Gastroduodenal Involvement in AL Amyloidosis: Case Report and Literature Review

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is a rare condition commonly found in the setting of systemic AL amyloidosis. Amyloid can deposit throughout the gastrointestinal tract and the resulting symptoms vary depending on the site of deposition. Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations can range from weight loss or abdominal pain, to more serious complications like gastrointestinal bleeding, malabsorption, dysmotility, and obstruction. This case describes a patient with known history of IgG lambda AL amyloidosis, presenting with epigastric pain and unintentional weight loss found to have gastroduodenal amyloidosis. The definitive diagnosis of GI amyloidosis requires endoscopic biopsy with Congo red staining and visualization under polarized light microscopy. There are currently no specific guidelines for the management of GI amyloidosis. Generally, the goal is to treat the underlying cause of the amyloidosis along with symptom management. Our patient is being treated with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (CyBorD) and started on hemodialysis due to progression of renal disease.

Clinical approach to the older person with anorexia

OBJECTIVE

Anorexia is a challenging problem among older people. Apart from being the consequence of normal ageing, it can also be a symptom of underlying disease. Despite the high prevalence of anorexia, only few recommendations exist on the evaluation in older people. The objective of this study is to summarize evidence and provide guidance through creating a flowchart.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed through combining following keywords: older people (aged, geriatrics, older adult), anorexia (also loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss) and diagnosis. After removal of duplicates and case-reports, articles were selected based on title and abstract by two reviewers. Guidelines, reviews, studies and relevant publications discussing anorexia or unintentional weight loss were included. Relevant data were extracted and processed into a flowchart.

RESULTS

Out of 619 hits, 25 articles were included discussing either the evaluation of anorexia or unintentional weight loss. Consensus in the work-up of unintentional weight loss is to start with a detailed history and physical examination followed by full bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray and a faecal occult blood test. In certain cases, ultrasound and upper endoscopy are further recommended. In the work-up of anorexia, medication, social, psychological, logopaedic and neurocognitive aspects need to be taken into consideration.

CONCLUSIONS

One of the main challenges of the evaluation of anorexia in older people is the lack of guidance in existing literature. Therefore, we investigated what is currently known about the management of anorexia and unintentional weight loss as well and combined best practices to form a flowchart.

Recognition, diagnostic practices, and cancer outcomes among patients with unintentional weight loss (UWL) in primary care

OBJECTIVES

Identify the incidence, rate of physician recognition, diagnostic practices and cancer outcomes for unintentional weight loss (UWL).

METHODS

We completed a secondary analysis of structured and unstructured EHR data collected from adult patients between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. We used four common definitions to define UWL, excluding patients with known causes of weight loss, intentional weight loss, and pregnancy. Unstructured physicians' notes were used to identify both intentional weight loss (e.g. dieting) as well as physician recognition of UWL. Cancer outcomes were identified within 12 months of UWL using diagnostic codes. Physician actions (lab tests, etc.) in response to UWL were identified through manual chart review.

RESULTS

Among 29,494 established primary care patients with a minimum of two weight measurements in 2020 and in 2021, we identified 290 patients who met one or more criteria for UWL (1 %). UWL was recognized by physicians in only 60 (21 %). UWL was more common and more likely to be recognized among older patients. Diagnostic practices were quite variable. A complete blood count, complete metabolic profile, and thyroid stimulating hormone level were the three most common tests ordered in response to UWL. Five patients were diagnosed with cancer within 12 months of UWL (3 in whom UWL was recognized; two in whom it was not.).

CONCLUSIONS

Unintentional weight loss is poorly recognized across a diverse range of patients. A lack of research-informed guidance may explain both low rates of recognition and variability in diagnostic practices.

Whipple's Disease: A Case Report

Whipple's disease (WD) is caused by Tropheryma whipplei, frequently found in lamina propria's macrophages in the small intestine. It is a rare and chronic systemic infection, and the principal clinical manifestations are diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and arthralgia. The diagnosis is difficult mainly because of its rarity and should be considered in patients with arthralgias, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss after more common conditions have been excluded. The laboratory diagnosis is established by a duodenal biopsy. The treatment involves 14 days of intravenous antibiotics with good penetration in the cerebrospinal fluid (i.e., ceftriaxone) and one-year treatment with oral co-trimoxazole. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial because it improves the prognosis. We report the case of a 58-year-old female with skin hyperpigmentation, loss of appetite and weight (16% of body weight in three months), nausea, upper abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were performed to obtain biopsy samples, which, together with laboratory tests and microbiological studies, led to a diagnosis of Whipple's disease.

