scholarly journals Making every contact count: recognising obesity in paediatric and young adult cardiology

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Aaron E. Smith ◽  
Tara Bharucha ◽  
Luise V. Marino

Abstract Introduction: With increased survival, children with CHD are reaching adulthood, however, obesity amongst this cohort is an emerging problem. Making every contact count encourages clinicians to utilise contact to elicit behaviour change. The aim of this work was to identify whether the body habitus of children classified as obese was addressed during a clinical review. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was completed using a cardiology outpatient dataset from 2010 to 2019. Inclusion criteria are all children with a body mass index z score classified as obese (≥ 2 z scores). Individual electronic patient records were reviewed to identify long-term anthropometric measures including (i) recognition of body habitus, (ii) prescription of physical activity or dietary intervention, and (iii) referral to a weight management programme or dietitian. Results: From the cohort of 95 patients, 285 “obese clinical encounters” were identified, at the time of a cardiology clinic attendance. Of those, obesity was acknowledged in 25 clinic letters (8.65%), but only 8 used the correct terms “obese” or “obesity” (2.77%). Action to tackle obesity was recorded in 9.3% of cases with a direct referral to a dietitian being made on 3 occasions (1.04%). Conclusions: Body habitus is not being routinely addressed by cardiologists caring for paediatric and young adult cardiac patients. This study has recognised an alarmingly high incidence of missed opportunities to make every contact count, to manage those with obesity and associated risk factors.

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Marcin Barański ◽  
Dominika Średnicka-Tober ◽  
Leonidas Rempelos ◽  
Gultakin Hasanaliyeva ◽  
Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska ◽  
...  

Recent human cohort studies reported positive associations between organic food consumption and a lower incidence of obesity, cancer, and several other diseases. However, there are very few animal and human dietary intervention studies that provide supporting evidence or a mechanistic understanding of these associations. Here we report results from a two-generation, dietary intervention study with male Wistar rats to identify the effects of feeds made from organic and conventional crops on growth, hormonal, and immune system parameters that are known to affect the risk of a number of chronic, non-communicable diseases in animals and humans. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to separate the effects of contrasting crop protection methods (use or non-use of synthetic chemical pesticides) and fertilizers (mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers vs. manure use) applied in conventional and organic crop production. Conventional, pesticide-based crop protection resulted in significantly lower fiber, polyphenol, flavonoid, and lutein, but higher lipid, aldicarb, and diquat concentrations in animal feeds. Conventional, mineral NPK-based fertilization resulted in significantly lower polyphenol, but higher cadmium and protein concentrations in feeds. Feed composition differences resulting from the use of pesticides and/or mineral NPK-fertilizer had a significant effect on feed intake, weight gain, plasma hormone, and immunoglobulin concentrations, and lymphocyte proliferation in both generations of rats and in the second generation also on the body weight at weaning. Results suggest that relatively small changes in dietary intakes of (a) protein, lipids, and fiber, (b) toxic and/or endocrine-disrupting pesticides and metals, and (c) polyphenols and other antioxidants (resulting from pesticide and/or mineral NPK-fertilizer use) had complex and often interactive effects on endocrine, immune systems and growth parameters in rats. However, the physiological responses to contrasting feed composition/intake profiles differed substantially between the first and second generations of rats. This may indicate epigenetic programming and/or the generation of “adaptive” phenotypes and should be investigated further.


2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S120
Author(s):  
J W. Lawrence ◽  
L Rosenberg ◽  
B D. Thombs ◽  
J A. Fauerbach

