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Résumé: Introduction. Une interprétation fiable de l'albuminémie est essentielle pour l'évaluation nutritionnelle biologique (ENB) de la personne âgée. L'objectif principal était d'évaluer si une formule de correction proposée en cas d'inflammation prolongée pouvait être extrapolée aux situations d'inflammation biologique aiguës : albuminémie corrigée = albuminémie dosée + protéine C réactive (CRP)/25. Méthode. Cette étude observationnelle prospective monocentrique incluait des patients âgés hospitalisés de manière non programmée au CHU Grenoble-Alpes. Un recueil clinique et biologique était réalisé à J1 et J8. Le critère de jugement principal était la comparaison de l'albuminémie corrigée par la formule à J1 avec l'albuminémie dosée à J8. Résultat. Parmi 175 patients analysés, la moyenne de la CRP était de 64 mg/L (3 ; 324) à J1 et 24 mg/L (3 ; 99) à J8. Entre l'albuminémie corrigée à J1 et l'albuminémie dosée à J8, la corrélation était de p = 0,58, [IC 95 % : 0,47 ; 0,67], p < 0,001, et la différence moyenne de 2,9 mg/L (-13,5 ; 18), IC 95 %[-3,68 ; -2,20], p < 0,001. Entre l'albuminémie dosée à J1 et l'albuminémie dosée à J8, la corrélation était de p = 0,74, IC 95 % [0,66 ; 0,80], p < 0,001, et la différence moyenne de 0,4 mg/L (-14 ; 11), IC 95 % [-0,24 ; 1,02], p = 0,23. Discussion. La formule proposée ne peut pas être extrapolée aux situations d'inflammation biologique aiguës au cours desquelles l'albuminémie dosée semble être stable. L'albuminémie dosée pourrait servir telle quelle de référence à l'ENB, en s'intégrant dans une histoire clinique. Introduction. A reliable interpretation of albumin is essential for the elderly's biological nutritional assessment (BNA), but is complex because many parameters change it. The main objective was to evaluate the extrapolation of a correction formula proposed for prolonged inflammation to acute biological inflammation situations: corrected albuminemia = measured albuminemia + CRP/25. Method. This prospective, single-center observation study included patients over 65 years of age who were unexpectedly hospitalized in geriatrics and internal medicine at Grenoble University Hospital, excluding carriers of active neoplasia, hepatic insufficiency, nephrotic syndrome, and those for whom a ABI persisted on the eighth day. A clinical and biological collection was made on the first and eighth days. The primary endpoint was the comparison of albuminemia corrected by the formula on day 1 with measured albuminemia on day 8. Results. One hundred and seventy-five patients were analyzed. The average CRP was 64 (3; 324) mg/L on day 1 and 24 (3; 99) mg/L on day 8. Between corrected albumin at day 1 and albumin at day 8, the correlation was ρ = 0.58, 95%CI [0.47; 0.67], P < 0.001, and the mean difference of 2.9 (-13,5; 18) mg/L, 95%CI [-3.68;-2.20], P < 0.001. Between D1 albumin and D8 albumin, the correlation was ρ = 0.74, 95%CI [0.66; 0.80], P < 0.001, and the mean difference of 0.4 (-14; 11) mg/L, 95%CI [-0.24; 1.02], P = 0.23. Discussion. The proposed formula cannot be extrapolated to acute inflammatory situations. Measured albuminemia appears to be stable during acute biological inflammation situations. Measured albuminemia could be used as a reference for BNA, integrated into a clinical history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe choice between upfront surgery or neoadjuvant treatments (NAT) for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (R-PDAC) is controversial. R-PDAC with potential nodal involvement could benefit from NT. Ca (Carbohydrate antigen) 19.9 and serum albumin levels, alone or in combination, have proven their efficacy in assessing PDAC prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of Ca 19.9 serum levels in predicting nodal status in R-PDAC.MethodsPreoperative Ca 19.9, as well as serum albumin levels, of 165 patients selected for upfront surgery have been retrospectively collected and correlated to pathological nodal status (N), resection margins status (R) and vascular resections (VR). We further performed ROC curve analysis to identify optimal Ca 19.9 cut-off for pN+, R+ and vascular resection prediction.ResultsIncreased Ca 19.9 levels in 114 PDAC patients were significantly associated with pN+ (p 418 U/ml was significantly associated with R+ (87% specificity, 36% sensitivity, p 0.014). Ca 19.9, at the cut-off >78 U/ml, indicated a significant trend to predict the need for VR (sensitivity 67%, specificity 53%; p = 0.059).ConclusionsIn R-PDAC with normal serum albumin levels, Ca 19.9 predicts pN+ and R+, thus suggesting a crucial role in deciding on NAT.

