Abstract AIM Taurine is considered a semi-essential amino acid characterized by having various physiological functions in the body that modulate mechanisms of action involved in the muscle contraction process, increased energy expenditure, insulin signaling pathway, carbohydrate metabolism, and scavenging free radicals. These functions are crucial for aerobic exercise performance; thus, taurine supplementation may benefit athletes’ performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation on the resting energy expenditure and physical performance of swimming athletes. METHODS In a double-blind study, 14 male swimmers were randomized into two groups: the taurine group (n = 7) and the placebo group (n = 7), which received 3 g per day of taurine or placebo in capsules during 8 weeks. Resting energy expenditure, plasma taurine, physical performance, anthropometry, dietary consumption were measured and an incremental test was performed to determine their maximal front crawl swimming performances before and after the 8-week period. RESULTS The levels of serum taurine (p < 0.0001) and lactate (p = 0.0130) showed a significant increase in the taurine group; however, the other variables were not different. No changes were observed in the resting energy expenditure, mean speed performed, and the anaerobic threshold of the swimmers post-supplementation period. CONCLUSION Supplementation of taurine increased plasma concentrations of this amino acid, but did not lead to significant changes in food intake, rest energy expenditure, and athletes’ performance. However, the supplemented group presented a higher lactate production, suggesting a possible positive effect of taurine on the anaerobic lactic metabolism.

Nutritional iron deficiency anemia is considered the main public health problem of poor less-developed and developing countries. The World Health Organization has estimated that 1.5-2.0 billion persons are anemic. It has been said that close to 1 million deaths are linked to iron deficiency anemia. The groups most vulnerable to this form of anemia are said to be small children and women of reproductive age. Our goal is to show that iron fortification in the water, will control anemia. The method used was a literature review. Methods have been identified to control anemia, but the fortification of water is a more efficient, low cost, reaches the entire population, prevents and treats deficiency anemia. We concluded that the iron fortification of drinking water at home is a simple, effective, and low-priced approach for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia prevalent in poor and developing countries.

A anemia por deficiência nutricional de ferro é considerada o principal problema de saúde pública dos países menos-desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. A Organização Mundial de Saúde estimou que 1,5-2,0 milhões de pessoas são anêmicas. Aproximadamente 1 milhão de mortes estão ligadas a anemia por deficiência de ferro. Os grupos mais vulneráveis a anemia são crianças e mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Nosso objetivo é mostrar que fortificação de ferro na água, irá controlar anemia. O método utilizado foi revisão da literatura. Diversos métodos têm sido identificados para controle da anemia, mas a fortificação da água é uma forma mais eficiente e de baixo custo, atingindo toda a população, previnindo e tratando a anemia por deficiência. Concluímos que a fortificação de ferro na água potável em casa é uma abordagem simples, eficaz e de baixo custo para a prevenção da anemia ferropriva prevalente nos países pobres e em desenvolvimento.

Background/aims: micronutrient deficiency may contribute to a poorer control of diabetes. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the urinary excretion of micronutrients in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: patients with diabetes and controls were assessed regarding food intake, anthropometry, urinary loss of micronutrients and compared by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05). Results: nine diabetic volunteers (52 ± 14 years, BMI 30 ± 11 kg/m² and abdominal circumference (AC) of 99 ± 25 cm) and 9 control individuals (51 ± 16 years, BMI 26 ± 5 kg/m² and AC of 90 ± 13 cm) were studied. Higher iron excretion was observed in the diabetic group and higher magnesium excretion in the control group. Conclusions: the type 2 diabetic patients here studied did not show increased micronutrient excretion in urine when compared to controls.

Introducción/objetivos: la deficiencia de micronutrientes puede contribuir a un menor control de la diabetes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la excreción urinaria de micronutrientes en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Métodos: los pacientes con diabetes y los controles fueron evaluados por la ingesta de alimentos, la antropometría, la pérdida urinaria de micronutrientes y comparados por Mann Whitney no paramétrico (p<0,05). Resultados: fueron evaluados nueve sujetos diabéticos (52 ± 14 años con un IMC de 30 ± 11 kg/m² y la circunferencia de la cintura (CC) de 99 ± 25 cm) y nueve sujetos control (51 ± 16 años, IMC 26 ± 5 kg/m² y CA total de 90 ± 13 cm). La excreción de hierro más alta se observó en el grupo diabético y la mayor excreción de magnesio en el grupo de control. Conclusiones: el tipo 2 de pacientes diabéticos estudiados aquí no mostraron un aumento en la excreción de micronutrientes en la orina en comparación con los controles.

