Epidemiology of home enteral and parenteral nutrition in adults: Comprehensive national data

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although HEN and HPN are important parts of home healthcare, lack of information about the number of patients concerned is surprising. This educational paper presents a review of literature concerning published national data on epidemiology of both HEN and HPN, for different countries. It compares these publications with an exhaustive retrospective observational study on our national adult population for the year 2019.

METHODS

Our presented retrospective observational national study was carried out on patients aged 20 and over, divided by sex and into three age groups: 20-39, 40-59, 60 years old and over. Open data from the National Health Insurance obtained the number of patients who started a HEN or HPN during 2019 (incidence), as well as those followed in HEN or HPN during this year (prevalence). Results are compared with a literature review compiling all available publications presenting national data on epidemiology of both HEN and HPN for a same country.

RESULTS

This work covered an entire national population of 50.881 948 adults. The incidence and prevalence of HEN were respectively 37.4/100 000 inhab/year and 74.0/100 000 inhab, with significant gender and age differences. The incidence and overall prevalence of HPN were respectively 22.0/100 000 inhab/year and 25.3/100 000 inhab. The prevalence of HPN during over 12 weeks was 6.2/100 000 inhab. The HEN/HPN ratio was 3:1. A total of 37 657 and 12 859 adults respectively required HEN and HPN among 50 881 948 people aged 20 and over. Published papers to compare, aggregating national data for both HEN and HPN, are only few. They do not have exhaustive data, they are often carried out on limited populations and often indiscriminately affect adults and children.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidemiology of HEN and HPN remains poorly described in the literature. We present here the first results to accurately assess the incidence and prevalence of HAN on a complete national adult population and for a same year. The completeness of our data may explain these results of incidence and prevalence significantly higher than almost all available information in the existing literature, but as close as possible to real data.

Standardized one-day evaluation before urinary reconstructive surgery for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: Feasibility and impact on surgical strategy and care pathway

OBJECTIVES

To describe a concept of standardized preoperative one-day evaluation before urinary reconstructive or diversion surgery for the treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction, and to evaluate its feasibility and its impact on the care pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent a one-day standardized evaluation before a urinary reconstructive or derivation surgery for the treatment of neurogenic LUT dysfunction between January 2017 and December 2021 in our institution were included. Data were collected retrospectively from standardized reports. The main outcome was the rate of completion of the tests and consultations planned during this evaluation. Secondary outcomes included the findings from the one-day evaluation and changes in the urological surgical strategy at different time points within one year.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-one patients benefited from this one-day standardized evaluation. The overall completeness rate of the data collected was 77.5%, increasing from 62.3% in 2017 to 89.3% in 2021. The urological surgical plan was modified for 19.1% of patients following this preoperative evaluation. The indication was then confirmed for 114 patients (87.0%) by the multidisciplinary meeting and was carried out unchanged during the following year for 89 patients (67.9%). An associated colostomy procedure was proposed for 18.3% of patients and was finally performed in 11.5%.

CONCLUSION

A standardized multidisciplinary preoperative one-day evaluation before performing reconstructive or diversion surgery for the treatment of neurogenic LUT dysfunction seems feasible and makes it possible to optimize the surgical plan and adapt the course of care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

The International Network on Oesophageal Atresia (INoEA) consensus guidelines on the transition of patients with oesophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula

Oesophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) is a common congenital digestive disease. Patients with EA-TEF face gastrointestinal, surgical, respiratory, otolaryngological, nutritional, psychological and quality of life issues in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Although consensus guidelines exist for the management of gastrointestinal, nutritional, surgical and respiratory problems in childhood, a systematic approach to the care of these patients in adolescence, during transition to adulthood and in adulthood is currently lacking. The Transition Working Group of the International Network on Oesophageal Atresia (INoEA) was charged with the task of developing uniform evidence-based guidelines for the management of complications through the transition from adolescence into adulthood. Forty-two questions addressing the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of gastrointestinal, surgical, respiratory, otolaryngological, nutritional, psychological and quality of life complications that patients with EA-TEF face during adolescence and after the transition to adulthood were formulated. A systematic literature search was performed based on which recommendations were made. All recommendations were discussed and finalized during consensus meetings, and the group members voted on each recommendation. Expert opinion was used when no randomized controlled trials were available to support the recommendation. The list of the 42 statements, all based on expert opinion, was voted on and agreed upon.