Background: The choice between upfront surgery or neoadjuvant treatments (NAT) for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (R-PDAC) is controversial. R-PDAC with potential nodal involvement could benefit from NT. Ca (Carbohydrate antigen) 19.9 and serum albumin levels, alone or in combination, have proven their efficacy in assessing PDAC prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of Ca 19.9 serum levels in predicting nodal status in R-PDAC. Methods: Preoperative Ca 19.9, as well as serum albumin levels, of 165 patients selected for upfront surgery have been retrospectively collected and correlated to pathological nodal status (N), resection margins status (R) and vascular resections (VR). We further performed ROC curve analysis to identify optimal Ca 19.9 cut-off for pN+, R+ and vascular resection prediction. Results: Increased Ca 19.9 levels in 114 PDAC patients were significantly associated with pN+ (p <0.001). This ability, confirmed in all the series by ROC curve analysis (Ca 19.9 ≥32 U/ml), was lost in the presence of hypoalbuminemia. Furthermore, Ca 19.9 at the cut off >418 U/ml was significantly associated with R+ (87% specificity, 36% sensitivity, p 0.014). Ca 19.9, at the cut-off >78 U/ml, indicated a significant trend to predict the need for VR (sensitivity 67%, specificity 53%; p = 0.059). Conclusions: In R-PDAC with normal serum albumin levels, Ca 19.9 predicts pN+ and R+, thus suggesting a crucial role in deciding on NAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individualization of antimicrobial treatment based on real-time therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and dosing adaptation may represent an important tool in the antimicrobial stewardship programs. Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide hydrophilic antibiotic whose pharmacokinetic behavior may consistently vary among different patient populations. Nowadays it is generally recognized that the effective trough (C min) plasma level of tecoplanin should be of at least 10–15 mg/L for the treatment of mild infections, and of 15–30 mg/L for the treatment of deep-seated infections and/or of severe infections. The aim of this viewpoint is to provide an update for optimal use of teicoplanin TDM in different patient populations. Available literature supports TDM of C min as a helpful approach in addressing appropriate treatment with teicoplanin, with a frequency of assessment that should be guided by the severity of the infection and/or by the complexity of the pathophysiological status of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoalbuminemia is a frequent condition in the first 24 h after a severe burn injury and is associated with worse outcomes.Methodology: We investigated the relation between very early hypoalbuminemia (<6 h after admission) and clinical outcome in a retrospective cohort admitted to our unit for severe burn injuries between 2012 and 2017.Results: 73 severely burned patients were included, with a delay of admission of 3 (2-4) h. In a context of early exogenous supply of albumin, admission and 4H Albuminemia (Alb4 h) were significantly lower in deceased patients (respectively, 34 (29-37) vs 27 (23-30) g/l; p = 0.009 and 27 (24-32) vs 21 (17-27) g/l; p = 0.022) whereas albuminemia ≥6 h were not. The best threshold value of Alb4 h to discriminate 28-day mortality was 23 g/l. Patients with an Alb4 h < 23 g/l had a higher 28-day mortality than patients with an Alb4 h ≥ 23 g/l (42% vs 11%; p = 0.003); adjusted OR = 4.47 (95% CI 1.15-17.36); p = 0.03.Conclusion: In severely burned patients receiving early albumin supply, early hypoalbuminemia is associated with higher mortality whereas later albuminemia (≥6 h) is not. Exploration of whether early albumin infusion (8-12 h post injury) may alter clinical outcome is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Malnutrition is common in acutely ill patients occurring in 30–50% of hospitalized patients. Awareness and screening for malnutrition is lacking in most health institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at screening for malnutrition using anthropometric and laboratory indices in patients admitted to the internal medicine wards. Methods A cross-sectional study. We screened for malnutrition in 251 consecutive patients admitted from January to March 2013 in the internal medicine wards. Malnutrition defined as body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m2 and/or mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) less than 22 cm in women and 23 cm in men. Weight loss greater than 10% in the last 6 months prior to admission, relevant laboratory data, diagnosis at discharge and length of hospital stay (LOS) were also recorded. Results Mean age was 47 (SD 16) years. 52.6% were male. Mean BMI was 24.44 (SD 5.79) kg/m2 and MUAC was 27.8 (SD 5.0) cm. Median LOS was 7 (IQR 5–12) days. 42.4% of patients reported weight loss greater than 10% in the 6 months before hospitalization. MUAC and BMI correlated significantly (r = 0.78; p