Contexto Ressecções intestinais extensas resultam em perda de fluídos e eletrólitos. Objetivo Avaliar os níveis séricos de minerais e eletrólitos em pacientes com síndrome do intestino curto, dependentes ou não de nutrição parenteral. Métodos O estudo incluiu 22 adultos com síndrome de intestino curto, sendo 11 dependentes de nutrição parenteral (Grupo NP) e 11 sujeitos que recebiam todo aporte nutricional por via oral (Grupo VO). Foram incluídos 14 voluntários saudáveis, pareados para a idade e o gênero (Grupo Controle). A avaliação da ingestão alimentar, antropometria, níveis sanguíneos de sódio, potássio, fósforo, magnésio, cálcio, zinco, ferro e cobre foram documentados em todos os voluntários. Resultados Os níveis sanguíneos de sódio, potássio, fósforo, cálcio e zinco foram similares entre os grupos de estudo. Os níveis séricos de magnésio foram menores no Grupo NP (1,0±0,4 mEq/L) em relação aos demais grupos. Além disso, a concentração desse eletrólito foi menor no Grupo VO (1,4±0,3 mEq/L) em relação ao Grupo Controle (1,8±0,1 mEq/L). Foram documentados menores valores cobre (69±24 vs 73±26 vs 109±16 µg/dL) nos grupos NP e VO quando comparados com o Grupo Controle, respectivamente. Conclusão Hipomagnesemia e hipocupremia são distúrbios eletrolíticos comumente observados na síndrome de intestino curto. Os pacientes com ressecção intestinal extensa requerem monitorização e suplementação de magnésio e cobre a fim de prevenir deficiências.

Background Patients with short bowel syndrome have significant fluid and electrolytes loss. Objective Evaluate the mineral and electrolyte status in short bowel syndrome patients receiving intermittent parenteral nutrition or oral feeding. Methods Twenty two adults with short bowel syndrome, of whom 11 were parenteral nutrition dependent (PN group), and the 11 remaining had been weaned off parenteral nutrition for at least 1 year and received all nutrients by oral feeding (OF group). The study also included 14 healthy volunteers paired by age and gender (control group). Food ingestion, anthropometry, serum or plasma levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and copper were evaluated. PN group subjects were evaluated before starting a new parenteral nutrition cycle. Results The levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and zinc were similar between the groups. The magnesium value was lower in the PN group (1.0 ± 0.4 mEq /L) than other groups. Furthermore, this electrolyte was lower in the OF group (1.4 ± 0.3 mEq /L) when compared to the Control group (1.8 ± 0.1 mEq/L). Lower values of copper (69±24 vs 73±26 vs 109±16 µg/dL) were documented, respectively, for the PN and OF groups when compared to the control group. Conclusion Hypomagnesemia and hypocupremia are electrolyte disturbances commonly observed in short bowel syndrome. Patients with massive intestinal resection require monitoring and supplementation in order to prevent magnesium and copper deficiencies.

Objective Bone loss has been established as a major extra-intestinal complication of short bowel syndrome (SBS). The purpose of this study was to correlate bone mineral density (BMD) with body mass index (BMI), serum vitamin and mineral levels in patients with SBS.Material and methods The study was conducted on 13 patients (8 male and 5 female, 54.7 ± 11.4 years) with SBS (residual small bowel length of 10 to 100 cm). We determined the food ingestion, anthropometry, serum levels of vitamins C, A, D, E and K, as well as serum and urinary levels of phosphorus and calcium. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).Results Osteopenia and osteoporosis was diagnosed in all but one SBS patient. Serum levels of vitamin D were low in all volunteers. Sixty-one percent of patients had vitamin E deficiency; hypovitaminosis A and C occurred in one subject. BMI and C, E and K vitamin serum levels correlated with T-score of BMD.Conclusions Osteopenia and osteoporosis were common in SBS patients. There was a correlation between BMD and the serum levels of vitamins C, E and K, an indicative that such vitamins may influence bone health. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(3):252-8