Nutritional interventions in patients with graft-versus-host

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to highlight the benefits of nutrition before and during graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and the promising precision medicine approach that should be offered to prevent and mitigate GvHD.

RECENT FINDINGS

The intestinal damage induced by preconditioning/conditioning chemotherapies is the main trigger of GvHD. Impaired nutritional status and decreased plasma citrulline level, which is the most sensitive biomarker of intestinal barrier health, predict the occurrence of acute GvHD after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Optimal oral and/or enteral nutrition and a lack of vitamin D deficiency limit this intestinal damage. As intestinal dysbiosis plays an important role in GvHD, probiotics and prebiotics supplementation could be a promising therapy. Diverting enterostomy combined with parenteral nutrition saves the lives of patients with severe steroid-refractory gastrointestinal GvHD.

SUMMARY

Regardless of age, healthy nutritional status and a healthy gut barrier are protective factors against GvHD in patients undergoing allo-HCT, and above all, these are closely dependent on adequate oral and/or enteral intake. Therefore, maintaining gut barrier integrity through adequate oral nutrition before allo-SCT and early first-line enteral nutrition after allo-HCT are of critical importance, not forgetting vitamin D supplementation. In the future, probiotics and prebiotics are expected to play a growing role for replenishing the commensal microbiota given the impact of gut dysbiosis on GvHD. Parenteral nutrition remains the only nutritional support that can be used in the event of severe gastrointestinal GvHD.

Behavior of Regular Insulin in a Parenteral Nutrition Admixture: Validation of an LC/MS-MS Assay and the In Vitro Evaluation of Insulin Glycation

Parenteral-nutrition (PN)-induced hyperglycemia increases morbidity and mortality and must be treated with insulin. Unfortunately, the addition of insulin to a ternary PN admixture leads to a rapid decrease in insulin content. Our study’s objective was to determine the mechanistic basis of insulin’s disappearance. The literature data suggested the presence of a glycation reaction; we therefore validated an LC-MS/MS assay for insulin and glycated insulin. In a 24-h stability study, 20 IU/L of insulin was added to a binary PN admixture at pH 3.6 or 6.3. When the samples were diluted before analysis with a near-neutral diluent, insulin was fully stable at pH 3.6, while a loss of around 50% was observed at pH 6.3. Its disappearance was shown to be inversely correlated with the appearance of monoglycated insulin (probably a Schiff base adduct). Monoglycated insulin might also undergo a back-reaction to form insulin after acidic dilution. Furthermore, a second monoglycated insulin species appeared in the PN admixture after more than 24 h at high temperature (40 °C) and a high insulin concentration (1000 IU/L). It was stable at acidic pH and might be an Amadori product. The impact of insulin glycation under non-forced conditions on insulin’s bioactivity requires further investigation.

Characteristics of adult patients with chronic intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome: An international multicenter survey

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The case-mix of patients with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome (SBS-IF) can differ among centres and may also be affected by the timeframe of data collection. Therefore, the ESPEN international multicenter cross-sectional survey was analyzed to compare the characteristics of SBS-IF cohorts collected within the same timeframe in different countries.

METHODS

The study included 1880 adult SBS-IF patients collected in 2015 by 65 centres from 22 countries. The demographic, nutritional, SBS type (end jejunostomy, SBS-J; jejuno-colic anastomosis, SBS-JC; jejunoileal anastomosis with an intact colon and ileocecal valve, SBS-JIC), underlying disease and intravenous supplementation (IVS) characteristics were analyzed. IVS was classified as fluid and electrolyte alone (FE) or parenteral nutrition admixture (PN). The mean daily IVS volume, calculated on a weekly basis, was categorized as <1, 1-2, 2-3 and >3 L/day.

RESULTS

In the entire group: 60.7% were females and SBS-J comprised 60% of cases, while mesenteric ischaemia (MI) and Crohn' disease (CD) were the main underlying diseases. IVS dependency was longer than 3 years in around 50% of cases; IVS was infused ≥5 days/week in 75% and FE in 10% of cases. Within the SBS-IF cohort: CD was twice and thrice more frequent in SBS-J than SBS-JC and SBS-JIC, respectively, while MI was more frequent in SBS-JC and SBS-JIC. Within countries: SBS-J represented 75% or more of patients in UK and Denmark and 50-60% in the other countries, except Poland where SBS-JC prevailed. CD was the main underlying disease in UK, USA, Denmark and The Netherlands, while MI prevailed in France, Italy and Poland.

