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Summary: Human genetic studies of critical COVID-19 pneumonia have revealed the essential role of type I interferon-dependent innate immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, an association between the HLA-B∗15:01 allele and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals was recently reported, suggesting a contribution of pre-existing T cell-dependent adaptive immunity. We report a lack of association of classical HLA alleles, including HLA-B∗15:01, with pre-omicron asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated participants in a prospective population-based study in the United States (191 asymptomatic vs. 945 symptomatic COVID-19 cases). Moreover, we found no such association in the international COVID Human Genetic Effort cohort (206 asymptomatic vs. 574 mild or moderate COVID-19 cases and 1,625 severe or critical COVID-19 cases). Finally, in the Human Challenge Characterisation study, the three HLA-B∗15:01 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed symptoms. As with other acute primary infections studied, no classical HLA alleles favoring an asymptomatic course of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified.

Abstract Through GWAS studies we identified PATJ associated with functional outcome after ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to determine PATJ role in brain endothelial cells (ECs) in the context of stroke outcome. PATJ expression analyses in patient’s blood revealed that: (i) the risk allele of rs76221407 induces higher expression of PATJ, (ii) PATJ is downregulated 24 h after IS, and (iii) its expression is significantly lower in those patients with functional independence, measured at 3 months with the modified Rankin scale ((mRS) ≤2), compared to those patients with marked disability (mRS = 4–5). In mice brains, PATJ was also downregulated in the injured hemisphere at 48 h after ischemia. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and hypoxia-dependent of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α also caused PATJ depletion in ECs. To study the effects of PATJ downregulation, we generated PATJ-knockdown human microvascular ECs. Their transcriptomic profile evidenced a complex cell reprogramming involving Notch, TGF-ß, PI3K/Akt, and Hippo signaling that translates in morphological and functional changes compatible with endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). PATJ depletion caused loss of cell-cell adhesion, upregulation of metalloproteases, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cytoplasmic accumulation of the signal transducer C-terminal transmembrane Mucin 1 (MUC1-C) and downregulation of Notch and Hippo signaling. The EndMT phenotype of PATJ-depleted cells was associated with the nuclear recruitment of MUC1-C, YAP/TAZ, β-catenin, and ZEB1. Our results suggest that PATJ downregulation 24 h after IS promotes EndMT, an initial step prior to secondary activation of a pro-angiogenic program. This effect is associated with functional independence suggesting that activation of EndMT shortly after stroke onset is beneficial for stroke recovery.

Abstract Vascular endothelial function is challenged during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. The endothelial responses are involved in inflammatory leukocyte attraction, adhesion and infiltration, blood–brain barrier leakage, and angiogenesis. This study investigated gene expression changes in brain endothelial cells after acute ischemic stroke using transcriptomics and translatomics. We isolated brain endothelial mRNA by: (i) translating ribosome affinity purification, enabling immunoprecipitation of brain endothelial ribosome-attached mRNA for translatome sequencing and (ii) isolating CD31+ endothelial cells by fluorescence-activating cell sorting for classical transcriptomic analysis. Both techniques revealed similar pathways regulated by ischemia but they showed specific differences in some transcripts derived from non-endothelial cells. We defined a gene set characterizing the endothelial response to acute stroke (24h) by selecting the differentially expressed genes common to both techniques, thus corresponding with the translatome and minimizing non-endothelial mRNA contamination. Enriched pathways were related to inflammation and immunoregulation, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix, oxidative stress, and lipid trafficking and storage. We validated, by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, the protein expression of several genes encoding cell surface proteins. The inflammatory response was associated with the endothelial upregulation of genes related to lipid storage functions and we identified lipid droplet biogenesis in the endothelial cells after ischemia. The study reports a robust translatomic signature of brain endothelial cells after acute stroke and identifies enrichment in novel pathways involved in membrane signaling and lipid storage. Altogether these results highlight the endothelial contribution to the inflammatory response, and identify novel molecules that could be targets to improve vascular function after ischemic stroke.

Abstract Microglial cells of the aged brain manifest signs of dysfunction that could contribute to the worse neurological outcome of stroke in the elderly. Treatment with colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor antagonists enables transient microglia depletion that is followed by microglia repopulation after treatment interruption, causing no known harm to mice. We tested whether this strategy restored microglia function and ameliorated stroke outcome in old mice. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced innate immune responses in microglia highlighted by type I interferon and metabolic changes involving lipid droplet biogenesis. Old microglia accumulated lipids under steady state and displayed exacerbated innate immune responses to stroke. Microglia repopulation in old mice reduced lipid‐laden microglia, and the cells exhibited reduced inflammatory responses to ischemia. Moreover, old mice with renewed microglia showed improved motor function 2 weeks after stroke. We conclude that lipid deposits in aged microglia impair the cellular responses to ischemia and worsen functional recovery in old mice.

Microglia are very sensitive to changes in the environment and respond through morphological, functional and metabolic adaptations. To depict the modifications microglia undergo under healthy and pathological conditions, we developed free access image analysis scripts to quantify microglia morphologies and phagocytosis. Neuron–glia cultures, in which microglia express the reporter tdTomato, were exposed to excitotoxicity or excitotoxicity + inflammation and analysed 8 h later. Neuronal death was assessed by SYTOX staining of nucleus debris and phagocytosis was measured through the engulfment of SYTOX+ particles in microglia. We identified seven morphologies: round, hypertrophic, fried egg, bipolar and three ‘inflamed’ morphologies. We generated a classifier able to separate them and assign one of the seven classes to each microglia in sample images. In control cultures, round and hypertrophic morphologies were predominant. Excitotoxicity had a limited effect on the composition of the populations. By contrast, excitotoxicity + inflammation promoted an enrichment in inflamed morphologies and increased the percentage of phagocytosing microglia. Our data suggest that inflammation is critical to promote phenotypical changes in microglia. We also validated our tools for the segmentation of microglia in brain slices and performed morphometry with the obtained mask. Our method is versatile and useful to correlate microglia sub-populations and behaviour with environmental changes.

Abnormalities in myelination are associated to behavioral and cognitive dysfunction in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. Thus, therapies to promote or accelerate myelination could potentially ameliorate symptoms in autism. Clemastine, a histamine H1 antagonist with anticholinergic properties against muscarinic M1 receptor, is the most promising drug with promyelinating properties. Clemastine penetrates the blood brain barrier efficiently and promotes remyelination in different animal models of neurodegeneration including multiple sclerosis, ischemia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, its role in myelination during development is unknown. We showed that clemastine treatment during development increased oligodendrocyte differentiation in both white and gray matter. However, despite the increase in the number of oligodendrocytes, conduction velocity of myelinated fibers of corpus callosum decreased in clemastine treated mice. Confocal and electron microscopy showed a reduction in the number of myelinated axons and nodes of Ranvier and a reduction of myelin thickness in corpus callosum. To understand the mechanisms leading to myelin formation impairment in the presence of an excess of myelinating oligodendrocytes, we focused on microglial cells that also express muscarinic M1 receptors. Importantly, the population of CD11c+ microglia cells, necessary for myelination, as well as the levels of insulin growth factor-1 decrease in clemastine-treated mice. Altogether, these data suggest that clemastine impact on myelin development is more complex than previously thought and could be dependent on microglia-oligodendrocyte crosstalk. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of microglia cells on developmental myelination.

The activation of microglia and the infiltration of macrophages are hallmarks of neuroinflammation after acute brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). The two myeloid populations share many features in the post-injury inflammatory response, thus, being antigenically indistinguishable. Recently Tmem119, a type I transmembrane protein specifically expressed by microglia under physiological conditions, was proposed as a tool to differentiate resident microglia from blood-borne macrophages, not expressing it. However, the validity of Tmem119 as a specific marker of resident microglia in the context of acute brain injury, where microglia are activated and macrophages are recruited, needs validation. Our purpose was to investigate Tmem119 expression and distribution in relation to the morphology of brain myeloid cells present in the injured area after TBI. Mice underwent sham surgery or TBI by controlled cortical impact (CCI). Brains from sham-operated, or TBI mice, were analyzed by in situ hybridization to identify the cells expressing Tmem119, and by Western blot and quantitative immunofluorescence to measure Tmem119 protein levels in the entire brain regions and single cells. The morphology of Iba1+ myeloid cells was analyzed at different times (4 and 7 days after TBI) and several distances from the contused edge in order to associate Tmem119 expression with morphological evolution of active microglia. In situ hybridization indicated an increased Tmem119 RNA along with increased microglial complement C1q activation in the contused area and surrounding regions. On the contrary, the biochemical evaluation showed a drop in Tmem119 protein levels in the same areas. The Tmem119 immunoreactivity decreased in Iba1+ myeloid cells found in the contused cortex at both time points, with the cells showing the hypertrophic ameboid morphology having no Tmem119 expression. The Tmem119 was present on ramifications of resident microglia and its presence was decreased as a consequence of microglial activation in cortical areas close to contusion. Based on the data, we conclude that the decrease of Tmem119 in reactive microglia may depend on the process of microglial activation, which involves the retracting of their branchings to acquire an ameboid shape. The Tmem119 immunoreactivity decreases in reactive microglia to similar levels than the blood-borne macrophages, thus, failing to discriminate the two myeloid populations after TBI.