Introduction: Short bowel syndrome is associated with weight loss due to nutrient, electrolyte and fluid malabsorption. In view of the pathophysiology of SBS, all patients would be expected to exhibit similar clinical signs and symptoms, whereas many variations occur probably due to the adaptive capacity of the remaining small intestine in order to compensate for the resected area. Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in nutritional status and food intake between patients receiving PNT, patients who do not receive PNT but are monitored on an ambulatory basis, and control subjects, and 2) to determine body composition by two different methods, i.e., electrical bioimpedance and skin fold measurement. Methods: This was a case-control study where the subjects were divided into three groups: parenteral group (PG) - adults with a history of SBS intermittently using PNT; ambulatory group (AG) - adults with a history of SBS who do not receive PNT; control group (CG) - adults with no history of intestinal resections and/or use of PNT. The volunteers were submitted to measurements of body weight, height, body composition by bioimpedance analysis and assessment of food intake using a food frequency questionnaire. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aid of the SAS® 9.2. software, using the PROC GLM feature. The Student t-test was used to compare the instruments for the assessment of body composition, with the aid of the PROC TTEST feature of the SAS® 9.2 software. Results: Thirty-two volunteers, 19 women and 13 men, participated in the study. The PNT group consisted of 9 volunteers, 4 women and 5 men, with a mean (± SD) age of 57 ± 9 years. The nutrition status and food intake were different between the groups. There was no difference in percent body fat measured by anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis. Discussion and conclusion: Large resections, as well as the resected portions, explain the greater nutritional impairment of PG compared to AG and CG, although no significant difference in food consumption was detected between these three groups. Since the use of PNT can lead to a state of hyperhydration, the results of BIA should be interpreted with caution, in view of the fact that the lean mass determined by this method varies positively with the hydration state of an individual.

Introducción: El síndrome del intestino corto se asocia con pérdida de peso por la malabsorción de nutrientes, electrolitos y líquidos. A la vista de la fisiopatología del SIC, se esperaría que todos los pacientes exhibieran signos y síntomas clínicos similares, mientras que pueden ocurrir variaciones probablemente por la capacidad de adaptación del intestino delgado restante con el fin de compensar el área resecada. Objetivo: Determinar si existen diferencias en el estado nutritivo y en el consumo de alimentos entre pacientes que reciben TNP, aquellos que no reciben TNP pero que están monitorizados de forma ambulatoria e individuos control, y 2) determinar la composición corporal mediante dos métodos distintos: la bioimpedancia eléctrica y la medición del pliegue cutáneo. Métodos: Éste fue un estudio de casos-control en el que se dividió a los sujetos en tres grupos: el grupo de parenteral (GP) - adultos con una historia de SIC y con uso intermitente de TNP; grupo ambulatorio (GA) - adultos con una historia de SIC que no recibían TNP; grupo control (GC) - adultos sin antecedentes de resecciones intestinales ni uso de TNP. Los voluntarios fueron sometidos a mediciones del peso corporal, talla, composición corporal mediante análisis de bioimpedancia y evaluación del consumo de alimentos utilizando un cuestionario de frecuencia de alimentos. Se realizó un análisis de varianza (ANOVA) con la ayuda del programa SAS® 9.2, utilizando la aplicación PROC GLM. Se empleó el test t de Student para comparar los instrumentos de la evaluación de la composición corporal, con la ayuda de la aplicación PROC TTEST del programa SAS® 9.2. Resultados: 32 voluntarios, 19 mujeres y 13 hombres, participaron en el estudio. El grupo TNP estaba compuesto de 9 voluntarios, 4 mujeres y 5 hombres, con una edad media (± DE) de 57 ± 9 años. El estado nutritivo y el consumo de alimentos fueron diferentes entre los grupos. No hubo diferencias en el porcentaje de grasa corporal medida por antropometría y análisis de bioimpedancia. Discusión y conclusión: Las resecciones largas, así como las porciones resecadas, explican la mayor alteración nutricional del grupo GP en comparación con los grupos GA y GC, aunque no se detectaron diferencias significativas en el consumo de alimentos entre los tres grupos. Puesto que el empleo de TNP puede conducir a un estado de hiperhidratación, los resultados del ABI deberían interpretarse con precaución puesto que la masa magra determinada por este método varía positivamente con el estado de hidratación de un individuo.