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii461-iii461
Author(s):  
Shigeru Yamaguchi ◽  
Hiroaki Motegi ◽  
Yukitomo Ishi ◽  
Michinari Okamoto ◽  
Akihiro Iguchi ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Pediatric and Young-Adult (AYA) brain tumors often present with hydrocephalus. As temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure, we perform long-term indwelling external ventricular drainage (EVD) in the case of the management of CSF diversion more than two weeks presumably. The aim of this study is to investigate the initial management for hydrocephalus in pediatric /AYA patients with brain tumor, especially about long-term EVD. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patients less than 30 years of age diagnosed with brain tumor between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Procedures of long-term EVD were similar to that of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) operation. Using flow-control VPS system, peritoneal catheter passed out of the body at the anterior chest, and distal end of the catheter was connected to standard EVD system. RESULTS In total of 345 patients with brain tumor, 109 had hydrocephalus at presentation. Among them, 25 patients (23%) underwent long-term EVD. The main reasons for selecting long-term EVD were to avoid intraperitoneal dissemination (n=13), and to maintain longer period of CSF diversion for the treatment of tumor (n=12). The median of long-term EVD was 38 days (range: 12 – 222 days). Although one case suffered from drainage tube occlusion at 59 days, there were no other complications such as infection or accidental evulsion. Eventually, 3 cases required permanent VPS for persistent hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION Long-term EVD is safe and effective option for CSF diversion. This procedure should be taken into consideration if patients have a risk of dissemination and may elude permanent VPS.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Andrade ◽  
Kirsten M Lee ◽  
Allison C Sylvetsky ◽  
Sharon I Kirkpatrick

Abstract Introduction Low-calorie sweeteners are increasingly prevalent in the food supply and their consumption has increased in recent decades. Although low-calorie sweeteners approved for use are considered safe from a toxicological perspective, their short- and long-term impacts on chronic disease risk remain uncertain. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence from systematic reviews on low-calorie sweetener use and chronic conditions and risk factors in children and adults. Methods MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify systematic reviews of randomized and nonrandomized studies that considered low-calorie sweeteners in relation to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, anthropometric measures, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and dental caries. Data were extracted from 9 reviews deemed of moderate or high quality on the basis of AMSTAR-2. Results Narrative synthesis suggested inconsistent evidence on low-calorie sweetener use in relation to chronic conditions and associated risk factors, with nonrandomized studies suggesting positive associations and randomized studies suggesting negative or no associations. Conclusion Continued research on the long-term health impacts of low-calorie sweeteners across all life stages is warranted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117863881989939 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D Wirth ◽  
Nitin Shivappa ◽  
Samira Khan ◽  
Shraddha Vyas ◽  
Lynae Beresford ◽  
...  

An anti-inflammatory dietary intervention called the Inflammation Management Intervention (IMAGINE) was adapted to emphasize watermelon due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This pilot study (n = 23) tested the effect of a watermelon-enhanced IMAGINE intervention (n = 15) on body habitus and markers of inflammation and metabolism. This 3-month self-selection trial, consisting of weekly in-person classes and online education for 12 weeks, focused on incorporating watermelon into an already anti-inflammatory diet. Controls (n = 8) received basic health education via email and blogs. Measurements, including diet, anthropometrics, actigraphy, and a blood draw, were made at baseline and immediately postintervention. Linear regression analyses were conducted using intervention status as the main exposure. Post hoc analyses then ignored intervention assignment and grouped participants based on their change in their energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DIITM) score. There were no group-by-time interactions for any of the studied outcomes. However, some intervention participants’ diets became more proinflammatory, and several control participants’ diets became more anti-inflammatory. Those participants below the median of E-DII change (ie, more anti-inflammatory changes) showed reductions in body fat percent (–1.27% vs +0.90%, respectively, P = .01), body mass index (–0.66 vs +0.38 kg/m2, respectively, P = .06) and body weight (–0.99 vs +0.54 kg, respectively, P = .08) compared to those above the median of E-DII change. This study demonstrates that individuals who adopt a more anti-inflammatory diet containing watermelon will have improvements in body anthropometrics. Future studies should focus on increasing adherence and compliance to intervention prescriptions, exploring options to extend interventions to evaluate long-term changes, and further examining changes in inflammatory biomarkers. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT03158740


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Agyemang-Yeboah ◽  
Benjamin Ackon Jnr. Eghan ◽  
Max Efui Annani-Akollor ◽  
Eliezer Togbe ◽  
Sampson Donkor ◽  
...  