Background: Patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), exhibit a wide spectrum of disease behaviour. Since DNA methylation has been implicated in the regulation of viral infections and the immune system, we performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) to identify candidate loci regulated by this epigenetic mark that could be involved in the onset of COVID-19 in patients without comorbidities. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 407 confirmed COVID-19 patients ≤ 61 years of age and without comorbidities, 194 (47.7%) of whom had mild symptomatology that did not involve hospitalization and 213 (52.3%) had a severe clinical course that required respiratory support. The set of cases was divided into discovery (n = 207) and validation (n = 200) cohorts, balanced for age and sex of individuals. We analysed the DNA methylation status of 850,000 CpG sites in these patients. Findings: The DNA methylation status of 44 CpG sites was associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. Of these loci, 23 (52.3%) were located in 20 annotated coding genes. These genes, such as the inflammasome component Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) and the Major Histocompatibility Complex, class I C (HLA-C) candidates, were mainly involved in the response of interferon to viral infection. We used the EWAS-identified sites to establish a DNA methylation signature (EPICOVID) that is associated with the severity of the disease. Interpretation: We identified DNA methylation sites as epigenetic susceptibility loci for respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients. These candidate biomarkers, combined with other clinical, cellular and genetic factors, could be useful in the clinical stratification and management of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2. Funding: The Unstoppable campaign of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Foundation, the Cellex Foundation and the CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya.

The past decade has brought tremendous progress in diagnostic and therapeutic options for cerebrovascular diseases as exemplified by the advent of thrombectomy in ischemic stroke, benefitting a steeply increasing number of stroke patients and potentially paving the way for a renaissance of neuroprotectants. Progress in basic science has been equally impressive. Based on a deeper understanding of pathomechanisms underlying cerebrovascular diseases, new therapeutic targets have been identified and novel treatment strategies such as pre- and post-conditioning methods were developed. Moreover, translationally relevant aspects are increasingly recognized in basic science studies, which is believed to increase their predictive value and the relevance of obtained findings for clinical application.This review reports key results from some of the most remarkable and encouraging achievements in neurovascular research that have been reported at the 10th International Symposium on Neuroprotection and Neurorepair. Basic science topics discussed herein focus on aspects such as neuroinflammation, extracellular vesicles, and the role of sex and age on stroke recovery. Translational reports highlighted endovascular techniques and targeted delivery methods, neurorehabilitation, advanced functional testing approaches for experimental studies, pre-and post-conditioning approaches as well as novel imaging and treatment strategies. Beyond ischemic stroke, particular emphasis was given on activities in the fields of traumatic brain injury and cerebral hemorrhage in which promising preclinical and clinical results have been reported. Although the number of neutral outcomes in clinical trials is still remarkably high when targeting cerebrovascular diseases, we begin to evidence stepwise but continuous progress towards novel treatment options. Advances in preclinical and translational research as reported herein are believed to have formed a solid foundation for this progress.

Summary: Brain CD11c+ cells share features with microglia and dendritic cells (DCs). Sterile inflammation increases brain CD11c+ cells, but their phenotype, origin, and functions remain largely unknown. We report that, after cerebral ischemia, microglia attract DCs to the inflamed brain, and astroglia produce Flt3 ligand, supporting development and expansion of CD11c+ cells. CD11c+ cells in the inflamed brain are a complex population derived from proliferating microglia and infiltrating DCs, including a major subset of OX40L+ conventional cDC2, and also cDC1, plasmacytoid, and monocyte-derived DCs. Despite sharing certain morphological features and markers, CD11c+ microglia and DCs display differential expression of pattern recognition receptors and chemokine receptors. DCs excel CD11c− and CD11c+ microglia in the capacity to present antigen through MHCI and MHCII. Of note, cDC1s protect from brain injury after ischemia. We thus reveal aspects of the dynamics and functions of brain DCs in the regulation of inflammation and immunity.

Ischemic stroke causes brain tissue damage and may release central nervous system (CNS)-specific peptides to the periphery. Neural antigen presentation in the lymphoid tissue could prime immune cells and result in adaptive immune response. However, autoimmune responses against neural antigens are not commonly uncovered after stroke. We studied the brain tissue of nine fatal stroke cases and the blood of a cohort of 13 patients and 11 controls. Flow cytometry carried out in three of the brain samples showed CD8 and CD4 T cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the ventricles in the patient deceased 1 day poststroke, T cells with an activated phenotype in the CSF of the patient that died at day 6, and T cells in the ischemic brain tissue in the patient deceased 140 days after stroke onset. Immunohistochemistry showed higher T cell numbers in the core of the lesion of the patient deceased 18 days post-stroke than in the patients deceased from 1 to 5 days post-stroke. In blood samples, we studied whether lymphocytes were primed in the periphery against neural antigens at sequential times (on admission, day 5, and day 90) after stroke. T lymphocytes of stroke patients produced IFN-γ and TNF-α and responded to MBP peptides by increasing their production of TNF-α and IL-10 at admission, but not at later time points. In contrast, IL-4 producing T cells showed progressive increases. Higher percentages of TNF-α producing T lymphocytes at admission were independently associated with poorer outcomes at 90 days. However, we did not detect T cell responses to neural-antigen stimulation 90 days post-stroke. Altogether the results suggest acute T cell priming in the periphery in acute stroke, T cell trafficking from the CSF to the ischemic brain tissue, and the existence of active mechanisms preventing autoreactivity.

Central nervous system (CNS)-border associated macrophages (BAMs) maintain their steady-state population during adulthood and are not replaced by circulating monocytes under physiological conditions. Their roles in CNS integrity and functions under pathological conditions remain largely unknown. Until recently, BAMs and microglia could not be unequivocally distinguished due to expression of common macrophage markers. We investigated the transcriptional profiles of immunosorted BAMs from rat sham-operated and ischemic brains using RNA sequencing. We found that BAMs express the distinct transcriptional signature than microglia and infiltrating macrophages. The enrichment of functional groups associated with the cell cycle in CD163+ cells isolated 3 days after the ischemic injury indicates the proliferative capacity of these cells. The increased number of CD163+ cells 3 days post-ischemia was corroborated by flow cytometry and detecting the increased number of CD163+ cells positive for a proliferation marker Ki67 at perivascular spaces. CD163+ cells in the ischemic brains up-regulated many inflammatory genes and parenchymal CD163+ cells expressed iNOS, which indicates acquisition of a pro-inflammatory phenotype. In mice, BAMs typically express CD206 and we found a subset of these cells expressing CD169. Chimeric mice generated by transplanting bone marrow of donor Cx3cr1gfpCCR2rfp mice to wild type hosts showed an increased number of CX3CR1+CD169+ perivascular macrophages 3 days post-ischemia. Furthermore, these cells accumulated in the brain parenchyma and we detected replacement of perivascular macrophages by peripheral monocytic cells in the sub-acute phase of stroke. In line with the animal results, post-mortem brain samples from human ischemic stroke cases showed time-dependent accumulation of CD163+ cells in the ischemic parenchyma. Our findings indicate a unique transcriptional signature of BAMs, their local proliferation and migration of inflammatory BAMs to the brain parenchyma after stroke in animal models and humans.

Abstract The central nervous system (CNS) contains several types of immune cells located in specific anatomic compartments. Macrophages reside at the CNS borders surrounding the brain vessels, in leptomeningeal spaces and the choroid plexus, where they interact with the vasculature and play immunological surveillance and scavenging functions. We investigated the phenotypic changes and role of these macrophages in response to acute ischemic stroke. Given that CD163 expression is a hallmark of perivascular and meningeal macrophages in the rat and human brain, we isolated CD163+ brain macrophages by fluorescence activated cell sorting. We obtained CD163+ cells from control rats and 16 h following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, after verifying that infiltration of CD163+ peripheral myeloid cells is negligible at this acute time point. Transcriptome analysis of the sorted CD163+ cells identified ischemia-induced upregulation of the hypoxia inducible factor-1 pathway and induction of genes encoding for extracellular matrix components and leukocyte chemoattractants, amongst others. Using a cell depletion strategy, we found that CNS border-associated macrophages participate in granulocyte recruitment, promote the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), increase the permeability of pial and cortical blood vessels, and contribute to neurological dysfunction in the acute phase of ischemia/reperfusion. We detected VEGF expression surrounding blood vessels and in some CD163+ perivascular macrophages in the brain tissue of ischemic stroke patients deceased one day after stroke onset. These findings show ischemia-induced reprogramming of the gene expression profile of CD163+ macrophages that has a rapid impact on leukocyte chemotaxis and blood-brain barrier integrity, and promotes neurological impairment in the acute phase of stroke.

Maslinic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene found in a variety of natural sources, ranging from herbal remedies used in traditional Asian medicine to edible vegetables and fruits present in the Mediterranean diet. In recent years, several studies have proved that maslinic acid exerts a wide range of biological activities, i.e. antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antiparasitic and growth-stimulating. Experimental models used for the assessment of maslinic acid effects include established cell lines, which have been often used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, and also animal models of different disorders, which have confirmed the effects of the triterpene in vivo. Overall, and supported by the lack of adverse effects in mice, the results provide evidence of the potential of maslinic acid as a nutraceutical, not only for health promotion, but also as a therapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of several disorders.