CONCLUSIONS

SBS-IF type is primarily determined by the underlying disease, with significant variation between countries. These novel data will be useful for planning and managing both clinical activity and research studies on SBS.

Diverting Enterostomy Improves Overall Survival of Patients with Severe Steroid-Refractory Gastrointestinal Acute Graft-versus-host Disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the benefit of diverting enterostomy (DE) in patients with severe steroid-refractory (SR) gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host-disease (GI-aGVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT).

SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA

Severe GI-aGVHD refractory to the first line steroid therapy is a rare but dramatic life-threatening complication. Second lines of immunosuppressors have limited effects and increase the risk of sepsis. Data suggest that limiting GI bacterial translocation by DE could restrain severe GI-aGVHD.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2018, we retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients undergoing ASCT for hematologic malignancies who developed severe SR GI-aGVHD. We compared patients in whom a proximal DE was performed (Enterostomy group) with those not subjected to DE (Medical group). The primary endpoint was the 1-year overall survival (OS) measured from the onset of GI-aGVHD. Secondary endpoints were the 2-year OS and causes of death.

RESULTS

Of the 1295 patients who underwent ASCT, 51 patients with severe SR GI-aGVHD were analyzed (13 in Enterostomy group and 38 in Medical group). Characteristics of patients, transplantation modalities, and aGVHD severity were similar in both groups. The 1-year OS was better after DE (54% vs. 5%, P = 0.0004). The 2-year OS was also better in "Enterostomy group" (31% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.0015), with a trend to lower death by sepsis (30.8% vs. 57.9%; P = 0.091).

CONCLUSION

DE should be considered for severe GI-aGVHD as soon as resistance to the corticosteroid is identified.

[Management of patients developing acute gastro-intestinal graft-versus-host-disease: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) with a frequency range of 30% to 50%. GVH is the leading cause of non-relapse-related deaths and a cause early mortality. Gastro-intestinal (GI) GVH results in digestive manifestations that involve the small intestine and the colon. The patient may then have diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain but also clinical signs such as nausea and vomiting may lead to anorexia. GI-GVHD promotes undernutrition as well as significant losses of vitamins and trace elements. In the case of post-transplant diarrhea, differential diagnosis can include GI-GVHD, infection and drug toxicity. Although, corticosteroids w/wo calcineurin inhibitors represent the standard of care in first line treatment, there is no consensus regarding salvage therapy in case of corticoresistant GI-GVH. In addition, assessment of early nutritional status would help combating undernutrition, which is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with GI-GVHD. In this workshop of the Fancophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) we focused on the management of patients developing GI-GVHD following allo-HCT.

Addition of Regular Insulin to Ternary Parenteral Nutrition: A Stability Study

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a complex medium in which added insulin can become unstable. The aim of this study is, therefore, to evaluate the stability of insulin in PN and to identify influencing factors. Methods: A total of 20 IU/L of regular insulin was added to PN in either glass or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) containers. A 24 h stability study was performed via an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in different media: A ternary PN admixture, separate compartments of the PN bag and a binary admixture. This study was repeated in the absence of zinc, with the addition of serum albumin or tween and with pH adjustment (3.6 or 6.3). Insulin concentration at t time was expressed as a percentage of the initial insulin concentration. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to determine the factors that influence insulin stability. Results: In all PN admixtures, the insulin concentration ratio decreased, stabilising at a 60% and then plateauing after 6 h. At pH 3.6, the ratio was above 90%, while at pH 6.3 it decreased, except in the amino acid solution. ANCOVA (r² = 0.68, p = 0.01) identified dextrose and pH as significant factors influencing insulin stability. Conclusion: A low pH level seems to stabilise insulin in PN admixtures. The influence of dextrose content suggests that insulin glycation may influence stability.