Résumé Chez les patients hémodialysés, la dénutrition est fréquente et grave, car source de multiples complications et comorbidités. Ce travail a eu pour but d'étudier l'impact de l'ajout d'œufs durs à chaque séance d'hémodialyse durant six mois, lorsque les objectifs nutritionnels, malgré une prise en charge classique par compléments nutritionnels oraux et nutrition parentérale en séance, avait échoué. Les critères analysés étaient l'albumine, la préalbumine et le score composite de Moreau et Gaudry. Trente-six patients ont été inclus. En six mois, les paramètres nutritionnels s'étaient améliorés : le score de Moreau et Gaudry baissait de 0,27 et la C reactive protein de 9,44 mg/L. L'albumine augmentait de 3,53 g/L en moyenne, la préalbumine de 0,2 g/L et la normalized Protein catabolic rate de 0,01 g/kg/j. La moitié des patients ont pu stopper la nutrition parentérale en séance. L'ajout de protéines sous forme d'œufs durs en collation à la prise en charge diététique classique pendant la séance a amélioré le statut nutritionnel des patients en hémodialyse chronique. Abstract Denutrition for chronic hemodialysed patients is common and severe, often the first step of many complication and comorbidities. This work was aimed to study the impact of the adjunction of hard-boiled egg during six months, at the time of the hemodialysis session, if the classic nutritional support with oral nutritional supplements and intradialytic parenteral nutrition has failed. Required criteria were: Albuminemia, prealbuminemia and Moreau and Gaudry's score. Thirty-six patients have been included. During the six months, the following nutritional parameters have improved: Moreau and Gaudry's score decreased of 0.27, C reactive protein of 9.44 mg/L. Albuminemia improved of 3.53 g/L in average, pre-albuminemia of 0.2 g/L, and normalized Protein catabolic rate of 0.01 g/kg/day. Half of the patients were successful to stop the intradialytic parenteral nutrition. Protein adjunction with hard-boiled egg during chronic hemodialysis session, on top of the classic dietetic support has improved nutritional patient status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kidney outcomes are improved in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) by maintaining a remission in proteinuria. However, characteristics associated with relapses are uncertain. We sought to identify these by analyzing each remission., Methods: We performed a retrospective study in patients with biopsy-proven lesions of FSGS, absent identifiable secondary cause, who had at least 1 remission from nephrotic-range proteinuria. In each patient, we identified every remission, every relapse, and their durations. Using a multilevel logistic regression to account for the clustering of multiple remissions within a patient, we tested which clinical characteristics were independently associated with relapses., Results: In 203 individuals, 312 remissions occurred, 177 with and 135 without relapse. A minority of remissions were atypical, defined by either absent hypoalbuminemia and/or no immunosuppression (IS), in contrast to the classic nephrotic syndrome that remits with IS. Atypical remission variants were just as likely to relapse as the classical presentation. Only 24% of remission events were on maintenance therapy at relapse. Independent characteristics associated with relapses were higher maximal proteinuria while nephrotic; and in remission, higher nadir proteinuria, lower serum albumin, and higher blood pressure. Using these variables, we created a tool estimating the 1-year risk of relapse ranging from 9% to 80%, well-calibrated to the observed data., Conclusion: In FSGS, relapses are frequent but predictable using independent clinical characteristics. We also provide evidence that atypical presentations remit and relapse following the same pattern as classic FSGS presentations. Treatment strategies to prolong remission duration should be addressed in future trials., (© 2023 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Summary Background & aims Hypoalbuminemia is common in acute heart failure (HF) patients and has been associated with increased hospital mortality and long-term mortality. Undernutrition is a factor causing hypoalbuminemia. The PICNIC study results show that a nutritional intervention in undernourished acute HF patients reduces the risks of all-cause death and of readmission for HF. We aimed to investigate whether the efficacy of a nutritional intervention is consistent among the subgroups of patients with and without hypoalbuminemia. Methods In PICNIC study, a total of 120 malnourished hospitalized patients due to acute HF were randomized to conventional HF treatment or conventional HF treatment combined with an individualized nutritional intervention. