits, appearance, time spent exercising, and life in general. Moreover, MNT patients did not report any negative impact related to following a low-fat diet in regard to feeling restricted by diet; interference with lifestyle activities; or difficulty planning, purchasing, or preparing meals or eating away from home. Contrary to popular belief there is no apparent reduction but rather an improvement in some measures of QOL and patient satisfaction with MNT for hypercholesterolemia.

Counseling to promote a healthy diet in adults: a summary of the evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of counseling to promote a healthy diet among patients in primary care settings.

DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES

We conducted a MEDLINE search from 1966 to December 2001.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials of at least 3 months' duration with measures of dietary behavior that were conducted in patient populations similar to those found in primary care practices. We excluded studies that reported only biochemical or anthropomorphic endpoints, had dropout rates greater than 50%, or enrolled patients based on the presence of a chronic disease.

DATA EXTRACTION

One author extracted relevant data from each included article into evidence tables. Using definitions developed by the research team, two authors independently rated each study in terms of its effect size, the intensity of its intervention, the patient risk level, and the use of well-proven counseling techniques.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We identified 21 trials for use in this review. Dietary counseling produces modest changes in self-reported consumption of saturated fat, fruits and vegetables, and possibly dietary fiber. More-intensive interventions were more likely to produce important changes than brief interventions, but they may be more difficult to apply to typical primary care patients. Interventions using interactive health communications, including computer-generated telephone or mail messages, can also produce moderate dietary changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate- or high-intensity counseling interventions, including use of interactive health communication tools, can reduce consumption of saturated fat and increase intake of fruit and vegetable. Brief counseling of unselected patients by primary care providers appears to produce small changes in dietary behavior, but its effect on health outcomes is unclear.

Direct observation of nutrition counseling in community family practice

BACKGROUND

Despite the large potential of dietary changes to reduce morbidity and mortality, the frequency, time spent, and factors associated with nutrition counseling in primary care are not well studied.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 84 family physician practices in northeast Ohio, nutrition counseling was measured by direct observation on 2 days for all consecutive ambulatory visits. The frequency, time spent, and patient and visit characteristics associated with nutrition counseling were determined.

RESULTS

Among 138 family physicians, only 6% included nutrition counseling in the majority (>50%) of patient encounters. Among 3475 consecutive outpatient visits in adults, nutrition counseling occurred in 24% of all patient visits, 17% of visits for acute illnesses, 30% of chronic illness visits, and 41% of well-care visits. The average time spent on nutrition counseling was 55 seconds, ranging from <20 seconds to >6 minutes. Nutrition counseling occurred in 45% of visits for diabetes, 25% of visits for cardiovascular disease, 31% of visits for hypertension, 26% of prenatal visits, and 33% of visits by obese patients (body mass index >30). Nutrition counseling was more likely to occur during visits by patients who were older or had diabetes mellitus, during visits for well care or chronic illness, and during longer visits.

CONCLUSION

Despite considerable variability from physician to physician, nutrition counseling occurs in approximately one fourth of all office visits to family physicians. The observed efforts by family physicians to focus nutrition counseling on high-risk patients may increase its impact.

Treatment of lipid disorders after stroke

The efficacy of lipid disorder therapy for the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease is established. There are, however, no completed studies specifically directed at reducing the risk of stroke with lipid therapy. Although observational cohort studies have failed to demonstrate an association between lipid disorders and stroke incidence, recently completed trials of subjects at risk for coronary heart disease have shown that statins and fibric acid derivatives reduce not only the risk of myocardial infarction and death, but also that of brain infarction and transient ischemic attacks. Lipid drugs are well tolerated and treatment complications are relatively low. It seems prudent to conclude that the stroke patient with an undesirable lipid profile who has a history of coronary heart disease should receive specific treatment for the lipid disorder. Recommendations are more problematic for stroke patients with lipid disorders but no history of coronary heart disease; most should receive therapy for primary prevention of heart disease. Lipid treatment trials focused on stroke risk reduction are urgently needed.

Contemporary management of hyperlipidemia in women

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper is to review prospective, large-scale studies of lipid-lowering therapy and hormone replacement therapy, and to provide clinical recommendations for the management of hyperlipidemia in women within the context of the revised National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines.

METHODS

Recent English language literature derived from a MEDLINE search (January 1990-July 2001) and bibliographies of relevant papers were reviewed, and data were abstracted from identified papers.

RESULTS

Hyperlipidemia is largely undertreated in women. Previously, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was considered first-line treatment for the management of hypercholesterolemia to prevent coronary artery disease (CAD) in women. Recent studies, however, show no benefit of HRT for secondary prevention of coronary events, despite its beneficial effects on lipids. Large-scale, controlled clinical trials indicate that women, even those with only moderately elevated cholesterol, benefit from the lipid-lowering effects of statins for both high-risk primary and secondary prevention of CAD. Based on this evidence, the recently revised NCEP guidelines recommend statins as first-line therapy for women with hyperlipidemia, an approach that is supported by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. With its emphasis on aggressive intervention for persons with multiple risk factors, the new guidelines substantially increase the number of women eligible for pharmacological therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

All women with hyperlipidemia should receive counseling regarding lifestyle approaches for lowering cholesterol. The decision to use HRT should be made in the context of other conditions hormones may affect. Alternative hormonal regimens for lipid management may include selective estrogen receptor modulators and phytoestrogens, but results of randomized clinical trials are necessary before firm recommendations can be made regarding their clinical value in preventing CAD.

