Zinc Depletion Increases Readmission in Older Patients: An Example of Interactions Between Nutrition and Disease

2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 10-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah Gariballa ◽  
Awad Alessa
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Prognostic Indicators ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Poor Nutrition

Abstract. Background: ill health may lead to poor nutrition and poor nutrition to ill health, so identifying priorities for management still remains a challenge. The aim of this report is to present data on the impact of plasma zinc (Zn) depletion on important health outcomes after adjusting for other poor prognostic indicators in hospitalised patients. Methods: Hospitalised acutely ill older patients who were part of a large randomised controlled trial had their nutritional status assessed using anthropometric, hematological and biochemical data. Plasma Zn concentrations were measured at baseline, 6 weeks and at 6 months using inductively- coupled plasma spectroscopy method. Other clinical outcome measures of health were also measured. Results: A total of 345 patients assessed at baseline, 133 at 6 weeks and 163 at 6 months. At baseline 254 (74%) patients had a plasma Zn concentration below 10.71 μmol/L indicating biochemical depletion. The figures at 6 weeks and 6 months were 86 (65%) and 114 (70%) patients respectively. After adjusting for age, co-morbidity, nutritional status and tissue inflammation measured using CRP, only muscle mass and serum albumin showed significant and independent effects on plasma Zn concentrations. The risk of non-elective readmission in the 6-months follow up period was significantly lower in patients with normal Zn concentrations compared with those diagnosed with Zn depletion (adjusted hazard ratio 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.99), p = 0.047. Conclusions: Zn depletion is common and associated with increased risk of readmission in acutely-ill older patients, however, the influence of underlying comorbidity on these results can not excluded.

scholarly journals Impairment in activities of daily living and readmission in older patients with heart failure: a cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e044416
Author(s):  
Tan Van Nguyen ◽  
Huyen Thanh Dang ◽  
Mason Jenner Burns ◽  
Hiep HH Dao ◽  
Tu Ngoc Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the prevalence of impairment of activities of daily living (ADLs) in older patients with heart failure (HF), and to examine the impact of ADL impairment on readmission after discharge.Design and settingsA prospective cohort study was conducted in patients aged ≥65 years with HF admitted to a tertiary hospital in Vietnam from August 2016 to June 2017. Difficulties with six ADLs were assessed by a questionnaire. Participants were classified into two categories (with and without ADL impairment). The associations of ADL impairment with 3-month readmission were examined using logistic regression models.ResultsThere were 180 participants (mean age 80.6±8.2, 50% female) and 26.1% were classified as having ADL impairment. The most common impaired activity was bathing (21.1%), followed by transferring (20.0%), toileting (12.2%), dressing (8.9%), eating (3.3%), and continence (2.8%). During 3-month follow-up, 32.8% of the participants were readmitted to hospitals (55.3% in participants with ADL impairment, 24.8% in those without ADL impairment, p<0.001). ADL impairment significantly increased the risk of 3-month readmission (adjusted OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.25 to 6.05, p=0.01).ConclusionsIn summary, ADL impairment was common in older hospitalised patients with HF and was associated with increased readmission. These findings suggest further studies on ADL assessment and intervention during transition care for older patients with HF after discharge to prevent readmission.