Maslinic acid triggers compelling antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in different human cancer cell lines. Hence, the chemopreventive activity was investigated on early stages of carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) which is a model that mimics human sporadic colorectal cancer. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered either maslinic acid at 5, 10 or 25 mg/kg dissolved in (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin 20% (w/v) or the solvent for 49 days. After one week of treatment, animals received three weekly intraperitoneal injections of DMH at the dose of 20 mg/kg. Maslinic acid reduced the preneoplastic biomarkers, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and mucin-depleted foci (MDF), already at 5 mg/kg in a 15% and 27%, respectively. The decline was significant at 25 mg/kg with decreases of 33% and 51%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a significant association between the concentrations of maslinic acid found in the colon and the reduction of ACF (r = 0.999, p = 0.019) and MDF (r = 0.997, p = 0.049). The present findings demonstrate that maslinic acid induced an inhibition of the initiation stages of carcinogenesis. The assessment of this pentacyclic triterpene at the colon sheds light for designing diets with foods rich in maslinic acid to exert a chemopreventive activity in colorectal cancer.

Background and aims: The main objective of the PREDyCES® study was twofold. First, to analyse the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in Spain, both at admission and at discharge, and second, to estimate the hospital costs associated with disease-related malnutrition. Methods: The study was a nationwide, cross-sectional, observational, multicentre study in routine clinical practice, which assessed the prevalence of hospital malnutrition both at patient admission and discharge using NRS-2002®. A study extension analysed the incidence of complications associated with malnutrition, excess hospital stay and healthcare costs associated with hospital malnutrition. Results: Malnutrition was observed in 23.7% of patients according to NRS-2002®. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, presence of malignant disease, diabetes mellitus, dysphagia and polymedication were the main factors associated with the presence of malnutrition. Malnutrition was associated with an increase in length of hospital stay, especially in patients admitted without malnutrition but who presented malnutrition at discharge (15.2 vs. 8.0 days, p < 0.001), with an associated additional cost of €5,829 per patient. Conclusion: In Spanish hospitals, almost one in four patients is malnourished. This condition is associated with increased length of hospital stay and associated costs, especially in patients developing malnutrition during hospitalization. Systematic screening for malnutrition should be generalised in order to implement nutritional interventions with well-known effectiveness.Justificación y objetivos: El estudio PREDyCES® tuvo dos objetivos principales. Primero, analizar la prevalencia de desnutrición hospitalaria (DH) en España tanto al ingreso como al alta, y segundo, estimar sus costes asociados. Métodos: Estudio nacional, transversal, observacional, multicéntrico, en condiciones de práctica clínica habitual que evaluó la presencia de desnutrición hospitalaria al ingreso y al alta mediante el NRS-2002®. Una extensión del estudio analizó la incidencia de complicaciones asociadas a la desnutrición, el exceso de estancia hospitalaria y los costes sanitarios asociados a la DH. Resultados: La prevalencia de desnutrición observada según el NRS-2002® fue del 23.7%. El análisis multivariante mostró que la edad, el género, la presencia de enfermedad oncológica, diabetes mellitus, disfagia y la polimedicación fueron los factores principales que se asociaron a la presencia de desnutrición. La DH se asoció a un incremento de la estancia hospitalaria, especialmente en aquellos pacientes que ingresaron sin desnutrición y que presentaron desnutrición al alta (15.2 vs 8.0 días; p < 0.001), con un coste adicional asociado de 5.829€ por paciente. Conclusiones: Uno de cada cuatro pacientes en los hospitales españoles se encuentra desnutrido. Esta condición se asocia a un exceso de estancia hospitalaria y costes asociados, especialmente en pacientes que se desnutren durante su hospitalización. Se debería generalizar el cribado nutricional sistemático con el objetivo de implementar intervenciones nutricionales de conocida eficacia.

Background: Malnutrition among inpatients is highly prevalent, and has a negative impact on their clinical outcome. The Working Group for the Study of Malnutrition in Hospitals in Catalonia was created to generate consensus guidelines for the prevention and/or treatment of malnutrition in hospitals in Catalonia, Spain. Aims: The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of malnutrition on admission to hospital in Catalonia and to assess relationships between malnutrition, social and demographic data, overall costs, and mortality. Methods: Prospective and multicenter study conducted with 796 patients from 11 hospitals representative of the hospitalized population in Catalonia. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 method. Results: Overall, 28.9% of the patients are malnourished or at nutritional risk. Elderly patients, non-manual workers, those admitted to hospital as emergencies and with higher co-morbidities had higher risk of malnutrition. The type of hospital (second level vs. tertiary or University referral) to which they were admitted was also a factor predisposing to malnutrition. Length of hospital stay was longer in malnourished patients (10.5 vs. 7.7 days, p < 0.0001). The need for a convalescent home on leaving hospital was higher as well as the risk of mortality (8.6% malnourished vs. 1.3% nonmalnourished, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition is high in patients on admission to hospital in our community, resulting in elevated overall costs and higher risk of mortality. Age, social class and characteristics of the Unit and the Hospital are the main factors involved in hospital malnutrition.Introducción: La desnutrición en los pacientes ingresados en el hospital es altamente prevalente, e impacta negativamente en su evolución clínica. El Grupo de Trabajo para el Estudio de la Desnutrición Hospitalaria en Cataluña se creó para general Guías de consenso para prevenir y/o tratar la desnutrición en los hospitales de Cataluña, España. Objetivos: Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar la prevalencia de desnutrición al ingreso en los hospitales de Cataluña, y evaluar la relación entre desnutrición, datos sociales y demográficos, coste relacionado con la enfermedad y mortalidad. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico realizado en 796 pacientes ingresados en 11 hospitales representativos de la población hospitalizada en Cataluña. El estado nutricional se evaluó utilizando la herramienta Nutritional Risk Screening 2002. Resultados: De forma global, 28,9% de los pacientes estaban desnutridos en el momento del ingreso. Los pacientes más ancianos, trabajadores no manuales, ingresados en el hospital procedentes de Urgencias y con más comorbilidades son los que presentaron mayor prevalencia de desnutrición. El tipo de hospital (Segundo nivel versus Tercer Nivel) también fue un factor predisponerte a la desnutrición. La estancia hospitalaria fue mayor en los pacientes desnutridos (10,5 vs 7,7 días, p < 0,0001). La necesidad de centro de convalecencia al alta hospitalaria fue mayor en los pacientes desnutridos, así como la mortalidad (8,6% desnutridos vs 1,3% normonutridos, p < 0,0001). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de desnutrición es elevada en los pacientes ingresados en el hospital en nuestra comunidad, lo que resulta en mayores costes sanitarios y mayor mortalidad. La edad, clase social y características del Servicio y del Hospital son los principales factores involucrados en la presencia de desnutrición hospitalaria.

Patients with cancer, irrespective of the stage of their disease, can require admission to the intensive care unit as a result of the complications of their underlying process or the surgical or pharmacological treatment provided. The cancer itself, as well as the critical status that can result from the complications of the disease, frequently lead to a high degree of hypermetabolism and inadequate energy intake, causing a high incidence of malnutrition in these patients. Moreover, cancer causes anomalous use of nutritional substrates and therefore the route of administration and proportion and intake of nutrients may differ in these patients from those in noncancer patients.Los pacientes portadores de cáncer, en cualquier fase de su evolución, pueden precisar ingreso en UCI como consecuencia de complicaciones secundarias a su enfermedad de base o de las terapias quirúrgicas o farmacológicas a que se ven sometidos para tratar su enfermedad. La propia enfermedad cancerosa, así como el estado crítico a que pueden derivar como consecuencia de las complicaciones sobreañadidas, con frecuencia condicionan un alto grado de hipermetabolismo y de déficit de ingesta nutricional, lo que conduce en estos enfermos a una alta incidencia de desnutrición. Además, la propia enfermedad cancerosa condiciona una utilización anómala de los sustratos nutritivos, lo que podría condicionar una vía de administración y una proporción y aporte de nutrientes algo diferenciado de los pacientes no tumorales.