Hidrotórax secundário à infusão de nutrição parenteral é uma condição rara, embora se apresente cada vez mais comum. Neste relato de caso, uma paciente com síndrome do intestino curto desenvolveu instabilidade hemodinâmica e insuficiência respiratória algumas horas após o início da infusão de nutrição parenteral. Ressaltamos também as manobras para evitar e tratar tal complicação.

Hydrothorax due to parenteral nutrition infusion is a rare, although increasingly common event. This report shows a short bowel patient who developed hemodynamic instability and respiratory failure few hours after parenteral nutrition infusion's start. We also emphasize the maneuvers to avoid and treat such complication.

RACIONAL: Operações bariátricas têm sido consideradas alternativa para o tratamento de obesidade mórbida. Alguns eventos adversos que as pessoas experimentam após o tratamento frequentemente são consequência da falta de conhecimento consistente associada a fatores psicossociais que estão relacionadas ao status pré-operatório dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as variáveis ?psicossociais de 414 candidatos ? cirurgia bari?trica do Hospital de Cl?nicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de S?o Paulo, Ribeir?o Preto, SP, Brasil. psicossociais de 414 candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica do Hospital de Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados entrevista semi-estruturada, Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI), Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI) e Binge Eating Scale (BES). RESULTADOS: IMC foi maior entre os pacientes que não tinham emprego (p = 0,019), do sexo feminino, os que tinham um parceiro e os pacientes com IMC <50 kg / m², todos eles desejando ter peso menor (p<0,001). Escores do BAI foram maiores entre os pacientes que não tinham emprego (p <0,05) e maior naqueles com IMC> 50 kg / m² (p <0,05). BDI foram mais altos entre as mulheres (p <0,05) e menores entre aqueles que tinham um emprego (p <0,01). Nenhuma diferença no BES foi encontrada. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados sugerem que as mulheres apresentaram indicadores mais elevados de ansiedade e depressão, sugerindo que elas tinham funcionamento psicológico mais frágil com dificuldades em lidar com a angústia. Auto-percepção, assim como competências e habilidades, podem refletir aspectos internos da personalidade do indivíduo. Pacientes que tiveram um emprego antes da operação parecia ter mais recursos emocionais. Assim, eles podiam sentir menos sofrimento, porque o emprego podia protegê-los. Mulheres e aqueles que não tinham emprego eram mais propensos a apresentar sintomas de depressão. Além disso, pacientes que não tinham emprego e aqueles com IMC> 50 kg / m² foram mais propensos a apresentar sintomas de ansiedade.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgeries have been considered an alternative for treatment of morbid obesity. Some adverse events that people experience after the treatment frequently are the consequence of the lack of consistent knowledge associated with psychosocial factors that are related to the pre-surgery status of the patients. AIM: To evaluate psychosocial variables of 414 candidates for bariatric surgery from Clinical Hospital of Medical School at University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. METHODS: Semi-structured interview, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Binge Eating Scale (BES) were used. RESULTS: BMI was higher among patients who had no employment (p = 0.019). Female, patients who had a partner and patients with a BMI < 50 kg/m², all of them desired have a lower weight (p < 0.001). BAI scores were higher among patients who had no employment (p < 0.05) and higher among those with a BMI > 50 kg/m² (p < 0.05). BDI scores were higher among women (p < 0.05) and lower among those who had an employment (p < 0.01). No difference in BES was found. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that women showed higher indicators of anxiety and depression, suggesting that they had a more fragile psychological functioning with difficulties in coping with distress. Self-perception as well as skills and abilities, may reflect internal aspects of individual's personality. Patients who had an employment before surgery seemed have more emotional resources. So, they may feel less distress because the employment may protect them. Women and those who did not have an employment were more likely to experience depression symptoms. Furthermore, patients who did not have an employment and those with BMI> 50 kg / m² were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os níveis séricos de vitaminas e dos marcadores de estresse oxidativo e inflamatório antes e após enxerto cutâneo para correção de pequenas áreas de cicatrizes hipertróficas de queimaduras. MÉTODOS: O estudo prospectivo foi conduzido com oito pacientes com mediana de idade de 28 anos (variação de 16 a 40 anos) que apresentavam cicatrizes fibróticas decorrentes de queimaduras. Todos os pacientes foram admitidos em Unidade de Queimados para serem submetidos a enxertos autólogos [3,3 (1,0 a 5,0)% da superfície corporal]. Os voluntários foram avaliados antes e 48 horas após a excisão do tecido cicatricial e do enxerto autólogo. Exames laboratoriais de rotina, além do questionário alimentar e da antropometria foram obtidos no período pré-operatório. Os níveis séricos das vitaminas A, C, E, B12 e ácido fólico, os marcadores inflamatórios (proteína C reativa, alfa-1-glicoproteína ácida e ferritina) e marcadores de estresse oxidativo (glutationa reduzida - GSH e Substâncias Reativas do Ácido Tiobarbitúrico - TBARS) foram determinados nas fases pré e pós-operatórias. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Wilcoxon pareado. RESULTADOS: Todos os voluntários estavam clinicamente estáveis e apresentavam estado nutricional adequado à admissão hospitalar. Após a cirurgia, houve aumento dos níveis séricos de proteína C reativa [0,4 (0,01-1,0) vs 2,5 (0,6-4,7) mg/dL, p=0,01], enquanto houve redução nos níveis de vitamina A [3,4 (2,1-4,2) vs 2,4 (1,6-4,1) µmol/L, p=0,01]. Não houve mudanças nos níveis séricos de outras vitaminas, ferritina, alfa-1-glicoproteína ácida, GSH e TBARS. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com bom estado nutricional e sem evidência de atividade inflamatória ou infecciosa ocorrem mudanças metabólicas mínimas após enxerto autólogo de pequenas áreas de cicatrizes de queimadura.

