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Concordance between changes in calf circumference and muscle mass exists: A narrative literature review.
Hansen, SS, Munk, T, Knudsen, AW, Beck, AM
Clinical nutrition ESPEN. 2024;:171-175
Abstract
Technological methods such as BIA or DXA are not always accessible in clinical practice, thus GLIM supports the use of calf circumference measurements to examine muscle mass. However, it has not been described if measurements of calf circumference can detect a change in muscle mass to the same degree as the technological methods. The aim of this study was to assess, whether changes in calf circumference can be used as a valid proxy for changes in muscle mass. 10 studies including measurements of muscle mass by calf circumference and technological methods at baseline and follow-up were identified through a narrative literature review. Results were used to determine concordance between measurements. Predominantly concordance between changes in calf circumference and muscle mass assessed by BIA or DXA was reviled. However, the results were not uniform for hospitalized patients or older adults as groups. Thus, uncertainty whether changes in calf circumference can be used as a valid proxy for changes in muscle mass in these groups still exist.
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HOMEFOOD randomized trial-beneficial effects of 6-month nutrition therapy on body weight and physical function in older adults at risk for malnutrition after hospital discharge.
Blondal, BS, Geirsdottir, OG, Beck, AM, Halldorsson, TI, Jonsson, PV, Sveinsdottir, K, Ramel, A
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2023;77(1):45-54
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Malnutrition, which is commonly observed among older adults, is strongly associated with altered body composition, diminished physical and mental function as well as other adverse clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intense nutritional therapy, including free access to energy- and protein-dense foods delivered to subjects recently discharged from hospital. This study is a 6-month, randomised controlled, assessor blinded intervention trial conducted in older adults. The participants (n=106) were randomly allocated to either the intervention or the control group. Results show that the nutrition intervention: - had strong beneficial effects on body weight (moderate weight gain in the intervention group compared to weight loss in the control group) and other anthropometric measures; - had favourable effects on physical function (however, there were no changes in muscular strength), and - led to improved nutritional status after being discharged from hospital (whereas the dietary intake decreased dramatically in the control group despite being informed at discharge of the importance of nutrition). Authors conclude that a 6-month nutrition therapy provided by a clinical nutritionist, following the principles of Nutrition Care Process in combination with freely delivered supplemental energy- and protein-dense foods, has beneficial effects on body weight, physical function, dietary intake, and nutritional status.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Malnutrition is common among older adults. Dietary intervention studies in older adults aiming to improve anthropometrics measures and physical function have been inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the effects of nutrition therapy in combination with home delivered meals and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in community-dwelling older adults discharged from hospital. METHODS A total of 106 participants (>65 years) were randomized into the intervention group (n = 53) and into the control group (n = 53). The intervention group received individual nutrition therapy (five in person visits and three phone calls) and freely delivered energy- and protein- rich foods, while the control group received standard care. Dietary intake, anthropometrics, and short physical performance battery (SPPB) were assessed at baseline and at endpoint. RESULTS Energy intake at baseline was similar in both groups (~1500 kcal at the hospital) but there was a significant increase in energy intake and body weight in the intervention group (+919 kcal/day and 1.7 kg, P < 0.001 in both cases) during the study period, compared to a significant decrease in both measures among controls (-815 kcal/day and -3.5 kg, P < 0.001 in both cases). SPPB score increased significantly in the intervention group while no changes were observed among controls. CONCLUSIONS Most Icelandic older adults experience substantial weight loss after hospital discharge when receiving current standard care. However, a 6-month multi-component nutrition therapy, provided by a clinical nutritionist in combination with freely delivered supplemental energy- and protein-dense foods has beneficial effects on body weight, physical function, and nutritional status. STUDY REGISTRATION This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03995303 ).
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HOMEFOOD randomised trial - Six-month nutrition therapy improves quality of life, self-rated health, cognitive function, and depression in older adults after hospital discharge.