Rationale: Disease-related malnutrition constitutes a highly prevalent healthcare problem with high costs associated. In Spain, the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients has been reported from 30% to 50%. Objectives: Main purposes of this consensus document were to establish recommendations that facilitate decision-making and action to prevent and early-diagnose disease-related hospital malnutrition, on the management of nutritional support methods and actions to evaluate nutritional treatment compliance and efficacy. Methods: A systematic bibliographical search of authors was performed, complemented by updated bibliography by author references up to 2010. From this review, some recommendations were defined, modified and critically evaluated by the representatives of scientific societies in a consensus conference (Dec 2010) following a structured brainstorming technique: the Metaplan® technique. A double validation process was undertaken until final recommendations were obtained. Results: 30 consensus recommendations for the prevention and management of hospital malnutrition are presented in this document. Recommendations cover all clinical care settings as well as prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of disease-related malnutrition. Conclusions: Nutritional screening is strongly recommended at all clinical settings when nutritional risk factors are identified or there is clinical suspicion of malnutrition. Nutritional assessment should be designed and performed according to centers' resources, but clearly identified protocols should be available.La desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad constituye un problema sanitario de elevada prevalencia y altos costes. En España, la prevalencia de desnutrición de los pacientes hospitalizados se ha estimado entre el 30% y el 50%. Objetivos: El objetivo principal de este consenso fue establecer recomendaciones para facilitar la toma de decisiones para la prevención y el diagnostico precoz de la desnutrición hospitalaria, el manejo del soporte nutricional, y las acciones para evaluar el cumplimiento de la intervención nutricional y su eficacia. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de autor complementada por bibliografía actualizada por referencias de autor hasta el año 2010. A partir de esta revisión, se definieron algunas recomendaciones que fueron criticadas y modificadas por los representantes de las Sociedades Científicas participantes en una conferencia de consenso (Diciembre 2010) siguiendo una técnica de brainstorming estructurado: la técnica Metaplan". Se realizaron dos vueltas de validación de las recomendaciones hasta obtener las recomendaciones finales. Resultados: Este documento presenta 30 recomendaciones para la prevención y el manejo de la desnutrición hospitalaria. Las mismas cubren todas las áreas de actuación clínica así como la prevención, cribado, diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de la desnutrición hospitalaria relacionada con la enfermedad. Conclusiones: Se recomienda enérgicamente el cribado nutricional en todas las áreas de actuación clínica cuando se identifiquen factores de riesgo nutricional o sospecha clínica de desnutrición. La valoración del estado nutricional debe diseñarse y realizarse de acuerdo a los recursos disponibles en cada centro, disponiendo de claros protocolos de actuación.

Para cualquier persona sana, la sed es una guía adecuada para tomar agua, excepto para los bebés, los deportistas y la mayoría de las personas enfermas y ancianas. En estos casos conviene programar momentos para ingerir agua, ya que la gran demanda y los mecanismos fisiológicos que determinan la sed en estas situaciones pueden condicionar desequilibrios en el balance hídrico con importantes consecuencias para la salud o el rendimiento físico o intelectual. Nuestro organismo posee una serie de mecanismos que le permiten mantener constante el contenido de agua, mediante un ajuste entre los ingresos y las pérdidas. El balance hídrico viene determinado por la ingestión (agua de bebida, líquidos, agua contenida en los alimentos) y la eliminación (orina, heces, a través de la piel y de aire espirado por los pulmones). El fallo de estos mecanismos y las consiguientes alteraciones del balance acuoso, pueden producir graves trastornos capaces de poner en peligro la vida del individuo. En el presente documento se analizan las evidencias en cuanto a los factores que condicionan las necesidades hídricas en las diferentes etapas de la vida y situaciones fisiológicas, así como las consecuencias de un desequilibrio en el balance hídrico en diferentes situaciones. Una correcta hidratación la podemos conseguir mediante nuestra alimentación y el uso de agua u otras bebidas. Aunque el agua es la bebida por excelencia y representa la forma ideal de reponer nuestras pérdidas e hidratarnos, debemos de ser conscientes de que, desde el principio de los tiempos, hemos buscado otras fuentes de líquidos con capacidad de hidratación. En las últimas décadas ha aumentado el consumo de diferentes bebidas, proliferando las bebidas con azúcar. Dado que el consumo excesivo de azúcar se ha relacionado con la obesidad y otras enfermedades crónicas, es evidente que debe racionalizarse el uso de estas bebidas calóricas especialmente en niños. En este documento se presentan todas estas consideraciones en cuanto a la hidratación, y se realizan diferentes recomendaciones al respecto.For any healthy individual, thirst is an appropriate sign to drink water, except for babies, sportsmen, and most of ill and elderly people. In these instances, it is convenient to schedule appropriate times to drink water since great demands and the physiological mechanisms that determine thirst in these situations may condition water unbalances with important consequences for health and the physical and intellectual performance. The human body has a number of mechanisms that allow keeping constant the water content by adjusting intakes and wastes. Water balance is determined by intake (consumed water, beverages, and water contained in foods) and wastes (urine, stools, the skin, and expired air from the lungs). Failure of these mechanisms and subsequent impairments in water balance may produce severe disarrangements that may threaten somebody´s life. In the present document, we analyze the evidences regarding the factors conditioning water needs in the different life stages and physiological situations, as well as the consequences of water unbalance under different situations. A proper hydration may be achieved by feeding and the use of water and other liquids. Although water is the beverage by excellence and represents the ideal way of restoring the losses and get hydrated, we should be aware that, from the very beginning, we have sought other liquid sources with hydration properties. In the last decades we have increased the consumption of different beverages, with a proliferation of sugar-containing beverages. Since excessive sugar consumption has been related to obesity and other chronic conditions, it is evident that the use of these caloric beverages should be rationalized, especially in children. In this document all the considerations regarding hydration are presented and different recommendations are exposed.

Malnutrition related to illness and inadequate nutrition remains a matter of relevant interest in the member countries of the European Union because of its elevated prevalence and high costs. It is estimated to affect 30 million patients and cost 170 billion euros annually. The 2008-2013 strategy "Together for Health" put forward in the European Parliament urges Member States to develop, together with local and regional authorities, initiatives in the field of education of the population, training, investigation and good clinical practices. SENPE (Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) collaborates in different areas in the development of this strategy which aim to put malnutrition related to illness in the focus of the health system. One of its contributions has been the preparation of the Document of Consensus on the Coding of Malnutrition SENPE-SEDOM (Spanish Society of Medical Documentation). The agreements adopted have helped normalize the process of coding this pathology with the assignment of specific codes for specifically defined terms. This document has allowed the optimization of information regarding the types and degrees of malnutrition and the procedures employed for its prevention or treatment in the hospital centres of the National Health System.La desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad y una nutrición inadecuada sigue constituyendo un área sanitaria de interés relevante entre los países miembros de la Unión Europea, por su elevada prevalencia y sus altos costes. Se estima que afecta a 30 millones de pacientes y cuesta 170 billones de euros anuales. La Estrategia 2008-2013 "Together for Health " planteada en el Parlamento Europeo insta a los Estados miembros, a que desarrollen, junto con las autoridades regionales y locales, iniciativas en el ámbito de la educación a la población, la formación específica, la investigación y las buenas prácticas clínicas. La SENPE (Sociedad Española de Nutrición Parenteral y Enteral) colabora en distintas áreas de desarrollo de esta estrategia que pretende situar a la desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad en el foco de atención del sistema sanitario, como estrategias similares han situado a la obesidad. Una de sus contribuciones ha sido el desarrollo del Documento de Consenso de Codificación de la Desnutrición SENPE-SEDOM (Sociedad Española de Documentación Médica). Los acuerdos adoptados han permitido normalizar el proceso de codificación de esta patología con la asignación de códigos específicos a términos definitorios concretos. Este documento ha permitido optimizar la información sobre la desnutrición tipos y grados, y los procedimientos empleados para prevenirla o tratarla, en los centros hospitalarios de nuestro Sistema Nacional de Salud.

It is well known that hospital malnutrition is a highly prevalent condition associated to increase morbidity and mortality as well as related healthcare costs. Although previous studies have already measured the prevalence and/or costs of hospital nutrition in our country, their local focus (at regional or even hospital level) make that the true prevalence and economic impact of hospital malnutrition for the National Health System remain unknown in Spain. The PREDyCES® (Prevalence of hospital malnutrition and associated costs in Spain) study was aimed to assess the prevalence of hospital malnutrition in Spain and to estimate related costs. Some aspects made this study unique: a) It was the first study in a representative sample of hospitals of Spain; b) different measures to assess hospital malnutrition (NRS2002, MNA as well as anthropometric and biochemical markers) where used both at admission and discharge and, c) the economic consequences of malnutrition where estimated using the perspective of the Spanish National Health System.Es bien sabido que la desnutrición hospitalaria es un proceso altamente prevalente asociado al aumento de la morbilidad y mortalidad, así como a elevados costes sanitarios. Aunque estudios previos han medido la prevalencia y/o los costes de la nutrición hospitalaria en nuestro país, su enfoque local (regional o incluso a nivel hospitalario) hacen que la verdadera prevalencia e impacto económico de la desnutrición hospitalaria para el Sistema Nacional de Salud sean aún desconocidos en España. El objetivo del estudio PREDyCES® (Prevalencia de la Desnutrición hospitalaria y los Costes asociados en ESpaña) fue evaluar la prevalencia de la desnutrición hospitalaria en España y estimar sus costes asociados. Algunos aspectos de este estudio lo hicieron singular: a) Fue el primer estudio de este tipo con una muestra representativa de los hospitales de España, b) se utilizaron diferente medidas para evaluar la desnutrición hospitalaria (NRS 2002, MNA, así como marcadores antropométricos y bioquímicos) tanto en el momento del ingreso como al alta hospitalaria y, c) se estimaron las consecuencias económicas de la desnutrición desde la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud español.