The center for multidisciplinary research in aging (CMRA) at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel

The Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging (CMRA) was established at Ben Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Beer Sheva in 2000, to promote research in the different disciplines of gerontology and geriatrics. It benefits from the special features of that university compared to other academic institutions in Israel and from the regional uniqueness of its location, in the southern part of Israel. CMRA serves as a comprehensive outreach unit for collaborative projects, as well as training programs and organization of professional meetings on aging.

Diet and drug therapy: a dynamic duo for reducing coronary heart disease risk

A large proportion of the United States population requires aggressive low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol- lowering therapy to meet the new treatment guidelines established by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. This has further widened the gap between the number of people being treated compared with those who should be treated. Moreover, many people being treated do not meet their LDL cholesterol goal. Diet and healthy lifestyle practices remain the cornerstone of treatment to lower LDL cholesterol. Pharmacologic therapy has assumed an increasingly important role in reaching LDL cholesterol goals. Diet and healthy-lifestyle interventions have been shown to augment the benefits of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Together, this dynamic duo provides the most effective clinical means identified to date for maximally lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

Clinical and cost outcomes of medical nutrition therapy for hypercholesterolemia: a controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results and cost-effectiveness of a cholesterol lowering protocol implemented by registered dietitians with cholesterol lowering advice by physicians.

DESIGN

Six month randomized controlled trial, cost-effectiveness analysis. Subjects included 90 ambulatory care patients (60 men, 30 women), age range 21 to 65 years, with hypercholesterolemia and not taking hypolipidemic drugs. Patients were randomly assigned to receive medical nutrition therapy (MNT) from dietitians using a NCEP based lowering protocol or usual care (UC) from physicians. Outcome measures were plasma lipid profiles, dietary intake, weight, activity, patient satisfaction, and costs of MNT. Changes from baseline for each variable of interest were compared between treatment groups using analysis of covariance controlling for baseline value of the variable and gender.

RESULTS

MNT achieved a 6% decrease in total and LDL cholesterol levels at 3 and 6 months compared with a 1% increase and a 2% decrease in both values at 3 and 6 months with UC (P<.001 and P<.05, respectively). Weight loss (1.9 vs 0 kg, P<.001) and dietary intake of saturated fat (7% of energy vs 10%, P<.001) were better in the MNT than the UC group. The additional costs of MNT were $217 per patient to achieve a 6% reduction in cholesterol and $98 per patient to sustain the reduction. The cost-effectiveness ratio for MNT was $36 per 1% decrease in cholesterol and LDL level.

APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

MNT from registered dietitians is a reasonable investment of resources because it results in significantly better lipid, diet, activity, weight, and patient satisfaction outcomes than UC.

Dietary advice given by a dietitian versus other health professional or self-help resources to reduce blood cholesterol

BACKGROUND

The average level of blood cholesterol is an important determinant of the risk of coronary heart disease. Blood cholesterol can be reduced by dietary means. Although dietitians are trained to provide dietary advice, for practical reasons it is also given by other health professionals and occasionally through the use of self-help resources.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of dietary advice given by a dietitian compared with another health professional, or the use of self-help resources, in reducing blood cholesterol in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane Library (to Issue 2 1999), MEDLINE (1966 to January 1999), EMBASE (1980 to December 1998), Cinahl (1982 to December 1998), Human Nutrition (1991 to 1998), Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, hand searched conference proceedings on nutrition and heart disease, and contacted experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials of dietary advice given by a dietitian compared with another health professional or self-help resources. The main outcome was difference in blood cholesterol between dietitian groups compared with other intervention groups.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality.

MAIN RESULTS

Eleven studies with 12 comparisons were included, involving 704 people receiving advice from dietitians, 486 from other health professionals and 551 people using self-help leaflets. Four studies compared dietitian with doctor, seven with self-help resources, and one compared dietitian with nurse. Participants receiving advice from dietitians experienced a greater reduction in blood cholesterol than those receiving advice only from doctors (-0.25 mmol/L (95% CI -0.37, -0.12 mmol/L)). There was no statistically significant difference in change in blood cholesterol between dietitians and self-help resources (-0.10 mmol/L (95% CI -0.22, 0.03 mmol/L)). No statistically significant differences were detected for secondary outcome measures between any of the comparisons with the exception of dietitian versus nurse for HDLc, where the dietitian groups showed a greater reduction (-0.06 mmol/L (95% CI -0.11, -0.01)). No significant heterogeneity between the studies was detected.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Dietitians were better than doctors at lowering blood cholesterol in the short to medium term, but there was no evidence that they were better than self-help resources. The results should be interpreted with caution as the studies were not of good quality and the analysis was based on a limited number of trials. More evidence is required to assess whether change can be maintained in the longer term. There was no evidence that dietitians provided better outcomes than nurses.