scholarly journals Routine use of immunosuppressants is associated with mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 204209862098569
Author(s):  
Phyo K. Myint ◽  
Ben Carter ◽  
Fenella Barlow-Pay ◽  
Roxanna Short ◽  
Alice G. Einarsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Attention ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: Whilst there is literature on the impact of SARS viruses in the severely immunosuppressed, less is known about the link between routine immunosuppressant use and outcome in COVID-19. Consequently, guidelines on their use vary depending on specific patient populations. Methods: The study population was drawn from the COPE Study (COVID-19 in Older People), a multicentre observational cohort study, across the UK and Italy. Data were collected between 27 February and 28 April 2020 by trained data-collectors and included all unselected consecutive admissions with COVID-19. Load (name/number of medications) and dosage of immunosuppressant were collected along with other covariate data. Primary outcome was time-to-mortality from the date of admission (or) date of diagnosis, if diagnosis was five or more days after admission. Secondary outcomes were Day-14 mortality and time-to-discharge. Data were analysed with mixed-effects, Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models using non-users of immunosuppressants as the reference group. Results: In total 1184 patients were eligible for inclusion. The median (IQR) age was 74 (62–83), 676 (57%) were male, and 299 (25.3%) died in hospital (total person follow-up 15,540 days). Most patients exhibited at least one comorbidity, and 113 (~10%) were on immunosuppressants. Any immunosuppressant use was associated with increased mortality: aHR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.69 (time to mortality) and aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.01–2.88 (14-day mortality). There also appeared to be a dose–response relationship. Conclusion: Despite possible indication bias, until further evidence emerges we recommend adhering to public health measures, a low threshold to seek medical advice and close monitoring of symptoms in those who take immunosuppressants routinely regardless of their indication. However, it should be noted that the inability to control for the underlying condition requiring immunosuppressants is a major limitation, and hence caution should be exercised in interpretation of the results. Plain Language Summary Regular Use of Immune Suppressing Drugs is Associated with Increased Risk of Death in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 Background: We do not have much information on how the COVID-19 virus affects patients who use immunosuppressants, drugs which inhibit or reduce the activity of the immune system. There are various conflicting views on whether immune-suppressing drugs are beneficial or detrimental in patients with the disease. Methods: This study collected data from 10 hospitals in the UK and one in Italy between February and April 2020 in order to identify any association between the regular use of immunosuppressant medicines and survival in patients who were admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Results: 1184 patients were included in the study, and 10% of them were using immunosuppressants. Any immunosuppressant use was associated with increased risk of death, and the risk appeared to increase if the dose of the medicine was higher. Conclusion: We therefore recommend that patients who take immunosuppressant medicines routinely should carefully adhere to social distancing measures, and seek medical attention early during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals How important is the relative balance of fat and carbohydrate as sources of energy in relation to health?

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. B. Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Partial Replacement ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Refined Carbohydrates ◽  
The Impact

Both the intake of fat, especially saturated trans fatty acids, and refined carbohydrates, particularly sugar, have been linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes and CVD. Dietary guidelines are generally similar throughout the world, restrict both intake of SFA and added sugar to no more than 10 and 35 % energy for total fat and recommend 50 % energy from carbohydrates being derived from unrefined cereals, tubers, fruit and vegetables. Current evidence favours partial replacement of SFA with PUFA with regard to risk of CVD. The translation of these macronutrient targets into food-based dietary guidelines is more complex because some high-fat foods play an important part in meeting nutrient requirements as well as influencing the risk of chronic disease. Some of the recent controversies surrounding the significance of sugar and the type of fat in the diet are discussed. Finally, data from a recently published randomised controlled trial are presented to show the impact of following current dietary guidelines on cardiovascular risk and nutrient intake compared with a traditional UK diet.

scholarly journals COPD, Depression and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Harrowing, Demoralizing and Deleterious Triad

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Iqbal Akhtar Khan ◽  
Hamza Iltaf Malik
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Pulmonary Manifestations ◽  
The Impact

COPD is a highly incapacitating global public health problem, with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations and usually associated with significant concomitant chronic diseases. With enhanced understanding, it has extensively been reported as a complex, heterogeneous and dynamic disease affecting patients’ health beyond pulmones. Depression, with prevalence of 322 million people, is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. In various epidemiological and clinical studies, its prevalence among patients with COPD varies from 18% to 80%. This deadly duo leads to excessive health care utilization rates and costs including increased rates of exacerbation, sub-optimal adherence to prescribed medications, increased hospital admissions, longer hospital stays and increased hospital readmissions. Moreover, there is increased risk of suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and suicidal drug overdose. It is a pity that, in significant cases, the co-morbidity remains under-recognized and under-treated. The impact of prevailing COVID 19 pandemic, on the dual burden of COPD and depression, and possible remedial measures including “The 6 ways to boost one’s well-being-by Mental Heath UK, “The Living with the Times” toolkit--by WHO” and innovative add-ons like Dance Movement Therapy and Musical Engagement Therapy have been discussed.

scholarly journals Evaluating probiotics for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a randomised placebo-controlled multicentre trial protocol and statistical analysis plan for PROSPECT