Objetivo: Conocer las características y la evolución de los pacientes diagnosticados de neoplasia de cabeza y cuello (NCC) que precisaron recibir tratamiento de radioterapia y que fueron atendidos en un programa de nutrición enteral por sonda a domicilio (NESD). Análisis del peso en función de administrar la nutrición enteral antes o después del inicio de la radioterapia. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional de pacientes con NCC incluidos en el programa de NESD de nuestro hospital durante 2 años. Variables analizadas: sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC), índice de Karnofsky (IK), motivo del inicio de soporte nutricional, tipo de sonda para la administración de la nutrición, tipo de fórmula nutricional y aporte calórico prescrito, necesidad de cambio de vía y días de NESD. Resultados: Se incluyeron 62 pacientes (77,4% varones y 22,6% hembras) con una edad media de 64 años ± 10,1 (rango entre 39 y 90). La disfagia fue el motivo principal de colocación de sonda en estos pacientes. Predominio de sonda nasogástrica (67,7%). La fórmula más utilizada fue la polimérica hipercalórica con un aporte calórico de 1.629 ± 267,09 kcal/día. Globalmente, se observó una pérdida de peso en todos los pacientes durante el período de estudio. Sin embargo, aquellos en los que se inició la NESD antes de la radioterapia el IMC no disminuyó. Conclusión: Los pacientes que iniciaron nutrición por sonda con anterioridad al tratamiento oncológico no perdieron peso durante el periodo de estudio.Objective: To know characteristics and the patients' evolution with head and neck cancer who received radiotherapy treatment and they were included at a home enteral nutrition (HEN) by feeding tube programme. To analyse the weight evolution according to the start of HEN before or after radiotherapy. Methods: Observational study of tube feeding patients with head and neck cancer who were included in HEN programme in our hospital for two years. Variables analysed: gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Karnofsky Index (KI), reason for nutritional support, type of feeding tube, formula used and prescribed caloric contribution, necessity to change access device and HEN days. Results: 62 patients were studied (77.4% men; 22.6% women). Age 64 ± 10.1 years (rang: 39-90). The dysphagia was the main cause to begin enteral nutrition by feeding tube in these patients. Naso-gastric tube was prevalence (67.7%). The most used formula was polymeric hypercaloric diet with a mean of caloric contribution of 1,629 ± 267.09 kcal/day. Overall, there was a weight loss in all patients during the study period time. However, patients who began the HEN by feeding tube before the radiotherapy treatment, the BMI did not decrease. Conclusion: All patients who began feeding tube before oncological treatment didn't lose weight for the period of study.

Por la frecuencia e implicaciones clínicas, sociales y económicas de la desnutrición hospitalaria y la habitual falta de sensibilidad ante este problema por parte de los profesionales sanitarios, pareció indicado crear un grupo de trabajo de la Sociedad Española de Nutrición Parenteral y Enteral (SENPE) que llevara a término unas recomendaciones por consenso sobre la evaluación de la desnutrición en los pacientes hospitalizados. Como primer paso ha parecido de interés elaborar unas recomendaciones sobre la importancia de detectar precozmente y de manera periódica la desnutrición en los pacientes que ingresan en nuestros hospitales. Después de una cuidadosa revisión sobre los métodos de cribado de la desnutrición publicados, el grupo considera que debe recomendarse utilizar los métodos de cribado, posibles de aplicar en cada centro, para detectar aquellos pacientes que precisarán posteriormente de una evaluación más completa del estado de nutrición y, en caso necesario, establecer un plan de actuación nutricional.Given the frequency and clinical, social, and economic implications of hospital hyponutrition and the usual lack of sensibility before this problem from health care professionals, it seemed appropriate to create a working group within the Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (SENPE), which will lead to consensus recommendations on hyponutrition assessment among hospitalised patients. At a first stage, it seemed interesting to elaborate some recommendations on early and regular detection of hyponutrition among patients admitted to our hospitals. After carefully reviewing the screening methods published, the group considers that using screening methods should be recommended according to the possibilities at each centre in order to detect those patients that will further need a more complete evaluation of their nutritional status and, in case of necessary, to establish a nutritional action plan.

Background: There are few data on trends in home enteral nutrition (HEN) practice in different countries. NADYA is the Spanish home artificial nutrition (HAN) group, and is responsible for the Spanish HAN registry. Method: We performed a 16-year retrospective study (1992-2007) of the Spanish HEN registry by retrieving data from the NADYA database and from publications of the working group. People receiving more than 1000 kcal/d with an enteral formula were included regardless of the access route (oral/tube feeding). Results: The number of patients registered increased more than 8 times during the study period: the current prevalence is 113 patients/10(6) inhabitants (oral and tube feeding), or 41 patients/10(6) inhabitants (tube feeding). The distribution of the patients was not uniform, and most came from six autonomous communities (Catalonia, Galicia, Castilla-León, Madrid, Andalusia and Extremadura). Gender distribution was nearly 1:1. The number of paediatric patients was very low, representing less than 10% of the total. Mean age in adults was above 65 years in most of the reports. We observed an increase in the age of the patients over the years. The most common underlying diseases were neurological disorders, followed by cancer. We observed an increase in the use of the oral route, from 5.8% in 1992 to 64% in 2007, with a parallel decrease in the use of nasogastric tubes. Gastrostomy tubes were used in 15-20% of the patients. The number of complications was low (less than one complication/patient/year), the most frequent being change of tube, followed by gastrointestinal complications. The principal reasons for discontinuing treatment were death related to the underlying disease (40-50%) and switch to oral diet (30-40%). Most of the patients (75%) were followed by the hospital nutrition unit. Provision of the enteral formula and disposables varied according to the autonomous community. Most of the patients had limited physical activity or were chair- or bed-bound, requiring partial or total help in their daily life. Conclusions: The use of HEN has increased dramatically in the last 16 years in Spain. Most of the patients registered were elderly people with neurological disorders and limited physical activity. The oral route was the most frequently used. The number of complications was low. The mortality rate in these patients was highly related to the underlying disease.Introducción: Existen pocos datos sobre la evolución de la práctica de la nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED) en diferentes países. NADYA es el grupo de trabajo español de nutrición artificial domiciliaria (NAD), y es responsable del registro español de estos pacientes. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo de los últimos 16 años (1992-2007) del registro español de NED utilizando la base de datos de NADYA y las publicaciones del grupo de trabajo. Se incluyeron aquellos pacientes que recibieron más de 1000 kcal/d de una fórmula enteral, independientemente de la vía de acceso (oral/sonda). Resultados: El número de pacientes registrados se multiplicó por ocho durante el periodo de estudio: prevalencia actual 113 pacientes/10(6) habitantes (oral y sonda), o 41 pacientes/10(6) habitantes (sonda). La distribución de los pacientes no fue uniforme, y la mayoría pertenecían a seis comunidades autónomas (Cataluña, Galicia, Castilla-León, Madrid, Andalucía y Extremadura). La distribución por sexo fue casi 1:1. El número de pacientes pediátricos fue muy bajo, representando menos del 10% del total. La edad media de los adultos fue superior a 65 años en la mayoría de los registros. Observamos un incremento en la edad de los pacientes a lo largo de los años de estudio. Las enfermedades más prevalentes fueron las neurológicas, seguidas del cáncer. Observamos un aumento del uso de la nutrición enteral oral, de 5,8% en 1992 a 64% en 2007, con un descenso paralelo del uso de las sondas nasogástricas. La gastrostomía se utilizó en el 15-20% de los pacientes. El número de complicaciones fue bajo (menos de una complicación/paciente/año), siendo la más frecuente el cambio de la sonda, seguida de las complicaciones gastrointestinales. Las principales razones de finalización del tratamiento fueron la muerte relacionada con la patología de base (40-50%) y el paso a la alimentación oral (30-40%). La mayoría de los pacientes (75%) fueron seguidos por las unidades de nutrición de los hospitales. El suministro de la fórmula de nutrición enteral y el material fungible varió dependiendo de las comunidades autónomas. La mayoría de los pacientes tenían limitada su actividad física o estaban confinados a cama/sillón, y requerían ayuda total o parcial para las actividades de la vida diaria. Conclusiones: El uso de la NED ha aumentado mucho en los últimos 16 años en España. La mayoría de los pacientes registrados eran ancianos con enfermedades neurológicas y con una limitada actividad física. La vía oral fue la más empleada. El número de complicaciones fue bajo. La mortalidad de estos pacientes se relacionó principalmente con la enfermedad de base.