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death or readmission for worsening of HF, with a maximum follow-up of 12 months. In this post-hoc sub-analysis we assessed the interaction of the effects of a nutritional intervention among patients with and without hypoalbuminemia. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results 59 (49,2%) patients demonstrated hypoalbuminemia and 61 (50,8%) had normalbuminemia. At 12 months, the number of events for the primary endpoint in the intervention group compared with the control group was consistent among patients with hypoalbuminemia (28.6% intervention vs 61.3% control, HR 0,35, 95% CI 0,15–0,81) and those without (25.8% intervention vs 60% control, HR 0,35, 95% CI 0,15–0,79; interaction p = 0,86). Conclusion There was no evidence that the relative efficacy of a nutritional intervention in undernourished acute HF patients was different between patients with normalbuminemia and those with hypoalbuminemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Approximately 25-35% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are older than 70 years. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of depletion of skeletal muscle (sarcopenia) in elderly patients with DLBCL. This retrospective analysis included 82 patients with DLBCL older than 70 years and treated with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, Oncovin, prednisone) or R-miniCHOP. Sarcopenia was measured by the analysis of stored computed tomography (CT) images at the L3 level at baseline. The surface of the muscular tissues was selected according to the CT Hounsfield unit. This value was normalized for stature in order to calculate the lumbar L3 skeletal muscle index (LSMI, in cm2/m2). The mean age of the population was 78 years. According to the defined cut-offs for LSMI, 45 patients with DLBCL were considered sarcopenic. Sarcopenic patients displayed a higher revised International Prognostic Index (R-IPI) compared with patients without sarcopenia, and were older, with a mean age of 80 years and 77 years, respectively ( p = 0.006). With a median follow-up of 39 months, the 2-year overall survival in the sarcopenic population was 46% compared with 84% in the non-sarcopenic group (HR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.73-5.98; p = 0.0002). In a multivariate analysis, sarcopenia remained predictive of outcome ( p = 0.005). Sarcopenia is a relevant and predictive factor in elderly patients with DLBCL treated with rituximab plus chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein intake has been set at 1.0-1.3 g/kg/day for senior. To date, no consensus exists on the lower threshold intake (LTI = RDA/1.3) for the protein intake (PI) needed in senior patients ongoing both combined caloric restriction and physical activity treatment for metabolic syndrome. Considering that age, caloric restriction and exercise are three increasing factors of protein need, this study was dedicated to determine the minimal PI in this situation, through the determination of albuminemia that is the blood marker of protein homeostasis. Methods: Twenty eight subjects (19 M, 9 F, 61.8 ± 6.5 years, BMI 33.4 ± 4.1 kg/m2) with metabolic syndrome completed a three-week residential programme (Day 0 to Day 21) controlled for nutrition (energy balance of -500 kcal/day) and physical activity (3.5 hours/day). Patients were randomly assigned in two groups: Normal-PI (NPI: 1.0 g/kg/day) and High-PI (HPI: 1.2 g/kg/day). Then, patients returned home and were followed for six months. Albuminemia was measured at D0, D21, D90 and D180. Results: At baseline, PI was spontaneously 1.0 g/kg/day for both groups. Albuminemia was 40.6 g/l for NPI and 40.8 g/l for HPI. A marginal protein under-nutrition appeared in NPI with a decreased albuminemia at D90 below 35 g/l (34.3 versus 41.5 g/l for HPI, p < 0.05), whereas albuminemia remained stable in HPI. Conclusion: During the treatment based on restricted diet and exercise in senior people with metabolic syndrome, the lower threshold intake for protein must be set at 1.2 g/kg/day to maintain blood protein homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which assessed how Staphylococcus intermedius infection among dogs can affect blood serum protein and lysozome levels. It describes the physiological function of plasma proteins present in humans and animals, and its classification based on electrophoretic mobility. Researchers proposde that total protein (TP) concentration in dogs can change during an infection with bacteria that causes pyodermitis. The article also notes the function of lysozyme as a natural defense of chickens from coccidiosis infection.