Kala-Azar: A Case Report

Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis caused by unicellular protozoans Leishmania. The transmission can be zoonotic or anthroponotic, depending on the species, and the main vector is the phlebotomine sandfly. The disease is endemic in the tropics of Asia and Africa but is considered rare in Portugal, especially in immunocompetent hosts. Its main clinical syndromes constitute cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous disease, and visceral leishmaniasis. The latter is also known as kala-azar and is caused by the infection of the phagocytes of the reticuloendothelial system, causing the typical symptoms: fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. The clinical manifestations are non-specific, frequently causing a delay in the diagnosis, especially in nonendemic areas and immunocompetent hosts. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, given the high mortality rate in untreated patients. The diagnosis is based on the direct visualization of the protozoan and molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction tests. Amphotericin B is considered the first-line treatment. We present a case of visceral leishmaniasis in an immunocompetent patient with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia.

Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome as an Uncommon Cause of Intractable Postprandial Abdominal Pain: A Case Report

Celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS) is an uncommon and poorly understood condition. Compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament causes intractable postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, vomiting, and nausea. We present a case of a 68-year-old male who suffered recurrent severe episodes of postprandial abdominal pain associated with occasional nausea, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure. The diagnostic workup was significant for celiac artery compression on computed tomography angiography. Diagnosis of CACS was made after the exclusion of the other possible pathologies, and the patient was referred to the surgical team for further management for median arcuate ligament release on an elective basis.

Association of Frailty With Thrombosis of Hemodialysis Vascular Access: A Prospective Taiwanese Cohort Study

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Frailty, a multidimensional construct, has been associated with poor outcomes in patients receiving maintenance dialysis. This study assessed the association of frailty with dialysis vascular access patency.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter prospective cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

761 prevalent patients receiving hemodialysis at 9 centers in Taiwan as of January 2018.

EXPOSURE

Performance-based frailty was defined as 3 of the following: unintentional weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and slow gait speed. Patients were categorized as prefrail if they had 1 or 2 of these characteristics.

OUTCOME

Rate of and time to dialysis access thrombosis. Data regarding vascular access events were collected for 30 months after enrollment through December 31, 2020.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association of clinical characteristics with frailty. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate the association of frailty with vascular access thrombosis adjusted for known clinical risk factors.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 66 years, 46% were female, 18% had synthetic graft accesses, and 82% arteriovenous fistulas. Overall, 31% were frail, 35% were prefrail, and 34% were not frail. The frailty phenotype was associated with age, female sex, low body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and prior stroke. During a median follow-up of 731 days, 161 patients (21%) had access thrombosis events (not frail, 14%; prefrail, 20%; frail, 30%; P < 0.001). Frail patients had a higher risk of vascular access thrombosis than nonfrail patients (HR, 2.31 [95% CI, 1.55-3.39], P < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment for age and comorbidities, frailty remained significantly associated with access thrombosis for both fistulas and grafts.

LIMITATIONS

Limited generalizability and potential residual confounding.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is associated with an increased risk of vascular access thrombosis. These findings highlight the risks of access failure experienced by frail patients receiving hemodialysis.

Fibrolamellar Variant of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Young Female

Fibrolamellar variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is a rare malignancy. Our patient presented to the hospital with increasing weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats. Imaging revealed a large liver mass and multiple pulmonary nodules concerning for metastasis. The patient eventually underwent interventional radiology (IR)-guided biopsy of the liver which revealed pathology consistent with FLHCC. The patient was discharged from the hospital and was scheduled for a follow up at an outpatient cancer center close to her family.

Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome: A Unique Presentation

Celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS), also known as median arcuate ligament syndrome, celiac axis syndrome, and Dunbar Syndrome, is a rare disorder that results from compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. The following is a case that depicts an interesting presentation of a patient diagnosed with this rare condition. A 44-year-old male with a history of mutism was brought in by his family for weight loss of 100 lbs with intermittent abdominal pain, weakness and lethargy over a period of five years. His family reported that he had poor nutritional intake, and could only eat a small amount before he seemed to be in pain, and eventually refused to eat. He had no other prior medical history except for mutism, no family history of malignancy, no history of trauma, surgeries, smoking or substance use, and did not take any medications. Physical exam was largely unremarkable. Mesenteric vascular duplex demonstrated severe grade stenosis of the celiac trunk with post-stenotic velocity of 520 cm/sec. Contrast enhanced computed tomography angiography revealed acute angle J-configuration of the takeoff of the celiac axis, with stenosis at its origin and focal post-stenotic dilatation, confirming the diagnosis of CACS.