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e025228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennie Johnstone ◽  
Diane Heels-Ansdell ◽  
Lehana Thabane ◽  
Maureen Meade ◽  
John Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Statistical Analysis Plan ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionVentilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common healthcare-associated infection in critically ill patients. Prior studies suggest that probiotics may reduce VAP and other infections in critically ill patients; however, most previous randomised trials were small, single centre studies. The Probiotics: Prevention of Severe Pneumonia and Endotracheal Colonization Trial (PROSPECT) aims to determine the impact of the probioticLactobacillus rhamnosusGG on VAP and other clinically important outcomes in critically ill adults.MethodsPROSPECT is a multicentre, concealed, randomised, stratified, blinded, controlled trial in patients ≥18 years old, anticipated to be mechanically ventilated ≥72 hours, in intensive care units (ICUs) in Canada, the USA and Saudi Arabia. Patients receive either 1×1010 colony forming units ofL. rhamnosusGG twice daily or an identical appearing placebo. Those at increased risk of probiotic infection are excluded. The primary outcome is VAP. Secondary outcomes are other ICU-acquired infections includingClostridioides difficileinfection, diarrhoea (including antibiotic-associated diarrhoea), antimicrobial use, ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality. The planned sample size of 2650 patients is based on an estimated 15% VAP rate and will provide 80% power to detect a 25% relative risk reduction.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol and statistical analysis plan outlines the methodology, primary and secondary analyses, sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses. PROSPECT is approved by Health Canada (#9427-M1133-45C), the research ethics boards of all participating hospitals and Public Health Ontario. Results will be disseminated via academic channels (peer reviewed journal publications, professional healthcare fora including international conferences) and conventional and social media. The results of PROSPECT will inform practice guidelines worldwide.Trialregistration numberNCT02462590; Pre-results.

scholarly journals P0559AKI SEASONALITY IN ENGLAND

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Wong ◽  
Dorothea Nitsch
Keyword(s):  
Cox Regression ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Seasonal Effect ◽  
Winter Mortality ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and Aims Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is known to be seasonal, peaking in winter months among hospitalised patients. Previous studies have suggested that the seasonality of AKI is likely to be influenced by the seasonality of the underlying acute illnesses that are associated with AKI. Mortality of patients with AKI has also been reported as being higher in winter, reflecting well-described excess winter mortality associations. Here we describe the seasonal variations of AKI alerts in England and the associated mortality rate using linked national databases. Method Serum creatinine changes compatible with KDIGO AKI stage 1, 2 and 3 are sent by laboratories in England as AKI alerts to the treating clinicians and the UK Renal Registry (UKRR). We linked the electronic AKI alerts to the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data, to identify patients who were hospitalised. We carried out descriptive statistics, and investigate the seasonal effect to the 30-day patient mortality from date of getting AKI alert, using multivariable Cox regression and sequentially adjusting for age, sex, Index of multiple deprivation (IMD) and peak AKI stage Results Winter has the highest number of AKI episodes (N=81,276), which is 6% higher than that in summer (N=76,329) (Table 1). For patients who had an AKI episode and admitted to hospitals, the crude 30-day mortality is higher in the winter season when compared to the summer [HR 1.28 (1.25-1.31), p&lt;0.01] (Figure 1). After adjusting season by age, peak AKI stage, IMD and sex, winter season still has significantly higher 30-day mortality than summer [HR 1.24 (1.21-1.27), p&lt;0.01]. Winter mortality peak is confounded by age and AKI severity, which explained the drop of hazard ratio at winter peaks; whereas season is not confounded by deprivation and sex. The pattern of seasonality varies with age, in age group 18-39, there were 26.1% of AKI episodes in summer and 23.3% in winter, whereas in age group &gt;75, there were 23.7% in summer and 27.1% in winter. Conclusion Analysis of England data confirms seasonal peak in AKI during winter months. Additionally it shows increased risk of mortality for patients with AKI in winter months. Future work will investigate the impact of comorbidities and case-mix on outcomes. By understanding the seasonal variation of AKI, we can potentially plan preventive care and improve clinical practice.

Is Ongoing Anticholinergic Burden Associated With Greater Cognitive Decline and Dementia Severity in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease?

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 987-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam H Dyer ◽  
Claire Murphy ◽  
Ricardo Segurado ◽  
Brian Lawlor ◽  
Sean P Kennelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Anticholinergic Medication ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Dementia Severity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Clinical Covariates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Anticholinergic Burden

Abstract Background Use of anticholinergic medication is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and/or dementia. Despite this, the impact of continuing medication with anticholinergic properties in those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is not clear. Methods Analysis of data from NILVAD, an 18-month randomized controlled trial of Nilvadipine in AD. Effects of ongoing Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) on cognition (ADAS-Cog: Alzheimer’s Disease Cog Subsection) and dementia severity (CDR-sb: Clinical Dementia Rating – Sum of Boxes/DAD: Disability Assessment for Dementia) over 18 months was evaluated adjusting for important clinical covariates. Results Just over one-quarter (27.90%, n = 142/510) of patients with mild to moderate AD were prescribed a potential/definite anticholinergic. While ACB score was not associated with greater progression on the ADAS-Cog/CDR-sb over time, a higher total ACB predicted greater dementia severity on the DAD, which persisted after robust covariate adjustment (β Coef: −1.53, 95% CI: −2.83 to −0.23, p = .021). There was a significant interaction between APOE ε4 status and ACB score, with carriers experiencing greater progression on both the CDR-Sb (β Coef: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.05–0.67, p = .021) and DAD (β Coef: −3.84, 95% CI: −7.65 to 0.03, p = .049). Conclusions Ongoing use of anticholinergic medication was associated with greater dementia progression on the DAD, but not the CDR-sb. APOE ε 4 carriers may be particularly vulnerable to the effect of ongoing anticholinergic medication on dementia severity, with significant APOE ε 4 x ACB score interactions demonstrated on both the DAD and CDR-sb.