Blondal, BS, Geirsdottir, OG, Halldorsson, TI, Beck, AM, Jonsson, PV, Ramel, A
Clinical nutrition ESPEN. 2022;48:74-81
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It is well known that older people are at a higher risk for nutritional inadequacy which is accompanied by depression, impaired cognitive function, and poor overall health. In this secondary analysis of a randomised controlled assessor-blinded dietary intervention trial, the authors examined the effects of six months of nutritional therapy on quality of life, self-rated health, cognitive function, and depression in elderly patients aged 65 years and over. The participants in the intervention group received nutritional therapy (HOMEFOOD) education to overcome malnutrition, which included dietary recommendations to ensure an adequate nutritional intake of energy and protein through diet and additional supplemental protein and energy-rich foods. After six months of nutritional therapy, the intervention group showed improvement in cognitive function, self-rated health, depression score, and quality of life scores, as well as improvements in measures related to weight gain. Further studies need to be conducted in order to determine if nutritional therapy provides additional benefits to older people. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to better understand how nutritional therapy can improve the quality of life and health of older people in comparison to standard care, so they can better advise their patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Malnutrition is common among older adults and is related to quality of life, cognitive function, and depression. To what extent nutrition interventions can improve these outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nutrition therapy on health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), self-rated health, cognitive function, and depression in community dwelling older adults recently discharged from hospital. METHODS Participants (>65 years) were randomised into an intervention (n = 53) and a control group (n = 53). The intervention group received individualised nutrition therapy based on the nutrition care process including 5 home visits and 3 phone calls, in combination with freely delivered energy- and protein-rich foods and oral nutrition supplements for six months after hospital discharge. EQ-5D, self-rated health, Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE), and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression - IOWA (CES-D) scale were measured at baseline and at endpoint. RESULTS Two subjects dropped out, one from each arm. The control group experienced an increase in depressive symptoms and a decrease in self-rated health during the study period, while the intervention group experienced increases in cognitive function, self-rated health, and EQ-5D resulting in significant endpoint differences between the groups: EQ-5D (0.102, P = 0.001); self-rated health: 15.876 (P < 0.001); MMSE 1.701 (P < 0.001); depressive symptoms: - 3.072 (P < 0.001); all in favour of the intervention group. Improvements during the intervention in MMSE, self-rated health, and CES-D were significantly related to body weight gain in a linear way. CONCLUSION Cognitive function and mental well-being worsen or stagnate in older adults who receive standard care after hospital discharge. However, a six-month nutrition therapy improves these outcomes leading to statistically and clinically significant endpoint differences between the groups. As improvements were related to body weight gain after hospital discharge, we conclude that the increase in dietary intake, with focus on energy and protein density, and changes in body weight might have contributed to better cognitive function and mental well-being in older adults after the intervention.
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Mild Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with Poorer Nutritional Status on Hospital Admission and after Discharge in Acutely Hospitalized Older Patients.
Bornæs, O, Andersen, AL, Houlind, MB, Kallemose, T, Tavenier, J, Aharaz, A, Nielsen, RL, Jørgensen, LM, Beck, AM, Andersen, O, et al
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(5)
Abstract
In acutely hospitalized older patients (≥65 years), the association between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and malnutrition is poorly described. We hypothesized that (1) MCI is associated with nutritional status on admission and after discharge; (2) MCI is associated with a change in nutritional status; and (3) a potential association is partly explained by frailty, comorbidity, medication use, and age. We combined data from a randomized controlled trial (control group data) and a prospective cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01964482 and NCT03052192). Nutritional status was assessed on admission and follow-up using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form. MCI or intact cognition (noMCI) was classified by three cognitive performance tests at follow-up. Data on frailty, comorbidity, medication use, and age were drawn from patient journals. MCI (n = 42) compared to noMCI (n = 47) was associated with poorer nutritional status with an average difference of -1.29 points (CI: -2.30; -0.28) on admission and -1.64 points (CI: -2.57; -0.70) at 4-week follow-up. Only age influenced the estimates of -0.85 (CI: -1.86; 0.17) and -1.29 (CI: -2.25; -0.34), respectively. In acutely hospitalized older patients, there is an association between MCI and poorer nutritional status upon admission and four weeks after discharge. The association is partly explained by higher age.