Background: Artificial nutrition is now widely recognized as a medical treatment for patients unable to spontaneously meet their energy and protein requirements. Its efficacy may be limited, however, by the development of complications that may worsen the clinical status of the patients. During enteral nutrition, diarrhea frequently occurs, even if its pathogenic mechanisms are now better understood and enhanced delivery protocols have been implemented. Aim: We aimed at assessing whether the risk of developing enteral nutrition-associated diarrhea could be predicted by means of easily available and retrievable clinical and functional factors. Methods: The clinical records of 221 patients admitted to a rehabilitation center between 1999 and 2005 and receiving enteral nutrition or combined enteral+parenteral nutrition were retrospectively examined. Biographical (age, sex), clinical (comorbidity, quality of life, frailty) and nutritional parameters (anthropometry, biochemical markers, type of malnutrition) were collected if registered before the start of enteral nutrition/enteral+parenteral nutrition, and correlated with the development of diarrhea within the first 30 days of artificial nutrition. Results: Severe frailty and low circulating levels of cholinesterase at baseline were positively correlated with increased incidence of diarrhea during enteral nutrition/enteral+parenteral nutrition. Hypoalbuminemia did not correlate with the presence of diarrhea. Conclusions: Frailty class and circulating cholinesterase levels may represent useful markers to predict diarrhea when prescribing enteral nutrition or enteral+parenteral nutrition. Prospective clinical trials are needed to strengthen these results and translate them into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatorenal syndrome, a yet unsufficiently explored entity with an uncertain physiopathological mechanism, is characterized by functional renal failure in patients with hepatic failure, especially those with cirrhosis. In spite of thorough researches, any really efficient treatment besides hepatic transplant has been demonstrated yet. In patients with cirrhosis who exhibit hepatic hypotrophy, serum albumin under 3mg%, prothrombin level under 75%, viral etiology cirrhosis, Child C score affiliation, all necessary measures must be taken in order to prevent the development of this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective. – To evaluate the prognostic influence of peri-implantation nutritional status of patients under mechanical circulatory assist (MCA) prior to cardiac transplantation (CT). Study design. – Retrospective analysis of patients with cardiogenic shock included from June 1997 to December 2002. Patients and methods. – Evaluation at MCA''s implantation, at day (D) 30 and at CT or patient''s death (D) of body mass index (BMI=body weight (kg)/size (m2), albuminemia (Alb g/l), expressed as median values (med) and range (min-max). Odds ratio (OR) and CI 95%) were calculated. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine variables related to D or CT success. Results. – Thirty-four patients (30 men), median age 40.5 years (10–63), were included. MCA types were cardiac pumps (N =3); pneumatic (N =18) or electric (N =5) ventricular assist devices and artificial heart (N =8). Global mortality was 56% (19 over 34 patients) and at implantattion in the global population (N =34) BMI was19.4 (9.3-28.1) and Alb 24.6 g/l (15–37.5). At MCA''s implantation and D30 respectively, 38 and 42% of the patients had a severe hypoAlb (Alb<30 g/l) and a BMI<19 attesting of a seriously deteriorated nutritional status. No significant statistical difference was observed on median BMI of transplanted patients T (N =15) and expired patients D (N =19). Alb was significantly different (p <10−4) between T and D patients: median Alb: 30 g/l (20–37.5) in T patients, 20 g/l (15–31) in D patients. HypoAlb<21 g/l was an independent prognostic factor of death (p =0.004; OR: 0.541; IC95% : 0.36–0.82) and Alb>33 g/l an independent prognostic factor of CT success (p =0.003; OR:1.38; IC95% : 1.12–1.71). Conclusion. – These results seem to demonstrate that at MCA implantation, a seriously deteriorated albuminemia level (<30 g/l) negatively impacts patients overall survival after CT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Albumin is a main biomarker of denutrition