Impact and consequences of intensive chemotherapy on intestinal barrier and microbiota in acute myeloid leukemia: the role of mucosal strengthening

Induction chemotherapy (7 + 3 regimen) remains the gold standard for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but is responsible for gut damage leading to several complications such as bloodstream infection (BSI). We aimed to investigate the impact of induction chemotherapy on the intestinal barrier of patients with AML and in wild-type mice. Next, we assessed the potential benefit of strengthening the mucosal barrier in transgenic mice releasing a recombinant protein able to reinforce the mucus layer (Tg222). In patients, we observed a decrease of plasma citrulline, which is a marker of the functional enterocyte mass, of short-chain fatty acids and of fecal bacterial load, except for Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., which became dominant. Both the α and β-diversities of fecal microbiota decreased. In wild-type mice, citrulline levels decreased under chemotherapy along with an increase of E. coli and Enterococcus spp load associated with concomitant histologic impairment. By comparison with wild-type mice, Tg222 mice, 3 days after completing chemotherapy, had higher citrulline levels, a faster healing epithelium, and preserved α-diversity of their intestinal microbiota. This was associated with reduced bacterial translocations. Our results highlight the intestinal damage and the dysbiosis induced by the 7 + 3 regimen. As a proof of concept, our transgenic model suggests that strengthening the intestinal barrier is a promising approach to limit BSI and improve AML patients' outcome.

Hypervitaminosis A is associated with immunological non-response in HIV-1-infected adults: a case-control study

For people living with HIV, determinants of immunological non-response (INR) to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) have not been fully elucidated. In a case-control study, we evaluated the influence of the nutritional and antioxidant status in HIV-1 adults whose cART was initiated between January 2001 and December 2013. Cases had persistent CD4 counts < 350/μL vs. > 350/μL for controls, after at least 2 years of cART with persistent viral loads (VL) < 50 copies/mL. Twelve cases and twenty-eight control subjects with the same CD4 count at cART initiation were compared for their nutritional and antioxidant status after age adjustment at dosage assessment. Patients were predominantly male (70%), Caucasian (82%) and at AIDS stage (62%). The median age was 53, and the median CD4 count was 245/mm³ for cases and 630/mm³ for controls after a median time of 7 years on cART. Despite higher energy intakes in cases, anthropometric data was comparable between groups who had similar vitamins B9/B12/C/D/E, zinc, citrulline and glutamine levels. Nine cases (75%) and 8 controls (29%) had hypervitaminosis A (> 2.70 μmol/L) (p = 0.030). Cases had lower erythrocyte resistance when exposed to a controlled free radical attack (p = 0.014). Most cases had hypervitaminosis A and altered antioxidant capacities that could affect immunological response. Wide-scale studies are required, but in the meantime, screening of their vitamin A status must be encouraged in these patients.

Natural History of Perianal Fistulising Lesions in Patients With Elderly-onset Crohn's Disease: A Population-based Study

INTRODUCTION

Most studies of elderly-onset Crohn's disease [CD; diagnosed in patients aged 60 or over] have described a mild course. However, data on the natural history of perianal fistulising CD [pfCD] in this population are scarce. In a population-based cohort study, we described the prevalence, natural history, and treatment of pfCD in patients with elderly-onset CD vs patients with paediatric-onset CD.

METHOD

All patients diagnosed with CD at or after the age of 60 between 1988 and 2006, were included [n = 372]. Logistic regression, Cox models, and a nested case-control method were used to identify factors associated with pfCD.

RESULTS

A total of 34 elderly patients [9% of the 372] had pfCD at diagnosis. After a median follow-up of 6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 3; 10), 59 patients [16%] had pfCD; the same prevalence [16%] was observed in paediatric-onset patients. At last follow-up, anal incontinence was more frequent in elderly patients with pfCD than in elderly patients without pfCD [22% vs 4%, respectively; p < 10-4]. Rectal CD at diagnosis was associated with pfCD: hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.8 [1.6-5.0]). Although 37% of the patients received immunosuppressants and 17% received anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, 24% [14 out of 59] had a definitive stoma at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

During the first 6 years of disease, the prevalence of pfCD was similar in elderly and paediatric patients. Rectal involvement was associated with the appearance of pfCD in elderly-onset patients. Around a quarter of patients with elderly-onset CD will have a stoma. Our results suggest that treatment with biologics should be evaluated in these patients.

Compliance to oral nutritional supplementation decreases the risk of hospitalisation in malnourished older adults without extra health care cost: Prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Malnutrition affects 5-10% of elderly people living in the community. A few studies suggest that nutritional intervention may reduce health care costs. The present study included malnourished elderly patients living at home. It aimed to compare health care costs between patients that were prescribed ONS by their general practitioner and those who were not, and to assess the effect of ONS prescription on the risk of hospitalisation.