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Second update of a systematic review and evidence-based recommendations on texture modified foods and thickened liquids for adults (above 17 years) with oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Hansen, T, Beck, AM, Kjaersgaard, A, Poulsen, I
Clinical nutrition ESPEN. 2022;:551-555
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS It is well known that oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) challenges eating, drinking, and swallowing by penetration to the airway. In clinical practice, thickening agents in liquid and texture modified diets are used to reduce pneumonia and secure nutritional status. The scientific evidence on this OD management is, however, limited. In 2016 we updated an original clinical guideline on OD in adults. Based on the strength of the evidence of two randomized control trials (RCTs), we provided a weak clinical recommendation against the use of thickening agents for liquid and none for diet. In the hope of finding new scientific evidence, we aimed to update the clinical guideline by examining the evidence if thickening of liquid and diet 1) improve survival and quality of life, 2) reduce the occurrence of aspiration risk and pneumonia, 3) improve dehydration, nutritional status, and mealtime performance, and 4) relate to patient preferences and intervention adherence. METHODS We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. We first searched systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and secondly, the primary literature of RCTs. We undertook the search in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1, 2015, to May 19, 2021. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations: Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. RESULTS One new study was included, resulting in a total of three RCTs, of which two were already included in our former guideline. The three studies focused on the thickening of liquid, but no change of the former weak recommendation against the thickening of liquid could be made due to the quality of evidence evaluation. CONCLUSION There is no convincing evidence that thickened liquid or texture modified diet prevents death or pneumonia nor improves the quality of life, nutritional status, or oral intake in individuals with OD. There is a need for future studies to examine the effect and discuss outcome measures in OD management with thickening agents.
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A multimodal nutritional intervention after discharge improves quality of life and physical function in older patients - a randomized controlled trial.
Munk, T, Svendsen, JA, Knudsen, AW, Østergaard, TB, Thomsen, T, Olesen, SS, Rasmussen, HH, Beck, AM
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2021;(11):5500-5510
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many older hospitalized patients are at nutritional risk or malnourished and the nutritional condition is often further impaired during hospitalization. When discharged to own home, a "Nutrition Gap" often occurs, causing inadequate dietary intake, and potentially impeded recovery. Previously, cross-sectorial studies of single component nutritional intervention have shown a limited effect on clinically relevant outcomes. We hypothesized that a multimodal nutritional intervention is necessary to elicit a beneficial effect on clinically relevant outcomes. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was performed for a period of 16 weeks. At discharge, the intervention group (IG) received dietetic counselling including a recommendation of daily training, an individual nutrition plan and a package containing foods and drinks covering dietary requirements for the next 24 h. Further, a goodie-bag containing samples of protein-rich milk-based drinks were provided. Information regarding recommendations of nutritional therapy after discharge was systematically and electronically communicated to the municipality. The dietician performed telephone follow-ups on day 4 and 30 and a home visit at 16 weeks. The control group (CG) received standard treatment. The primary outcome was readmissions within 6 month, secondary outcomes were Length of Stay (LOS), Health Related Quality of Life (EQ-5D-3L), nutritional status, physical function (30s-CST) and mortality. This trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT03488329. RESULTS We included 191 patients (IG: n = 93). No significant difference was seen in readmissions within 6 month (IG: 45% vs. CG: 45%, Risk Ratio (RR): 0.96 0.71-1.31, p = 0.885). At the 16-weeks follow-up more patients in the IG reached at least 75% of energy and protein requirements (82% vs. CG: 61%, p = 0,007). The energy (kcal) and protein intake (g) per kg was significantly higher in the IG (26.4 kcal/kg (±7.4) vs. 22.6 (±7.4), p = 0.0248) (1.1 g/kg (±0.3) vs. 0.9 g/kg (±0.3). Furthermore, significant lower weight loss was seen in IG (0.7 (±4.3) vs. -1.4 (±3.6), p = 0.002). A significant and clinically relevant difference was found in the EQ-5D-3L VAS-score (IG: mean 61.6 ± 16.2 vs. CG: 53.3 ± 19.3, p = 0.011) (Δ14.3 (±15.5) vs. Δ5.6 (±17.2), p = 0.002). A significant difference in mean 30s-CST in IG was also found (7.2 (±4.3) vs. 5.3 (±4.1), p = 0.010). The improvements in