severity. Since 2019, the French National Authority of Health (HAS) recommends an immunologic technique as a reference for measuring albuminemia. In a context of partial recovery by the laboratory of GHBS (using colorimetric method with bromcresol purple) of the biological activity of the dialysis center, until then carried out by the Ouest biology - Biolor laboratory (using colorimetric method with bromcresol green) and in order to standardize practices in the healthcare sector, we compared 3 albumin assay techniques: immunoturbidimetric (Diagam ® ), BCG (Siemens ® ), BCP (Siemens ® ) on Siemens Atellica PLCs. The albumin level of 183 patient samples was measured. We show an overestimation of the dosage by the BCG (+ 5.46 g/L compared to IT) and an interference related to the inflammatory state of the patient during the dosage with this technique, as well as an underestimation of the dosage by the BCP (- 0.91 g/L relative to the IT), increased in patients with renal injury. This biological difference is added to a discrepancy in clinical conclusions. A change in dosing technique from BCG to BCP may impact the biological follow-up of patients and the PMSI score (mean difference of - 6.67 g/L between BCG and BCP while the classification of the severity of denutrition uses thresholds set in steps of 5 g/L). This variability of results should be taken into account by the clinicians and constitutes an argument in favor of the standardization of laboratories around a reference technique.

Background: In primary membranous nephropathy (MN), partial remission (PR) (≥50% reduction of proteinuria to <3.5 g/d) is associated with a greater risk of relapse and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) compared with complete remission (CR). We aimed to determine factors associated with relapse or renal failure in patients who attain the standard definition of PR., Methods: We captured PR, CR, relapse, and the composite of doubling of serum creatinine or ESKD in a cohort of 267 patients with MN, nephrotic syndrome, and >12 months of follow-up. Characteristics at the time of PR associated with the composite outcome or relapse were evaluated using a time-to-event analysis., Results: A total of 192 patients attained PR and 86 attained CR. Serum albumin at PR (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58 per 0.5 g/dl decrease from 4.0 g/dl; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.43) and duration of nephrotic proteinuria (HR: 1.01 per month increase; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03) were independent risk factors for the composite endpoint. Serum albumin at PR was associated with an increased risk of relapse (HR: 1.58 per 0.5 g/dl decrease below 4.0 g/dl; 95% CI: 1.24-2.01). A cutoff for serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dl at PR performed best in predicting relapse and composite outcome., Conclusions: Patients with serum albumin >3.5 g/dl at PR have decreased risk of composite outcome or relapse compared with PR with low albumin. A definition of PR that includes normalization of serum albumin may be a more robust surrogate endpoint in MN than the traditional definition of PR., (© 2020 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Hip fracture is a common and devastating event in older adults causing increased dependence, comorbidity, and mortality. Since new surgical techniques have not significantly improved the mortality rate, a better understanding of patient risk factors could improve the treatment algorithm and outcomes. This prospective study aimed to document the 1-year survival rate of patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated surgically in Latin America and to investigate risk factors associated with 1-year mortality., Patients and Methods: Between January 2013 and March 2015, 199 patients were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were aged 60 years or older, isolated intertrochanteric fracture (AO/OTA 31-A), and time to surgery within 10 days after injury. The follow-up period was 1 year. The association between mortality and patient demographics, comorbidity, surgical details, and preoperative laboratory parameters was assessed using log-rank tests., Results: Twenty patients died by 365 days after surgery (including 5 that died within 30 days of surgery) resulting in a 1-year survival rate of 89.8% (95% confidence interval = 