El índice de Karnofsky (IK) es una escala funcional desarrollada en oncología y ampliamente utilizada, que ha mostrado ser útil para predecir la evolución en pacientes oncológicos y geriátricos. Teóricamente, como herramienta de valoración funcional podría predecir la mortalidad en pacientes con nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED). Objetivos del estudio: Conocer el IK inicial y su evolución a 6 meses en pacientes en régimen de NED y estudiar la relación entre la tasa de mortalidad de los mismos con dicho índice. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional y prospectivo realizado durante 2002 y 2003 con pacientes neurológicos y oncológicos con nutrición enteral por sonda seguidos durante 10 meses desde su inclusión en el programa de NED. Resultados: Se estudiaron 201 pacientes, 131 (65,2%) neurológicos y 70 (34,8%) oncológicos, sin existir entre ambos grupos diferencias significativas en la edad, días con NE y mortalidad al final del periodo de estudio (35,1% en pacientes neurológicos y 40% en oncológicos). A los 10 meses un mayor porcentaje de pacientes oncológicos había recuperado la capacidad de ingesta oral (27,1% frente a 10,7% en los neurológicos, p < 0,05). Los valores del IK fueron mayores en los pacientes oncológicos que en los neurológicos en las tres determinaciones (inicial, a los 3 y a los 6 meses, p < 0,001). Dicho índice no se modificó significativamente en ninguno de los dos grupos durante su evolución. Analizando el conjunto de los pacientes se observó una relación significativa entre los valores iniciales del IK y la media de supervivencia a los 10 meses (p < 0,001), y una relación inversa entre los valores iniciales del índice y el porcentaje de mortalidad (p < 0,001). Conclusión: El IK es una herramienta útil para predecir la mortalidad en pacientes oncológicos y neurológicos en programa de NED.Karnofsky Index (KI) is a widely used functional scale developed for oncology patients. It has proved useful as outcome predictor with cancer and geriatric patients. Theoretically, KI could be used to predict mortality in patients with home enteral nutrition (HEN). Study objectives: To determine baseline KI and its 6-month evolution in HEN patients, and to assess its relation with the mortality rate. Methodology: Observational and prospective study carried out during 2002 and 2003 with tube feeding neurologic and cancer patients followed during 10 months since their HEN programme inclusion. Results: 201 patients were included, 131 (65.2%) with neurological diseases and 70 (34.8%) with neoplasm. There were not significant differences between groups in age, days with HEN and mortality rate at the end of the study period (35.1% in neurologic patients and 40% in cancer ones). 27.1% of cancer patients had resumed full oral nutrition after ten months from the beginning of the study, whereas only 10.7% of neurologic patients did (p < 0.05). In the three measurement phases (initial, past-3 and past-6 months) KI values were higher for cancer patients than for neurologic ones (p < 0.001). In both groups we didn't found statistically significant differences in KI along the three measurements. A significant relation was observed overall between initial KI values and average survival after 10 months (p < 0.001), and an inverse relation was found between the former and mortality rate (p < 0.001). Conclusion: KI is a useful tool to predict mortality rate in cancer and neurologic patients under HEN.

El soporte nutricional enteral a través de sonda de gastrostomia percutánea de alimentación (GP) es beneficiosa en ciertos pacientes, en otros, tales como pacientes con demencia avanzada o enfermedades rápidamente progresivas, sin embargo, se cuestiona su papel. La selección de los pacientes es, pués, importante para identificar aquéllos que pueden beneficiarse de la alimentación a través de una soda de GP. En este estudio, se analizan las características de una cohorte de pacientes, en soporte nutricional enteral a través de sonda de GP, y se describen las complicaciones inmediatas de la técnica -definidas como las acontecidas en los 30 primeros dias de la realización del procedimiento-al objeto de identificar los factores de riesgo que ayuden a seleccionar los pacientes candidatos a ser alimentados a través de sonda de GP. Nuestro estudio muestra que la edad superior a 70 años puede predecir la evolución y la supervivencia después de la colocación de una sonda de GP para alimentación. Consecuentemente, este factor obliga a analizar, de manera individual y sistemática, la necesidad o no de colocar la sonda de GP en pacientes mayores de 70 años.Percutaneous gastrostomy feeding tube (PG) may be beneficial in some patients, in others such as advanced dementia or rapidly progressive diseases its value is being questioned. Patient selection is important to identify those whowill benefit from PG. This study aims to identify patients factors that may help in patient selection for PG. To analyse the characteristics of this patient's cohort and to describe the immediate complications of the procedure that we have defined as the ones happened in the first 30 days. To compare the two patient's group -with and without- immediate complications, non-parametric tests were used.

Introduction: intestinal transplantation is the only long-range treatment option for patients with intestinal failure. We report an exceptional case of isolated intestinal transplantation with the implant in a non-anatomical position. Clinical case: the patient was a thirty-eight-year-old man (60 kg weight, 180 cm height, 18.3 body mass index) with intestinal failure and home parenteral nutrition due to a short-bowel syndrome for which intestinal transplantation was indicated. The patient had a vascular malformation with the cava vein located left to the aorta, and the intestine was implanted with a 180º rotation around the mesenteric axis, so that the implant's superior mesenteric artery and vein matched the recipient's cava and aorta. Postoperative follow-up was excellent and the patient was discharged after six weeks with a 10-kg gain in body weight. Discussion: this non-anatomical intestinal implantation of the small bowel, previously unreported, offers technical advantages over other options. Adequate intestinal function represents a unique model to prove the viability of intestinal implants in a non-anatomical position.Introducción: el trasplante intestinal es el único tratamiento eficaz a largo plazo de los pacientes con fallo intestinal. Se presenta un caso clínico excepcional de trasplante intestinal aislado en posición no anatómica. Caso clínico: se trata de un varón de 38 años de edad con fallo intestinal y nutrición parenteral domiciliaria por un síndrome de intestino corto al que se le indicó un trasplante intestinal. Fue incluido en lista de espera con un peso de 60 kg, 180 cm de altura y 18,3 de índice de masa corporal. El receptor presentaba una trasposición de los grandes vasos con la vena cava situada a la izquierda de la arteria aorta por lo que el intestino se implantó con una rotación del injerto de 180º sobre su eje mesentérico, con el objetivo de que la vena y la arteria mesentérica superior del injerto coincidieran con la vena cava y la arteria aorta del receptor. El paciente presentó excelente postoperatorio y fue dado de alta a las 6 semanas con un aumento de peso de 10 kg. Discusión: esta implantación no anatómica del intestino, previamente no referida en la literatura, ofrece ventajas técnicas sobre otras alternativas. La adecuada función intestinal constituye un modelo único que prueba la viabilidad del intestino implantado en posición no anatómica.

Introducción: Los pacientes afectos de neoplasias hematológicas presentan con frecuencia anorexia que sumada a los efectos secundarios del tratamiento con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia comprometen su estado nutricional. La suplementación oral puede ayudar a cumplir los requerimientos energético-proteicos de estos pacientes. No obstante, el uso de los suplementos nutritivos comerciales habitualmente disponibles está limitado por su pobre aceptación. Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de cumplimiento de la prescripción de suplementos y de los requerimientos energéticos así como de la evolución del estado nutricional en pacientes hematológicos hospitalizados para tratamiento con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo, aleatorio y abierto de pacientes ingresados en la planta de hematología. De forma secuencial los pacientes se asignaron a 3 tipos de intervención nutricional: Grupo 1 (G1), suplemento comercial oral con sabores; Grupo 2 (G2), suplemento comercial oral de sabor neutro, y Grupo 3 (G3), suplemento de cocina. Necesidad y cantidad de suplementos nutricionales pautados en función de la ingesta calórica calculada. Valoración nutricional (al ingreso y al alta) mediante Valoración Global Subjetiva (VGS), Índice de Riesgo Nutricional (IRN) y % de pérdida de peso (%PP). Se analizaron tanto el cumplimiento de la ingesta de suplementos como el cumplimiento de los requerimientos energéticos. Resultados: Se analizaron 125 pacientes de 51,3 ± 16,8 años (45% hombres y 55% mujeres). Diagnósticos: 54% linfoma; 33% leucemia; 8% mieloma y 4% otros. Estancia hospitalaria: 7,0 ± 3,6 días. La valoración nutricional mostró cambios significativos negativos en los pacientes de los grupos G2 y G3 con respecto a la VGS (G1: 30% desarrollaron malnutrición y 28% mejoraron su estado nutricional, p = NS; G2: 50% desarrollaron malnutrición frente al 7% que mejoraron su estado de nutrición, p = 0,002; y G3: 37% desarrollaron malnutrición versus el 21% que mejoró su estado de nutrición, p = 0,02). Según el IRN, los pacientes evolucionaron negativamente de su estado de nutrición, sin que las diferencias fueran significativas (G1, del 81% de malnutrición al 90%; G2, del 77% al 91%, y G3 del 71% al 85%). Globalmente, durante la hospitalización los pacientes perdieron peso de manera significativa (2,3 ± 2,2 kg, p < 0,001), sin que fueran significativas las pérdidas de cada grupo (G1, 1,16 kg; G2, 1,75 kg, y G3, 1,17 kg). Todos los grupos presentaron necesidad de suplementos (G1, 47%; G2, 30%, y G3, 47%). El porcentaje de cumplimiento de la ingesta de suplemento fue similar en los grupos con suplementos comerciales (G1, 47% y G2, 58%) siendo significativamente mayor en los que recibieron suplementos de cocina (G3, 100%, p < 0,001). El cumplimiento de los requerimientos energéticos al ingreso y alta del paciente no mostró cambios significativos (G1, del 53% al 46%; G2, del 67% al 52% y G3 del 49% al 55%). Conclusión: Nuestros resultados sugieren que los pacientes hematológicos ingresados en el hospital por tratamiento con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia pierden peso durante su hospitalización y presentan ingestas inferiores a sus requerimientos energéticos por lo que requieren suplementos. Los suplementos de cocina son mejor aceptados que los suplementos comerciales pero ello no comporta que incrementen las ingestas energéticas totales. El grupo que recibió suplementos comerciales con sabores fue el único que no presentó cambios negativos significativos en el estado de nutrición evaluada por la VGS.Rationale: Hematological patients often present anorexia which along with other secondary effects from the chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatments compromise their nutritional status. Oral supplementation can aid to fulfill the energy and protein requirements of these patients. Nevertheless, the use of commercial nutritional supplements normally available, is limited by its poor intake. Objective: To evaluate the degree of fulfillment of the prescribed supplements and fulfillment of energy requirements, as well as the development of nutritional status in hematological patients hospitalized for treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Methods: Prospective, randomized and open study of inpatients at the hematological ward. Patients were randomized sequentially and they were assigned into 3 different nutritional interventions providing: Group 1 (G1), a flavored supplement; Group 2 (G2): a non flavored (neutral) supplement and Group 3 (G3): "kitchen" foods as supplements. Need and amount of nutritional supplements were provided according to the oral intake previously analyzed. Nutritional assessment (at admission and discharge) was based in the Subjective Global Assessment test (SGA), Risk Nutritional Index (RNI) and percentage of lost weight. Both fulfillment of supplement intake and achievement of energetic requirements were analyzed. Results: 125 patients of 51.3 ± 16.8 years; 45% men and 55% women. Diagnosis: 54% lymphoma, 33% leukemia, 8% myeloma and others 4%. Length of stay (LOS): 7.0 ± 3.6 d. The nutritional assessment done by SGA showed significant negative changes in G2 and G3 (G1: 30% developed malnutrition and 28% improved their nutritional status, p = NS; G2: 50% developed malnutrition against 7% whom improved their nutritional status, p = 0.002; y G3: 37% developed malnutrition against 21% whom improved their nutritional status, p = 0.02). According to RNI, patients evolved negatively from their nutritional state but no significant differences were found within groups (G1, from 81% of malnutrition to 90%; G2, from 77% to 91%, and G3 from 71% to 85%). Globally, during hospitalization patients lost weight significantly (2.3 ± 2.2 kg, p < 0.001), but within groups weight loss differences were not significant (G1, 1.16 kg; G2, 1.75 kg, y G3, 1.17 kg). All three groups required intake of supplements (G1, 47%; G2, 30%, and G3, 47%). The percentage of fulfillment of oral intake was similar in both commercial supplemented groups (G1, 47% and G2, 58%) although it was significantly greater in those receiving kitchen supplements (G3, 100%, p < 0.001). The fulfillment of energy requirements at admission and discharge did not showed significant changes (G1, from 53% to 46%; G2, from 67% to 52% and G3 from 49% to 55%). Conclusion: Our results suggest that hematological patients admitted to hospital for treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy loose weight during their hospitalization and present intakes below their energy requirements so they need supplementation. Kitchen supplements are better accepted than commercial ones although that does not result in an increased total energy intake. The group which received commercial flavored supplements was the only one which did not showed negative significant changes in the nutritional status evaluated by SGA.