A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial comparing the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients (pts) with prostate cancer (pc) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) receiving degarelix (GnRH receptor antagonist) or leuprolide (GnRH receptor agonist).

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS395-TPS395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan F. Slovin ◽  
Chiara Melloni ◽  
Samreen Mansor-Lefebvre ◽  
Anders Neijber ◽  
Matthew Roe
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Gnrh Agonist ◽  
Receptor Agonist ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Gnrh Receptor ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
The Impact

TPS395 Background: Epidemiological studies showed an association between GnRH agonists and a long-term increased risk of CVD, early after treatment initiation and with a higher risk seen in pts with pre-existing CVD. Retrospective pooled safety analyses of 6 randomized trials showed that significantly fewer pts treated with the GnRH receptor antagonists, degarelix, had a CV event or death compared with pts receiving a GnRH receptor agonist. In those studies showing an increased CV risk, Androgen-Deprivation Therapy (ADT) was primarily with GnRH receptor agonists. The mechanistic differences between GnRH antagonists and agonists, including testosterone surge and time to suppression at initiation, effect on follicle-stimulating hormone and on GnRH receptors e.g. T-lymphocytes in atherosclerotic plaque, raises the possibility of different CV risk profiles. The PRONOUNCE trial is the first to prospectively assess whether a GnRH agonist/antagonist can worsen pre-existing CVD; assess the impact of GnRH agonist/antagonist on CV risk biomarkers; and effects of hormonal therapy on immune system. Methods: PRONOUNCE is a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial of 900 men with pc and concomitant CVD, assessing adjudicated MACEs, i.e. myocardial infarction (fatal, non-fatal), stroke (fatal, non-fatal), or death in pts randomized 1:1 to either degarelix or leuprolide according to label recommendations for up to one year. Eligibility include pre-defined CVD, metastatic or locally advanced pc; high-risk disease with plan for definitive radiation therapy (RT); recurrence after local therapy with PSA doubling time <12 months; or salvage RT with neoadjuvant/adjuvant ADT for at least 12 months. Serum samples are collected for the analysis of various CV, inflammatory, and immune biomarkers. The primary endpoint will be based on Kaplan-Meier estimator of survival function and stratified for age group and region. Interim analysis is scheduled when 50% of MACE events have occurred allowing the DSMB to recommend for sample size correction. Clinical trial information: NCT02663908.

scholarly journals Intradialytic nutrition and quality of life in Chilean older patients in hemodialysis with protein-energy wasting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Ayala ◽  
Margarita Marchant ◽  
Cristina Hertz ◽  
Gloria Castillo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Nutritional Supplementation ◽  
Protein Energy Wasting ◽  
Protein Energy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose The study assessed the impact of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation on the quality of life in patients receiving hemodialysis and diagnosed with protein energy wasting. Methods A pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted before and after 3 months of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation on 109 older hemodialysis patients. We measured before and after 3 months of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation, the quality of life score, the burden of kidney disease, three quality of life scales and the mental and physical health status using KDQoL-SF™ 1.3, body composition and biochemical parameters of nutritional condition. Results The mean age of the patients was 69.4 ± 3.4 years, 59% were male, and the time on dialysis was 63.5 ± 52.6 months. Comparing the baseline with month 3 of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation, we observed to better quality of life. In contrast to malnutrition, score, specifically increased significantly score of symptoms/problems list related to hemodialysis, sexual function, social and cognitive function, sleep, pain, energy/fatigue and general state of health. Significant changes were also found in nutritional status, energy intake and body composition indicators. After 3 months of intradialytic oral nutritional supplementation, we observed a nutritional status recovery in one or more indicators in 92% of the patients. Conclusion Our findings indicate that 3 months of intradialysis oral nutritional supplementation improves the components of physical and mental quality of life and nutritional status in older patients receiving hemodialysis diagnosed with loss of protein energy. These results are relevant to improve the experience of patients with protein energy loss receiving hemodialysis.

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