CACS is an elusive diagnosis that should be considered in patients where other causes of abdominal pain and weight loss have been ruled out. The disease can present with the classic triad of post-prandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and an abdominal bruit. Imaging modalities including mesenteric vascular duplex, computed tomography abdominal angiography, magnetic resonance angiography and celiac artery angiography can help make the diagnosis. Treatment involves surgical decompression via division of the median arcuate ligament, with most patients experiencing significant and long-lasting relief from their symptoms.

Hard Palate Perforation in an Elderly Man With Dementia

A 74-year-old male with a history of mild cognitive impairment presented to the emergency department with failure to thrive and generalized weakness. He was having difficulty swallowing leading to 30 pounds of unintentional weight loss in the last three months. His social history was significant for 12.5 pack-year smoking and drinking (two to three glasses of wine/day). The oral cavity examination revealed a large (3 × 2 cm²) defect with the erythematous border that encompassed the mid-palatal structures and emanated from the hard palate into his nasal cavity. Auto-immune work-up was negative. Palatal biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; well-differentiated). A diagnosis of locally advanced (stage IVa) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was made based on PET scan findings. A palatal obturator (prosthesis) was placed to improve his eating, prevent regurgitation. The patient opted for palliative care and did not want to pursue further treatment. He was discharged home with a regular follow-up visit.

An evaluation of the nutritional status of elderly with the use of the MNA questionnaire and determination of factors contributing to malnutrition. A pilot study

Background

In the elderly, nutrition significantly influences biological aging and physiological and pathological changes in the body. A balanced diet and physical activity are the key to good physical and mental health.

Objective

The aim of this study was: (1) to perform nutritional screening tests in senior citizens residing in eastern Poland and (2) to evaluate the risk of malnutrition in elderly people who live with their families, seniors who live independently, and residents of nursing homes.

Material and method

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) screening tool comprising a questionnaire with 22 questions and an abbreviated and survey-adapted version of the questionnaire (KomPAN) were used to investigate eating habits and self-perception of health and nutrition. A total of 398 correctly filled out questionnaires were selected and the resulting data were subjected to statistical analyses in the Statistica 10 program.

Results

The BMI values of most respondents were indicative or malnutrition or risk of malnutrition, regardless of gender (mean BMI 23.88 kg/m2 ±5.08). Most overweight and obese respondents were female (p=0.0001). The observed decreased BMI values was significantly (p=0.0012, rs= 0.6714) correlated with lower food intake. Unintentional weight loss greater than 3 kg was most frequently noted in respondents living in nursing homes and living independently (p=0.0021). Eating difficulties also considerably influenced the respondents' nutritional status. The respondents' BMI values were significantly correlated (p<0.0001) with their MNA scores, the average MNA score was 21.0±4.4, (rs = 0.7293). Overweight and obese respondents were more likely to consume at least three meals daily (OR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.32-2.06; p<0.001).

Conclusions

The BMI values and MNA scores of the tested subjects indicate that the majority of the surveyed respondents were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, regardless of gender. In the present study, the residential environment significantly influenced the patients' nutritional status, in particular in respondents with impaired motor abilities and eating difficulties.

Does a High-Energy High-Protein Diet Reduce Unintentional Weight Loss in Residential Aged Care Residents?

Malnutrition and unintentional weight loss are known to occur in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). The use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and high-energy high-protein (HEHP) diets are two foodservice strategies that may be implemented in efforts to reduce unintentional weight loss in RACFs. This observational study aimed to determine whether incorporation of a structured high-energy high-protein diet (sHEHP) into the standard menu could reduce unintentional weight loss in RACF residents. RACFs in this study were facilities that provide long-term care to older adult residents. Weight change, body mass index and subjective global assessment scores of participants were measured at baseline and at six months across five RACFs receiving usual care with ONS or a sHEHP diet. Groups were different at baseline, with a high prevalence of severe malnutrition observed in the ONS group. Over the six-month period, there was a small but statistically significant difference in weight change within the groups: -1.64 ± 3.62 kg, ONS group; 0.56 ± 2.76 kg, sHEHP group, P = 0.0004. Both approaches investigated are feasible, however, future research using high-quality methods is needed to determine the most effective approach to deliver best practice nutrition care for residents into the future.

Changes in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors with Unintentional Versus Intentional Weight Loss: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study

BACKGROUND

It is well known that total and intentional weight loss (IWL) are associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, however, associations with unintentional weight loss (UWL) have not been studied.