physical function were of clinical relevance in both groups, but significantly higher in the IG (Δ4.2 (±4.4) vs. Δ2.2 (±2.5), p = 0.008). In fact, 86% in IG experienced improvements in the 30s-CST compared with 68% in the CG (p = 0.022). LOS was found to be lower at all time points, however not significant (30 days: -3 (-8.5 to 2.5), p = 0.276, 16 weeks: -4 (-10.2 to 2.2, p = 0.204), 6 months: -3 (-9.3 to 3.3, p = 0346)). All-cause mortality was not different between groups, however RR showed a non-significantly 47% reduction at day 30 (0.53 (0.14-2.05, p = 0.499)) and a 17% reduction at 16 weeks (0.83 (0.40-1.73, p = 1.000)) in IG. Per protocol (PP) analysis revealed a non-significant decrease of 32% in readmission at 6 months (RR: 0.68 (0.42-1.08), p = 0.105). CONCLUSION The present study, using a multimodal nutritional approach, revealed no significant effect on readmissions however a significant positive effect on nutritional status, quality of life and physical function was found. The improvements in quality of life and physical function were of clinical relevance. No significant effect was found on LOS and mortality.
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A culinary twist of a two-course meals-on-wheels menu in a cluster-randomized controlled trial influencing health-related quality of life in nursing home residents.
Okkels, SL, Dybdal, DR, Pedersen, RJ, Klausen, TW, Olsen, A, Beck, AM, Bügel, S
Clinical nutrition ESPEN. 2021;:137-147
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Meals-on-wheels in nursing homes are sensory diminished because of the packaging and reheating of the food, which creates less appetite stimulation and an impaired meal experience for nursing home residents. This background is crucial since nursing home residents are a frail and often malnourished group that is physiologically affected by sensory, physical and mental alterations. The study aimed to increase health-related quality of life in nursing home residents receiving meals-on-wheels using an intervention menu with favourite meals that added a culinary twist and were sensory improved by chefs. METHODS A double-blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial with two arms, one group receives an intervention menu, and the other group receives a non-optimized menu. The intervention menu included popular meals-on-wheels (a main meal for dinner and a starter/dessert before or after dinner with culinary improvements). The participants received the same meals without culinary improvements in the control group. Health-related quality of life (EQ5D3L) was the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes were mental and nutritional status and muscle strength. The measurements were assessed at a baseline and end visit (12 weeks after baseline visit). RESULTS Fifty-two nursing home residents were included in the study (There are 20 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group). Following the principle of intention-to-treat, a significant decreasing effect (p-value 0.026) was found between the groups on health-related quality of life. The treated group experienced the largest decrease from the baseline to the end visit. The intervention group had a significant decrease in the second item on Satisfaction With Food-related Life (SWFL2) (I am very pleased with my food). No changes were found either within or between the groups, on the rest of the measured parameters. CONCLUSIONS Nursing home residents are a target group experiencing natural aggravation, why the health-related quality of life might be difficult to improve using a culinary meal intervention. The decreasing effect of Satisfaction With Food-related Life found in the intervention group could be related to these older adults being too unfamiliar with the culinary twist added to the intervention menu. The study was registered on ClinTrials.gov (Identifier NCT03133364).
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Narrative Review of Low-Intake Dehydration in Older Adults.
Beck, AM, Seemer, J, Knudsen, AW, Munk, T
Nutrients. 2021;(9)
Abstract
Low-intake dehydration is a common and often chronic condition in older adults. Adverse health outcomes associated with low-intake dehydration in older adults include poorer cognitive performance, reduced quality of life, worsened course of illness and recovery, and a high number of unplanned hospital admissions and increased mortality. The subjective methods to assess (risk of) dehydration are not reliable, and the evidence about preventive measures are also limited. So is the knowledge about the optimal intake of beverages per day. This narrative review presents the state of the science on the role of low intake hydration in older adults. Despite its simple cause-the inadequate intake of beverages-low-intake dehydration appears to be a very complex problem to address and much more research is needed in the area. Based on the existing evidence, it seems necessary to take setting specific differences and individual problems and needs into account to tackle dehydration in older adults. Further, it is necessary to increase awareness of the prevalence and severity of low-intake dehydration among older adults and in nursing staff in care homes and hospitals as well as among caregivers of older adults living at home.