PURPOSE: To compare vitamin levels, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers before and after skin autograft surgery to correct burn scar areas. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted with 8 patients with a median age of 28 years (range, 16 to 40 years) that had burn sequelae and were admitted to a Burn Unit for correction of small burn scar areas [3.3 (1.0-5.0) % of the corporal surface]. The volunteers were evaluated before and 48 hours after excision of scar tissue and skin autograft. Routine laboratory data, along with a food questionnaire and anthropometry were collected in the preoperative period. Serum vitamin A, C, E, B12 and folic acid levels, inflammatory markers (C-protein reactive, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, ferritin) and oxidative stress markers (reduced glutathione - GSH and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances - TBARS) were determined at preoperative and postoperative phases. Data were analyzed with two-sample Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: All volunteers were clinically stable and had adequate nutritional status at admission. After surgery, C-reactive protein serum levels increased [0.4 (0.01-1.0) vs. 2.5 (0.6-4.7) mg/dL, p=0.01] and vitamin A levels decreased [3.4 (2.1-4.2) vs. 2.4 (1.6-4.1) µmol/L, p=0.01]. No changes occurred in other vitamins, ferrritin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, GSH and TBARS levels. CONCLUSION: Minimal metabolic changes were produced after skin autograft in small areas of well-nourished patients without active infection or inflammation.

A síndrome do intestino curto é definida pela incapacidade da superfície do intestino delgado em manter as condições adequadas de absorção de nutrientes, ocasionando deficiências nutricionais. Em adultos, as principais causas de síndrome do intestino curto são as ressecções cirúrgicas amplas ou múltiplas, secundárias a infarto mesentérico, doença de Crohn e enterite actínica. Além de avaliar o tempo de trânsito até o intestino grosso, o exame contrastado de trânsito intestinal pode ser utilizado na medição da extensão do intestino remanescente e no acompanhamento dos fenômenos de adaptação estrutural das alças delgadas e colônicas. Em pacientes com síndrome do intestino curto, a adaptação estrutural do intestino delgado consiste na hiperplasia das vilosidades e das pregas mucosas, que se tornam mais numerosas, profundas e de maior diâmetro, assim como a dilatação do segmento remanescente. Esses achados morfológicos são mais pronunciados e bem estabelecidos nas alças ileais, evidenciando sua maior capacidade adaptativa. O conhecimento dos achados por imagem das características morfológicas e adaptativas do intestino delgado é de grande importância na abordagem multidisciplinar da síndrome do intestino curto.