Background. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a collection of cardiovascular risk factors comprising insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension, which may cause further complications in diabetes. Although metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasing in incidence in diabetics and leading to significant cardiovascular diseases and mortality, there is dearth of data in Ghana. This study investigated metabolic syndrome, its prevalence, and its associated risk factors in type 2 diabetes at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Methods. The study involved 405 diabetic patients attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic background such as their age and gender. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using the Body Composition Monitor (Omron ® 500, Germany) which generated digital results on a screen and also by manual methods. Fasting venous blood was collected for the measurement of biochemical parameters comprising fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and triglyceride (TG). Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). Results. Out of the total of 405 participants, 81 were males and 324 were females, and the estimated mean age was 58.5 ± 9.9 years. The female patients exhibited higher mean waist circumference (WC) and mean hip circumference (HC) as well as an approximately higher body mass index than males (28.3 ± 5.1, 26.5 ± 4.2 for the female and male respectively). Overall, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome observed among the study population was 90.6%. Conclusions. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome observed among the study population was 90.6%, with a higher percentage in females than males. High triglyceride levels and high waist circumference were the main risk factors for MS in the diabetic population.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebeca Reyes-Garcia ◽  
Antonia Garcia-Martin ◽  
Santiago Palacios ◽  
Nancy Salas ◽  
Nicolas Mendoza ◽  
...  

Background: Milk products fortified with vitamin D may constitute an alternative to pharmacological supplements for reaching the optimal levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Our aim was to analyze the response of serum 25(OH)D and its predictive factors in postmenopausal healthy women after a dietary intervention with a milk fortified with vitamin D and calcium. Methods: We designed a prospective study including 305 healthy postmenopausal women who consumed a fortified milk with calcium (900 mg/500 mL) and vitamin D3 (600 IU/500 mL) daily for 24 months. Results: The 25(OH)D concentrations at 24 months were correlated to weight, to body mass index, to the percentage of fat, triglycerides and to baseline 25(OH)D levels. We found significant differences in the levels of 25(OH)D at 24 months according to baseline 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.001) and body mass index (p = 0.019) expressed at quartiles. Multivariate analysis showed an association between levels of 25(OH)D after the intervention and at baseline 25(OH)D (Beta = 0.47, p < 0.001) and percentage of body fat (Beta = −0.227, p = 0.049), regardless of the body mass index. Conclusions: In healthy postmenopausal women, the improvement in 25(OH)D after an intervention with a fortified milk for 24 months depends mainly on the baseline levels of serum 25(OH)D and on the percentage of body fat.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Yang ◽  
Rui Cai ◽  
Ziyan Kong ◽  
Ying Chen ◽  
Chen Cheng ◽  
...  

Background: Dietary intervention is an exciting topic in current research of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The effect of teasaponin (TS) on IBD has not been fully elucidated. Here, we aim to investigate the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of TS in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model and identify potential mechanisms.Methods: We applied TS to mice with DSS-induced colitis and then monitored the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) daily. When sacrificed, the intestinal permeability was measured. The analysis of mucin and tight junction proteins was conducted. We detected the inflammatory cytokines, the immune cells and related inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and we also performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).Results: It showed that TS ameliorated the colonic damage by lowering the DAI, prolonging the colon length, reducing inflammatory cytokines and improving the mucus barrier. Parallel to down-regulation of the inflammatory cytokines, the fecal lipocalin 2, p-P65, p-STAT3, and neutrophil accumulation were also decreased in TS-treated mice. Microbiota characterization showed that Campylobacteria, Proteobacteria, Helicobacter, and Enterobacteriaceae were the key bacteria associated with IBD. In addition, TS could reverse the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and increase the beneficial bacteria, including Akkermansia and Bacteroides. TS ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by regulating the gut microbiota, and the gut microbiota could regulate gut inflammation.Conclusions: These studies demonstrated that TS ameliorated murine colitis through the modulation of immune response, mucus barrier and gut microbiota, thus improving gut dysbiosis. In addition, the gut microbiota may play an important role in regulating the host's innate immune system, and the two coexist and are mutually beneficial. We provide a promising perspective on the clinical treatment of IBD.


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