84.6-93.3). The 1-year mortality was significantly associated with age (≥85 years old, P = .032), existing comorbidity ( P = .002), preinjury mobility level ( P = .026), mental state (Mini-Mental State Examination > 23, P = .040), low preoperative plasma albumin level ( P = .007), and high preoperative blood C-reactive protein level (CRP; P = .012). At the 1-year follow-up, patients on average did not regain their preinjury hip function and mobility, although the self-assessed quality of life was equal or better than before the injury., Discussion: As a prospective study, the current patient population had clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and was relatively homogeneous. The resulting associations between 1-year postoperative mortality and preoperative hypoalbuminemia and preoperative elevated CRP level are therefore especially notable. Previously identified risk factors such as male gender and time to surgery showed no significant association with 1-year mortality-the overall favorable condition of the current population or the lack of statistical power maybe responsible for this observation., Conclusion: The current results showed that under the condition of optimal surgical treatment and low surgery-related complication, preinjury health status as indicated by the blood level of albumin and CRP has a direct and significant impact on 1-year mortality rate., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Denutrition for chronic hemodialysed patients is common and severe, often the first step of many complication and comorbidities. This work was aimed to study the impact of the adjunction of hard-boiled egg during six months, at the time of the hemodialysis session, if the classic nutritional support with oral nutritional supplements and intradialytic parenteral nutrition has failed. Required criteria were: Albuminemia, prealbuminemia and Moreau and Gaudry's score. Thirty-six patients have been included. During the six months, the following nutritional parameters have improved: Moreau and Gaudry's score decreased of 0.27, C reactive protein of 9.44 mg/L. Albuminemia improved of 3.53 g/L in average, pre-albuminemia of 0.2 g/L, and normalized Protein catabolic rate of 0.01 g/kg/day. Half of the patients were successful to stop the intradialytic parenteral nutrition. Protein adjunction with hard-boiled egg during chronic hemodialysis session, on top of the classic dietetic support has improved nutritional patient status., (Copyright © 2018 Association Société de néphrologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Malnutrition is common in acutely ill patients occurring in 30-50% of hospitalized patients. Awareness and screening for malnutrition is lacking in most health institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at screening for malnutrition using anthropometric and laboratory indices in patients admitted to the internal medicine wards., Methods: A cross-sectional study. We screened for malnutrition in 251 consecutive patients admitted from January to March 2013 in the internal medicine wards. Malnutrition defined as body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m 2 and/or mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) less than 22 cm in women and 23 cm in men. Weight loss greater than 10% in the last 6 months prior to admission, relevant laboratory data, diagnosis at discharge and length of hospital stay (LOS) were also recorded., Results: Mean age was 47 (SD 16) years. 52.6% were male. Mean BMI was 24.44 (SD 5.79) kg/m 2 and MUAC was 27.8 (SD 5.0) cm. Median LOS was 7 (IQR 5-12) days. 42.4% of patients reported weight loss greater than 10% in the 6 months before hospitalization. MUAC and BMI correlated significantly (r = 0.78; p < 0.0001) and malnutrition by the two methods showed moderate agreement (κ = 0.56; p < 0.0001). Using the two methods in combination, the prevalence of malnutrition was 19.34% (35/251). Blood albumin and hemoglobin were significantly lower in malnourished patients. Malnourished patients had a significantly longer LOS (p = 0.019) when compared to those with no malnutrition. Malnutrition was most common amongst patients with malignancy., Conclusion: Malnutrition is common in patients admitted to the medical wards of the Douala General Hospital. Nutritional screening and assessment should be integrated in the care package of all admitted patients.