Short bowel syndrome is defined as the small bowel functional absorptive surface inability to provide adequate nutrition, leading to intestinal failure and chronic malnutrition. In adult individuals the main etiologies for short bowel syndrome are related to extensive or multiple surgical bowel resections secondary to mesenteric ischemia, Crohn's disease and actinic enteritis. Besides evaluating the transit time through the large bowel, barium follow through may be utilized in the measurement of bowel remnants length as well as in the follow-up of structural adaptation phenomena of small bowel and colonic loops. In patients with short bowel syndrome, structural small bowel adaptation consists in hyperplasia of villi and mucosal folds, which become more numerous, deeper and larger in diameter, as well as remnant segment dilation. Such morphological findings are more prominent and best established in the ileal loops, whose remarkable adaptive capacity has been well documented. Therefore, the knowledge of imaging findings regarding morphological and adaptive characteristics of the small bowel is extremely relevant in the multidisciplinary approach to short bowel syndrome.

Os objetivos eram descrever a associação entre índice de massa corporal (IMC, kg/m²), porcentagem de gordura e fatores de risco para doenças metabólicas; observar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica e relacionar às características de mulheres com sobrepeso e obesas. As voluntárias (n=50; IMC=31±6; idade=36±11 anos) eram avaliadas quanto ao exame clínico, medidas antropométricas, coletas de sangue e urina, gasto energético de repouso e registro alimentar. Fases em que se tornaram obesas em ordem decrescente: idade adulta, gravidez, adolescência, depois dos 40 anos e depois do casamento. O odds de ter um ou mais familiares obesos era de 316%. Eram ansiosas (60%), depressivas (12%), compulsivas (34%) e com distúrbios do sono (32%). O odds para dislipidemia era 28%, hipertensão, 25% e para glicemia acima de 100 mg/dL era de 35%. Elas estavam em déficit calórico, mas o balanço nitrogenado era positivo. A síndrome metabólica era presente em 25% delas e estava positivamente correlacionada a indicadores da gordura corporal e idade. A obesidade destas mulheres era multifatorial com influência familiar, podendo ter contribuições genéticas e ambientais. O equilíbrio físico/emocional parece ter influenciado neste processo.

The objectives were to describe the association between body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), body composition and risk factors to metabolic diseases; observe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and list the characteristics of overweight and obese women. Voluntaries (n=50; BMI=31±6; age=36±11 years old), were evaluated regarding clinical examination, anthropometrics measurements, samples of blood and urine, resting energy expenditure and food register. Phases in which they become obese in descending order: adulthood, pregnancy, adolescence, over 40 years old and after marriage. The odds to have one or more obese family members were 316%. They were anxious (60%), depressives (12%), compulsives (34%) and had sleep disturbance (32%). The odds to dyslipidemia was 28%, to hypertension was 25% and to glucose over 100 mg/dL 35%. They were in caloric deficit, but, nitrogen balance was positive. The metabolic syndrome was present in 25% of these women and was positively correlated with body fat indicators and age. The obesity of these women seems to be multifactorial with a family influence that could be caused by genetics and environment contributions. The emotional/physical balance should be influenced on this process.