METHODS

This prospective multicentre observational study included malnourished patients ≥70 years old who lived at home. Patients were defined as malnourished if they presented with one or more of the following criteria: weight loss ≥5% in 1 month, weight loss ≥10% in 6 months, BMI <21 kg/m², albuminemia <35 g/L or Short-Form MNA ≤ 7. Their general practitioners prescribed an ONS, or not, according to their usual practice. Health care costs were recorded during a 6-month period. Other collected data were diseases, disability, self-perception of current health status, quality of life (QoL), nutritional status, appetite and compliance to ONS. A propensity score method was used to compare costs and risk of hospitalisation to adjust for potential confounding factors and control for selection bias.

RESULTS

We analysed 191 patients. At baseline, the 133 patients (70%) who were prescribed ONS were more disabled (p < 0.001) and had poorer perception of their health (p = 0.02), lower QoL (p = 0.04) and lower appetite (p < 0.001) than the 58 patients (30%) who were not prescribed ONS. At 6 months, appetite had improved more in the ONS prescription group (p = 0.001). Weight change was not different between groups. Patients prescribed ONS were more frequently hospitalised (OR 2.518, 95% CI: [1.088; 5.829] hosp; p = 0.03). Analyses of adjusted populations revealed no differences in health care costs between groups. In the ONS prescription group, we identified that health care costs were lower (p = 0.042) in patients with an energy intake from ONS ≥ 500 kcal/d (1389 ± 264 €) vs. < 500 kcal/d (3502 ± 839 €). The risk of hospitalisation was reduced 3 and 5 times when the intake from ONS was ≥30 g of protein/day or ≥500 kcal/d, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ONS prescription in malnourished elderly patients generated no extra heath care cost. High energy and protein intake from ONS was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalisation and health care costs.

Dramatic Increase in Incidence of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease (1988-2011): A Population-Based Study of French Adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Few data are available to describe the changes in incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to describe changes in incidence and phenotypic presentation of pediatric-onset IBD in northern France during a 24-year period.

METHODS

Pediatric-onset IBD (<17 years) was issued from a population-based IBD study in France between 1988 and 2011. Age groups and digestive location were defined according to the Paris classification.

RESULTS

1,350 incident cases were recorded (8.3% of all IBD) including 990 Crohn's disease (CD), 326 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 34 IBD unclassified (IBDU). Median age at diagnosis was similar in CD (14.4 years (Q1=11.8-Q3=16.0)) and UC (14.0 years (11.0-16.0)) and did not change over time. There were significantly more males with CD (females/males=0.82) than UC (females/males=1.25) (P=0.0042). Median time between onset of symptoms and IBD diagnosis was consistently 3 months (1-6). Mean incidence was 4.4/10⁵ for IBD overall (3.2 for CD, 1.1 for UC and 0.1 for IBDU). From 1988-1990 to 2009-2011, a dramatic increase in incidences of both CD and UC were observed in adolescents (10-16 years): for CD from 4.2 to 9.5/10⁵ (+126%; P<0.001) and for UC, from 1.6 to 4.1/10⁵ (+156%; P<0.001). No modification in age or location at diagnosis was observed in either CD or UC.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study, CD and UC incidences increased dramatically in adolescents across a 24-year span, suggesting that one or more strong environmental factors may predispose this population to IBD.

Extra-intestinal Manifestations at Diagnosis in Paediatric- and Elderly-onset Ulcerative Colitis are Associated With a More Severe Disease Outcome: A Population-based Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data on extra-intestinal manifestations [EIM] and their impact on the disease course of ulcerative colitis [UC] in population-based cohorts are scarce, particularly in paediatric- and elderly-onset UC patients. The aims of this population-based study were to assess: 1] the occurrence of EIM in paediatric- and elderly-onset UC; 2] the factors associated with EIM; and 3] their impact on long-term disease outcome.

METHODS

Paediatric-onset [< 17 years at diagnosis] and elderly-onset UC patients [> 60 years at diagnosis] from a French prospective population-based registry [EPIMAD] were included. Data on EIM and other clinical factors at diagnosis and at maximal follow-up were collected.