La Hospitalización a Domicilio (HAD) es una opción asistencial que posibilita proporcionar cuidados propios de un hospital en el domicilio del paciente. El soporte nutricional (SN) -enteral por sonda o parenteral- suele indicarse en pacientes de edad avanzada y/o severamente discapacitados por lo que la nutrición artificial cobra gran interés en la atención domiciliaria. Objetivos: Analizar las características de los pacientes, atendidos en el domicilio, por cuestiones específicas del SN que reciben. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo de los pacientes atendidos por la Unidad de Soporte Nutricional (SN), en el ámbito de la HAD, desde el 1 de Septiembre del 2006 hasta el 31 de Agosto del 2007. Resultados: En el domicilio del paciente el procedimiento realizado fue: recambio de sonda de ostomia en 158 ocasiones; modificación de la pauta de nutrición enteral (NE) o nutrición parenteral (NP) en 53 casos; adiestramiento de la técnica de nutrición artificial en 14 casos. Se realizaron 39 visitas urgentes por complicaciones -fundamentalmente por infección o incontinencia del estoma y por obstrucción de la sonda-. Sólo en 3 pacientes (7,7%) la asistencia domiciliaria indicó el traslado del paciente al Servicio de Urgencias. Conclusión: En nuestro centro, la infraestructura de la HAD ha permitido dar respuesta a las necesidades de los pacientes que reciben SN domiciliario en nuestra área de influencia.The Hospital at Home (HAD) is a choice of care that enables own care in a hospital at home patient. Moreover, the nutritional support (NS) -enteral or parenteral nutrition- is usually indicated in patients with serious underlying disease, and/or frequently remain severely disabled. Aims: To analyze the characteristics of the patients, attended at home for specific questions of the NS that receive. Material and methods: descriptive and retrospective study of the patients attended by the Nutritional Support Unit (NSU), in the area of the HAD, from September 1, 2006 until August 31, 2007. Results: At home, the realized procedure was: refill of gastrostomia or jejunostomia feeding tube in 158 cases; modification of the guideline of enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN) in 53 cases; training of the skill of artificial nutrition in 14 cases. 39 visits were realized by complications -by infection or lead throught the estoma and by obstruction of the feeding tube-. Only in 3 patients (7.7%) the domiciliary assistance indicated the movement of the patient to the Emergency Unit. Conclusion: In our center, the infrastructure of the HAD has allowed to give answer to the needs of the patients who receive NS at home in our area of influence.

Se establece un debate multidisciplinar y multiprofesional para detectar y buscar soluciones plausibles con relación a la Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria y Ambulatoria (NADyA) en España en relación a la insuficiente atención de la administración sobre la problemática global de la desnutrición, al escaso interés del conjunto de los profesionales sanitarios y a la ausencia de una regulación que distinga al paciente en domicilio o en residencia. Se concluye que la normativa actual de la Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria (NED) ha dado lugar a aplicaciones distintas y no contempla toda la realidad clínica asistencial, quedando excluidas de la financiación patologías subsidiarias de esta modalidad terapéutica. Se realizan propuestas de mejora tanto sobre la financiación como sobre las patologías independientemente de la forma de tratamiento nutricional.A multidisciplinary and multiprofessional debate is established trying to detect and find plausible solution sregarding Home-based and Ambulatory Enteral Nutrition (HBAEN) in Spain, due to the little attention paid by the Administration to the global problem of hyponutrition, the little interest showed by the collectivity of health care professionals, and the lack of a regulation differentiating the patient at his/her home and the patient at a nursing home. It was concluded that the current legislation on Home Based Enteral Nutrition (HBEN) has been variedly applied and does not contemplate the real clinical health care, with some pathologies subsidiary of this kind of therapy being excluded. Proposals to improve both financing and pathologies irrespective of the kind of nutritional therapy are made.

La nutrición enteral a domicilio es un tratamiento cada vez más utilizado por las ventajas que comporta no sólo al paciente y familiares o cuidadores (menos riesgo de infecciones nosocomiales y mejor integración socio-familiar) sino también a la administración en el sentido de representar un ahorro en coste económico además de disponer de mas camas de hospitalización. Objetivo: Analizar el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes y familiares o cuidadores en relación a un servicio de Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria (NED) controlado desde la Unidad de Nutrición del Hospital. Metodología: Un cuestionario para los pacientes y otro para los familiares/cuidadores fue remitido a los enfermos que recibiendo nutrición enteral por sonda en su domicilio quisieron voluntariamente colaborar. Cuestionarios similares se remitieron a pacientes ingresados en el hospital tratados con nutrición enteral así como a sus posibles cuidadores en el caso de que recibieran este tratamiento a domicilio. Resultados: De acuerdo con los resultados, en general los pacientes y cuidadores consideran bueno o muy bueno el servicio recibido. Si este tratamiento se ofrece en el domicilio lo habitual es que quieran seguir con esta modalidad y no volver al hospital para recibirlo. Finalmente, la posibilidad de disponer de contacto telefónico seguido de visita si es necesaria, es la preferencia de elección. Conclusiones: Los resultados de las encuestas realizadas en nuestros pacientes/familiares permiten concluir que la nutrición enteral domiciliaría dentro de un programa de atención y seguimiento a domicilio controlado desde la Unidad de Nutrición del hospital de referencia es un tratamiento muy bien aceptado tanto por pacientes como por familiares de los mismos o cuidadores.Home enteral nutrition is a treatment carried out frequently due to advantages for patients and caregivers (lower risk of nosocomial infections and better integration in socio-familiar media) but also for the health administration because of the lower economic cost and the release of hospital beds. Objetive: To investigate patients' and caregivers' satisfaction related to tube enteral nutrition administered at home by a Service controlled and followed by the Nutritional Support Unit from the reference hospital. Methods: One questionnaire for the patients and another for the caregivers were delivered to the patients with home enteral nutrition asking for voluntary response. Similar questionnaires were sent to hospitalized patients and their relatives or possible caregivers. Results: According to the results of the questionnaires, the majority of patients and relatives were satisfied with the service received. In the cases in which the service was offered at home, the preference was to continue there and not to return to the hospital. Finally, the possibility of telephone contact and home visits were the most important factors that influenced patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Our results let us conclude that home enteral nutrition controlled and followed up by the Nutritional Support Unit form the hospital is a treatment well accepted both by patients and relatives.