Os objetivos eram descrever a associação entre índice de massa corporal (IMC, kg/m²), porcentagem de gordura e fatores de risco para doenças metabólicas; observar a prevalência da síndrome metabólica e relacionar às características de mulheres com sobrepeso e obesas. As voluntárias (n=50; IMC=31±6; idade=36±11 anos) eram avaliadas quanto ao exame clínico, medidas antropométricas, coletas de sangue e urina, gasto energético de repouso e registro alimentar. Fases em que se tornaram obesas em ordem decrescente: idade adulta, gravidez, adolescência, depois dos 40 anos e depois do casamento. O odds de ter um ou mais familiares obesos era de 316%. Eram ansiosas (60%), depressivas (12%), compulsivas (34%) e com distúrbios do sono (32%). O odds para dislipidemia era 28%, hipertensão, 25% e para glicemia acima de 100 mg/dL era de 35%. Elas estavam em déficit calórico, mas o balanço nitrogenado era positivo. A síndrome metabólica era presente em 25% delas e estava positivamente correlacionada a indicadores da gordura corporal e idade. A obesidade destas mulheres era multifatorial com influência familiar, podendo ter contribuições genéticas e ambientais. O equilíbrio físico/emocional parece ter influenciado neste processo.

The objectives were to describe the association between body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), body composition and risk factors to metabolic diseases; observe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and list the characteristics of overweight and obese women. Voluntaries (n=50; BMI=31±6; age=36±11 years old), were evaluated regarding clinical examination, anthropometrics measurements, samples of blood and urine, resting energy expenditure and food register. Phases in which they become obese in descending order: adulthood, pregnancy, adolescence, over 40 years old and after marriage. The odds to have one or more obese family members were 316%. They were anxious (60%), depressives (12%), compulsives (34%) and had sleep disturbance (32%). The odds to dyslipidemia was 28%, to hypertension was 25% and to glucose over 100 mg/dL 35%. They were in caloric deficit, but, nitrogen balance was positive. The metabolic syndrome was present in 25% of these women and was positively correlated with body fat indicators and age. The obesity of these women seems to be multifactorial with a family influence that could be caused by genetics and environment contributions. The emotional/physical balance should be influenced on this process.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a freqüência de infecção relacionada ao cateter venoso central em pacientes submetidos a terapia nutricional parenteral. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os cateteres venosos centrais de pacientes em terapia nutricional parenteral que tiveram a indicação de retirada do cateter venoso central por infecção, alta hospitalar, ou trombose. Os pacientes com infecção foram denominados de Grupo 1 e os demais de Grupo 2. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante quanto ao estado nutricional dos 18 pacientes analisados. Foram analisados 28 cateteres e destes 68% estavam infectados, sendo 72% do Grupo 1 e 28% do Grupo 2 (assintomáticos). No Grupo 1, houve infecção sistêmica em 70% dos casos, já no Grupo 2 a hemocultura foi positiva em 17% dos casos. A colonização por Staphylococcus sp. ocorreu em 48% dos casos, seguida de Candida sp. (21%), Enterococcus faecalis (16%), Pseudomonas aerurginosa (10%) e Proteus sp.(5%). CONCLUSÃO: A contaminação de cateter venoso central utilizado para terapia nutricional parenteral é freqüente. Mesmo pacientes assintomáticos recebendo nutrição parenteral têm uma incidência maior de infecção por Candida sp. Portanto é necessária a criação de barreiras que impeçam a colonização destes cateteres venosos centrais, a fim de diminuir a morbimortalidade de pacientes dependentes deste tipo de terapia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of central venous catheter-related infections in hospitalized patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. METHODS: Central venous catheters were analyzed immediately after removal due to infection, hospital discharge or thrombosis. The patients with catheter-related infection were named Group 1 and the other patients were named Group 2. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were studied. There was no statistically significant difference in nutritional status between the two groups. A total of 28 catheters were analyzed. Sixty-eight percent of the catheters were infected: 72% of them were from Group 1 and 28% from Group 2 (asymptomatic patients). Systemic infection was diagnosed in 70% of the patients from Group 1. Positive blood culture was found in 17% of the patients from Group 2. The microorganisms found were: Staphylococcus sp. (48%), Candida sp. (21%), Enterococcus faecalis (16%), Pseudomonas aerurginosa (10%) and Proteus sp. (5%). CONCLUSION: Central venous catheter infection is common in hospitalized asymptomatic patients. Patients receiving total parenteral nutrition are most frequently infected with Candida sp. Therefore, the creation of barriers that block colonization in the central venous catheter is essential to decrease the morbidity and mortality among patients that depend on total parenteral nutrition.