RESULTS

In all, 158 paediatric- and 470 elderly-onset patients were included [median age at diagnosis 14.5 and 68.8 years, median follow-up 11.2 and 6.2 years, respectively]. EIM occurred in 8.9% of childhood- and 3% of elderly-onset patients at diagnosis and in 16.7% and 2.2% of individuals during follow-up [p < 0.01], respectively. The most frequent EIM was joint involvement [15.8% of paediatric onset and 2.6% of elderly-onset]. Presence of EIM at diagnosis was associated with more severe disease course [need for immunosuppressants or biologic therapy or colectomy] in both paediatric- and elderly-onset UC (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-4.2; and HR = 2.8, 0.9-7.9, respectively). Extensive colitis was another independent risk factor in both age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly-onset UC patients had lower risk of EIM either at diagnosis or during follow-up than paediatric-onset individuals. EIM at diagnosis predicted more severe disease outcome, including need for immunosuppressive or biologic therapy or surgery, in both paediatric- and elderly-onset UC.

Better early outcome with enteral rather than parenteral nutrition in children undergoing MAC allo-SCT

There is no consensus on the type of nutritional support to introduce in children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) after myeloablative conditioning (MAC). This retrospective, multicenter, observational study compared the early administration of enteral nutrition (EN group, n = 97) versus parenteral nutrition (PN group, n = 97) in such patients with matching for important covariates. The primary endpoint was the study of day 100 overall mortality. The early outcome at day 100 was better in EN group regarding mortality rate (1% vs. 13%; p = 0.0127), non relapse mortality (1% vs. 7%; p = 0.066), acute GVHD grades II-IV (37% vs. 54%; p = 0.0127), III-IV (18% vs. 34%; p = 0.0333) and its gut localization (16% vs. 32%; p = 0.0136). Platelet engraftment was better in EN group than in PN group for the threshold of 20 G/L (97% vs. 80% p < 0.0001) and 50 G/L (92% vs. 78%, p < 0.0001). The length of stay was shorter in EN group (28 vs. 52 days, p < 0.0001). There were no differences between the two groups regarding the polynuclear neutrophil engraftment, infection rate or mucositis occurrence. These results suggest that, in children undergoing MAC allo-SCT, PN should be reserved to the only cases when up-front EN is insufficient or impossible to perform.

Clinical classification of adult patients with chronic intestinal failure due to benign disease: An international multicenter cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the applicability of the ESPEN 16-category clinical classification of chronic intestinal failure, based on patients' intravenous supplementation (IVS) requirements for energy and fluids, and to evaluate factors associated with those requirements.

METHODS

ESPEN members were invited to participate through ESPEN Council representatives. Participating centers enrolled adult patients requiring home parenteral nutrition for chronic intestinal failure on March 1st 2015. The following patient data were recorded though a structured database: sex, age, body weight and height, intestinal failure mechanism, underlying disease, IVS volume and energy need.

RESULTS

Sixty-five centers from 22 countries enrolled 2919 patients with benign disease. One half of the patients were distributed in 3 categories of the ESPEN clinical classification. 9% of patients required only fluid and electrolyte supplementation. IVS requirement varied considerably according to the pathophysiological mechanism of intestinal failure. Notably, IVS volume requirement represented loss of intestinal function better than IVS energy requirement. A simplified 8 category classification of chronic intestinal failure was devised, based on two types of IVS (either fluid and electrolyte alone or parenteral nutrition admixture containing energy) and four categories of volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' IVS requirements varied widely, supporting the need for a tool to homogenize patient categorization. This study has devised a novel, simplified eight category IVS classification for chronic intestinal failure that will prove useful in both the clinical and research setting when applied together with the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of the patient's intestinal failure.

Citrulline and Monocyte-Derived Macrophage Reactivity before Conditioning Predict Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

During conditioning, intestinal damage induces microbial translocation which primes macrophage reactivity and leads to donor-derived T cell stimulation. Little is known about the role of intestinal health and macrophage reactivity before conditioning in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). We assessed (1) citrulline, a surrogate marker of functional enterocyte mass and (2) circulating monocyte-derived macrophage reactivity, before allo-HCT. Forty-seven consecutive patients were prospectively included. Citrulline levels from blood samples withdrawn 30 days before transplantation were assessed using liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Monocyte-derived macrophages were isolated and incubated with 5 pathogen-associated molecular patterns: lipopolysaccharide, PamCSK4, flagellin, muramyl dipeptide, and curdlan. Multiplex fluorescent immunoassay on culture supernatant assessed levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in each condition. Citrulline and cytokine levels were analyzed relatively to aGVHD onset within 100 days after transplantation. Citrulline levels were lower in the aGVHD group (n = 20) than in the no-aGVHD group (n = 27) (P = .005). Conversely, IL-6 and IL-10 were greater in aGVHD group, especially after curdlan stimulation (P = .005 and P = .012). Citrulline levels ≤20 µmol/L, IL-6 ≥ 332 pg/mL, and IL-10 ≥ 90 pg/mL were associated with aGVHD development (log-rank test, P = .002, P = .041, and P < .0001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, IL-10 ≥ 90 pg/mL, myeloablative conditioning, and citrulline ≤20 µmol/L remained independent factors of aGVHD development (hazard ratio [HR],  8.18, P = .0003; HR, 4.28, P = .006; and HR, 4.43, P = .01, respectively). Preconditioning citrulline and monocyte-derived macrophage reactivity are objective surrogate markers suitable to identify patients at risk of developing aGVHD. This work highlights the influence of preconditioning status in aGVHD development.