METHODS

We examined annual changes in blood pressure and lipids associated with UWL versus IWL in 576 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study who had lost weight over one of two time intervals (i.e., study years 5-7 or 7-10) and reported whether the weight loss was intentional at the end of the interval.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, sex, race, and field center, an annual weight loss smaller than 6% resulted in small improvements in lipids that were similar regardless of intentionality. When annual weight loss was ≥6%, UWL was associated with less reduction in total cholesterol (-0.2 vs. -10.4 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-3.2 vs. -9.4 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-0.5 vs. -19.0 mg/dL) compared with IWL. Intentionality was not associated with the size of changes in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: -2.7 vs. -2.0 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure: -2.2 vs. -1.3 mmHg) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.2 vs. 2.7 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial UWL may be accompanied or preceded by other biological changes in this young adult population that alter changes in CVD risk factors that are associated with IWL.

The Impacts of Weight Change and Weight Change Intention on Health-Related Quality of Life in the Korean Elderly

Objective: This study aimed to identify the impacts of weight change and weight change intention on health-related quality of life (HRQL) among community-dwelling Korean elderly individuals. Method: Data on those aged 75 years and above from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: Compared with no weight change, unintentional weight loss was associated with significantly lower adjusted overall HRQL and lower scores in the subdimensions of mobility, pain/discomfort, usual activities, and self-care (in order), whereas intentional weight loss was associated with significantly poorer scores for anxiety/depression. Weight gain showed no statistically significant differences in comparison with no weight change. Discussion: These findings suggest that weight maintenance or weight gain should be recommended rather than weight loss, whether unintentional or intentional, regardless of weight status, to improve HRQL among the elderly.

Training Nonnursing Staff to Assist with Nutritional Care Delivery in Nursing Homes: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect and cost-effectiveness of training nonnursing staff to provide feeding assistance for nutritionally at-risk nursing home (NH) residents.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Five community NHs.

PARTICIPANTS

Long-stay NH residents with an order for caloric supplementation (N = 122).

INTERVENTION

Research staff provided an 8-hour training curriculum to nonnursing staff. Trained staff were assigned to between-meal supplement or snack delivery for the intervention group; the control group received usual care.

MEASUREMENTS

Research staff used standardized observations and weighed-intake methods to measure frequency of between-meal delivery, staff assistance time, and resident caloric intake.

RESULTS

Fifty staff (mean 10 per site) completed training. The intervention had a significant effect on between-meal caloric intake (F = 56.29, P < .001), with the intervention group consuming, on average, 163.33 (95% CI = 120.19-206.47) calories per person per day more than the usual care control group. The intervention costs were $1.27 per person per day higher than usual care (P < .001). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the intervention was 134 kcal per dollar. The increase in cost was due to the higher frequency and number of snack items given per person per day and the associated staff time to provide assistance.

CONCLUSION

It is cost effective to train nonnursing staff to provide caloric supplementation, and this practice has a positive effect on residents' between-meal intake.

Cost-Effectiveness of Nutrition Intervention in Long-Term Care

OBJECTIVES

To determine the cost-effectiveness of two nutrition interventions on food, beverage, and supplement intake and body weight.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Five skilled nursing home facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

Long-stay residents with orders for nutrition supplementation (N = 154).

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized into a usual care control group, an oral liquid nutrition supplement (ONS) intervention group, or a snack intervention group. Research staff provided ONS, according to orders or a variety of snack foods and beverages twice per day between meals, 5 days per week for 24 weeks and assistance to promote consumption.

MEASUREMENTS

Research staff independently weighed residents at baseline and monthly during the 24-week intervention. Resident food, beverage and supplement intake and the amount of staff time spent providing assistance were assessed for 2 days at baseline and 2 days per month during the intervention using standardized observation and weighed intake procedures.

RESULTS

The ONS intervention group took in an average of 265 calories more per day and the snack intervention group an average of 303 calories more per day than the control group. Staff time required to provide each intervention averaged 11 and 14 minutes per person per offer for ONS and snacks, respectively, and 3 minutes for usual care. Both interventions were cost-effective in increasing caloric intake, but neither intervention had a significant effect on body weight, despite positive trends.

CONCLUSION

Oral liquid nutrition supplements and snack offers were efficacious in promoting caloric intake when coupled with assistance to promote consumption and a variety of options, but neither intervention resulted in significant weight gain.

An easily overlooked cause of abdominal pain

A 63 year old female presented to the emergency department with a several month history of intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal pain, early satiety with loss of appetite, and an unintentional weight loss of 8. She underwent a battery of tests that returned negative and subsequently sent for Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the abdomen revealing luminal stenosis of the proximal 1 cm of the celiac axis estimating 90% occlusion and a patent SMA and IMA with, typical for median arcuate ligament syndrome. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options are discussed.