Los registros son bases de datos que proporcionan información sobre una actuación o patología concreta en una población determinada. En el caso de la nutrición artificial domiciliaria (NAD) existen registros de pacientes en diferentes países europeos, EE.UU. y Japón con datos de prevalencia, indicaciones, seguimiento y complicaciones de estos tratamientos. En 1992 se creó en España el grupo NADYA, formado por profesionales con dedicación a la nutrición artificial. Una de sus inquietudes fue la creación de un registro de pacientes con NAD. Se trata de un registro voluntario al que se accede a través de la página web www.nadya-senpe.com. En el año 2005, se introdujeron algunas modificaciones para adaptarlo a la Ley de Protección de Datos. Gracias al trabajo de todos los miembros del grupo NADYA disponemos de muchos datos sobre la NAD en nuestro país. A partir de 1994, con excepción del período 97-98, se han publicado periódicamente registros anuales de nutrición parenteral domiciliaria (NPD) y nutrición enteral domiciliaria (NED), observándose un incremento en el número de pacientes y de centros colaboradores, que nos acercan a la práctica real de la NAD en nuestro país.The registries are databases including information about a treatment or a disease in a definite population. Concerning home artificial nutrition there are registries of patients in different European countries, USA and Japan, collecting data such as the prevalence, indication, follow-up and complications of these treatments. The Spanish group of Home Artificial Nutrition (HAN), NADYA, was established in 1992 with professionals devoted to the practise of artificial nutrition. Since then, one of its wills was the development of the Spanish registry of HAN. This is a voluntary registry accessible through the web page www.nadya-senpe.com. In 2005, this group decided to update the registry according to the Data Protection Law and including other improvements. Thank to the work of all the members of this group we have many data on the practise of HAN in our country. Since 1994, except the years 97-98, the annual registries of patients on home parenteral nutrition and home enteral nutrition have been published periodically, observing an increase in both, the number of patients and collaborating centres, presenting to us the actual practise of HAN in our country.

Objetivo: Comunicar los resultados obtenidos en el registro de Nutrición Parenteral Domiciliaria (NPD) del grupo NADYA-SENPE en los años 2004-2005. Material y métodos: Recopilación de los datos del nuevo registro "on-line" de NPD del grupo NADYA-SENPE en el período 2004-2005. Resultados: Durante el año 2004 se registraron 70 pacientes con NPD (23 hombres y 47 mujeres) pertenecientes a 14 centros hospitalarios. La edad media de los pacientes mayores de 14 años fue de 53,7 ± 14,87 años (m ± DS) y de 6 ± 2,83 años para los menores de 14 años. La enfermedad de base más frecuente fue la neoplasia (24%) seguida de la isquemia mesentérica (19%). Los catéteres más utilizados fueron los tunelizados (75%). Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las sépticas relacionadas con el catéter, con una tasa de 0,98 infecciones/ 103 días. El tiempo de soporte nutricional fue superior a dos años en el 69% de los casos. El suministro de las soluciones de NPD y del material fungible fue proporcionado por las farmacias hospitalarias en el 81% y el 83%, respectivamente. El 54% de los pacientes presentaban un nivel de actividad normal. En la mayoría de los pacientes la causa de finalización de la NPD fue la transición a la dieta oral (41%), o el fallecimiento (28%). Durante el año 2005 se registraron 79 pacientes con NPD (33 hombres y 46 mujeres), pertenecientes a 14 centros hospitalarios. La edad media de los mayores de 14 años fue de 52,39 ± 14,21 años y de 6,5 ± 5,21 años para los menores de 14 años. La enfermedad de base más frecuente fue la neoplasia (22%), seguida de la isquemia mesénterica (15%). El 63% de los pacientes utilizaron catéteres tunelizados. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las sépticas relacionadas con el catéter (1,14 infecciones/ 10³ días). El tiempo de soporte nutricional fue mayor a dos años en un 51% de los pacientes. El suministro de las soluciones de NPD y del fungible fue en el hospital en el 76% y 81%, respectivamente. El nivel de actividad de los pacientes con NPD fue normal en el 50%. Los motivos más frecuentes de finalización del tratamiento fueron la transición a dieta oral/ enteral (41%) y el fallecimiento (31%). Conclusiones: Hemos observado un ligero descenso en el número de pacientes registrados con NPD durante el período 2004-2005, posiblemente en relación con el cambio del registro. Las características generales de los pacientes son similares a las de años anteriores. Se aprecia un aumento en la tasa de complicaciones sépticas relacionadas con el catéter en el año 2005.Objective: To report the results of the Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) registry of the NADYA-SENPE working group of the years 2004 and 2005. Material y methods: We summarized the data of the new on-line HPN registryof the NADYA-SENPE group for the period 2004-2005. Results: During the year 2004, 70 HPN-patients (23 males and 47 females) were registered from 14 hospitals. Mean age of adults was 53,7 ± 14,87 years (m ± SD) and 6 ± 2,83 years for those younger than 14 years. The most frequent etiologies of the intestinal failure were neoplasia (24%) and mesenteric ischaemia (19%). Tunnelled catheters were used in 75% of the patients. The catheterrelated infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 0,98 episodes/103 days. In 69% of the cases the nutritional support was maintained for more than 2 years. HPN solutions and disposables were supplied by the hospital pharmacy in 81% and 83%, respectively. Up to 54% of the patients had a normal activity level. The most frequent reasons to end HPN treatment were the transition to oral intake (41%), or exitus (28%). During the year 2005, 79 patients (33 males and 46 females) were registered from 14 hospitals. Mean age of adults was 52,39 ± 14,21 years and 6,5 ± 5,21 years for those younger than 14 yrs. The most frequent etiologies of the intestinal failure were neoplasia (22%), and mesenteric ischaemia (15%). Tunnelled catheters were used in 63% of the patients. The catheter-related infections were the most frequent complications, with a rate of 1,14 episodes/10³ days. In 51% of the cases the nutritional support was maintained for more than 2 years. HPN solutions and disposables were supplied by the hospital pharmacy in 76% and 81%, respectively. Up to 50% of the patients had a normal activity level. The most frequent reasons to end HPN treatment were the transition to oral/enteral feeding (41%) and exitus (31%). Conclusions: We have observed a mild decrease in the number of HPN patients registered in the period 2004-2005, probably related to the change of the registry. The characteristics of the patients are similar to previous years. We have observed an increase in the septic catheterrelated complications in the year 2005.

There are very few data on trends in prevalence in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in different countries. NADYA is the committee of the Spanish Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition that takes care of the Spanish registry since 1992. Method: A 12-year retrospective study of the activity of the registry was performed.The data were extracted from the NADYA´s database as well as from the publications and abstracts reported on a yearly basis since 1992. Data on years 1993 and 1997-9 were not available. Results: Yearly prevalence has more than doubled to 86 patients since 1992. The number of reporting centres went up to 17 in 2003 (10 centres in 1992) As an average, the number of patients per centre is 5. The prevalence in 2003 was 2.15 patients per million inhabitants. There are trends to increasing age at the time of the first indication (42 years in 1992; 51 in 2003). Ischemic and thrombotic vascular diseases were the most common underlying diagnosis in adults. Tunnelled central venous catheters were chosen in 2/3 of the patients. Only around 17% of the patients received support from home delivery companies (11% in 1992) There were more than 1 complication per patient and year, mostly HPN-related. Conclusions: We found a steadily increase in the number of reported patients and reporting centres over time. Prevalence went up to 2.15 patients per million inhabitants in 2003, still far behind the figures from other western countries. The NADYA registry allows a close follow-up of the evolution of HPN in Spain.Existen pocos datos sobre la evolución de la prevalencia de nutrición parenteral domiciliaria (NPD) en cada país. El grupo de Nutrición Artificial Domiciliaria y Ambulatoria (NADYA) de SENPE se encarga del registro de pacientes en España desde el año 1992. Método: Se evaluó retrospectivamente la actividad del registro en el periodo 1992-2003. Los datos se extrajeron de la base de datos de NADYA así como de las comunicaciones a congresos y publicaciones realizadas por el grupo. No se disponen de datos de los años 1993 y del periodo 1997-9. Resultados: La prevalencia anual se dobló desde 1992 hasta alcanzar los 86 pacientes en 2003. El número de centros que comunicaron pacientes pasó de 10 a 17 en este periodo. Como promedio, el número de pacientes por centro fue 5, aunque sólo un número reducido de centros controla más de 10 pacientes de forma habitual. La prevalencia de NPD en 2003 fue de 2,15 pacientes por millón de habitantes, con un ligero predominio de mujeres (1,6:1). La edad media al inicio de la NPD pasó de 42 años en 1992 a 51 en 2003. La enfermedad vascular isquémica o trombótica fue la causa más común en todo el periodo de estudio; la indicación por obstrucción intestinal por cáncer se mantuvo alrededor del 20%. Excepto el descenso en el número de pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn, el resto de indicaciones sufrió pocas variaciones en el tiempo. Se observó a lo largo del tiempo un leve aumento en el número de pacientes que recibían los servicios a través de una compañía comercial (11% en 1992; 17% en 2003). Para el periodo 2000-3 encontramos que se producía > 1 complicación por paciente al año, generalmente relacionadas con la NPD, aunque con una tendencia mayor a no necesitar ingreso hospitalario por este motivo. Conclusiones: Se ha observado un constante aumento en el número de pacientes y de centros con NPD. La prevalencia de NPD fue de 2,15 pacientes por millón de habitantes en 2003. No ha habido modificaciones sustanciales en las indicaciones, la provisión de material y el seguimiento en todo el periodo de estudio. La tasa de complicaciones relacionadas con la NPD continúa siendo elevada.