Are Upper-Body Axial Symptoms a Feature of Early Parkinson's Disease?

BACKGROUND

Axial disorders are considered to appear late in the course of Parkinson's disease (PD). The associated impact on quality of life (QoL) and survival and the lack of an effective treatment mean that understanding and treating axial disorders is a key challenge. However, upper-body axial disorders (namely dysarthria, swallowing and breathing disorders) have never been prospectively assessed in early-stage PD patients.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize upper-body axial symptoms and QoL in consecutive patients with early-stage PD.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 66 consecutive patients with early-stage PD (less than 3 years of disease progression) and assessed dysarthria, dysphagia and respiratory function (relative to 36 controls) using both objective and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean disease duration was 1.26 years and the mean UPDRS motor score was 19.4 out of 108. 74% of the patients presented slight dysarthria (primarily dysprosodia). Men appeared to be more severely affected (i.e. dysphonia). This dysfunction was strongly correlated with low swallowing speed (despite the absence of complaints about dysphagia), respiratory insufficiency and poor QoL. Videofluorography showed that oral-phase swallowing disorders affected 60% of the 31 tested patients and that pharyngeal-phase disorders affected 21%. 24% of the patients reported occasional dyspnea, which was correlated with anxiety in women but not in men. Marked diaphragmatic dysfunction was suspected in 42% of the patients (predominantly in men).

CONCLUSION

Upper body axial symptoms were frequent in men with early-stage PD, whereas women presented worst non-motor impairments. New assessment methods are required because currently available tools do not reliably detect these upper-body axial disorders.

Growth hormone enhances fat-free mass and glutamine availability in patients with short-bowel syndrome: an ancillary double-blind, randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND

Benefits of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) alone or combined with glutamine in patients with intestinal failure because of short-bowel syndrome remain controversial.

OBJECTIVE

We explored effects of rhGH on whole-body protein metabolism in patients with short-bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) to gain insight into its mechanism of action.

DESIGN

Eight stable hyperphagic patients with severe SBS-IF received, in a double-blind, randomized crossover study, low-dose rhGH (0.05 mg · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹) and a placebo for two 3-wk periods. Leucine and glutamine kinetics under fasting and fed conditions, fat-free mass (FFM), and serum insulin were determined on the final day of each treatment.

RESULTS

rhGH increased FFM and nonoxidative leucine disposal (NOLD; an index of protein synthesis) (P < 0.02), whereas FFM and NOLD were correlated in the fed state (r = 0.81, P = 0.015). With rhGH administration, leucine release from protein breakdown (an index of proteolysis) decreased in the fed compared with fasting states (P = 0.012), which was not observed with the placebo. However, the fast-to-fed difference in leucine release from protein breakdown was not significantly different between rhGH and placebo (P = 0.093). With rhGH, the intestinal absorption of leucine and glutamine increased (P = 0.036) and correlated with serum insulin (r = 0.91, P = 0.002). rhGH increased glutamine de novo synthesis (P < 0.02) and plasma concentrations (P < 0.03) in both fasting and fed states.

CONCLUSIONS

In SBS-IF patients, feeding fails to decrease proteolysis in contrast to what is physiologically observed in healthy subjects. rhGH enhances FFM through the stimulation of protein synthesis and might decrease proteolysis in response to feeding. Improvements in de novo synthesis and intestinal absorption increase glutamine availability over the physiologic range, suggesting that beneficial effects of rhGH in hyperphagic patients might be achieved without glutamine supplementation.