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Risk of Malnutrition upon Admission and after Discharge in Acutely Admitted Older Medical Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.
Andersen, AL, Nielsen, RL, Houlind, MB, Tavenier, J, Rasmussen, LJH, Jørgensen, LM, Treldal, C, Beck, AM, Pedersen, MM, Andersen, O, et al
Nutrients. 2021;(8)
Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge about malnutrition and risk of malnutrition upon admission and after discharge in older medical patients. This study aimed to describe prevalence, risk factors, and screening tools for malnutrition in older medical patients. In a prospective observational study, malnutrition was evaluated in 128 older medical patients (≥65 years) using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and the Eating Validation Scheme (EVS). The European Society of Clinical Nutrition (ESPEN) diagnostic criteria from 2015 were applied for diagnosis. Agreement between the screening tools was evaluated by kappa statistics. Risk factors for malnutrition included polypharmacy, dysphagia, depression, low functional capacity, eating-related problems and lowered cognitive function. Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition were prevalent at baseline (59-98%) and follow-up (30-88%). The baseline, follow-up and transitional agreements ranged from slight to moderate. NRS-2002 and MNA-SF yielded the highest agreement (kappa: 0.31 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.18-0.44) to 0.57 (95%CI 0.42-0.72)). Prevalence of risk factors ranged from 17-68%. Applying ESPEN 2015 diagnostic criteria, 15% had malnutrition at baseline and 13% at follow-up. In conclusion, malnutrition, risk of malnutrition and risk factors hereof are prevalent in older medical patients. MNA-SF and NRS-2002 showed the highest agreement at baseline, follow-up, and transitionally.
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Optimization of Nutrition And Medication (OptiNAM) for acutely admitted older patients: protocol for a randomized single-blinded controlled trial.
Andersen, AL, Houlind, MB, Nielsen, RL, Jørgensen, LM, Treldal, C, Damgaard, M, Bengaard, AK, Juul-Larsen, HG, Laursen, LB, Iversen, E, et al
Trials. 2021;(1):616
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, older patients (≥65 years) account for more than 40% of acute admissions. Older patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) are frequently malnourished and exposed to inappropriate medication prescribing, due in part to the inaccuracy of creatinine-based equations for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The overall aims of this trial are to investigate: (1) the efficacy of a medication review (MED intervention) independent of nutritional status, (2) the accuracy of eGFR equations based on various biomarkers compared to measured GFR (mGFR) based on 99mTechnetium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid plasma clearance, and (3) the efficacy of an individualized multimodal and transitional nutritional intervention (MULTI-NUT-MED intervention) in older patients with or at risk of malnutrition in the ED. METHODS The trial is a single-center block randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, superiority and explorative trial with two parallel groups. The population consists of 200 older patients admitted to the ED: 70 patients without malnutrition or risk of malnutrition and 130 patients with or at risk of malnutrition defined as a Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score ≤11. All patients without the risk of malnutrition receive the MED intervention, which consists of a medication review by a pharmacist and geriatrician in the ED. Patients with or at risk of malnutrition receive the MULTI-NUT-MED intervention, which consists of the MED intervention in addition to, dietary counseling and individualized interventions based on the results of screening tests for dysphagia, problems with activities of daily living, low muscle strength in the lower extremities, depression, and problems with oral health. Baseline data are collected upon study inclusion, and follow-up data are collected at 8 and 16 weeks after discharge. The primary outcomes are (1) change in medication appropriateness index (MAI) score from baseline to 8 weeks after discharge, (2) accuracy of different eGFR equations compared to mGFR, and (3) change in health-related quality of life (measured with EuroQol-5D-5L) from baseline to 16 weeks after discharge. DISCUSSION The trial will provide new information on strategies to optimize the treatment of malnutrition and inappropriate medication prescribing among older patients admitted to the ED. TRAIL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NTC03741283 . Retrospectively registered on 14 November 2018.