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Nutritional follow-up of patients with ulcerative colitis during periods of intestinal inflammatory activity and remission

Abstracts

CONTEXT: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease involving superficial inflammation of the mucosa of the colon, rectum, and anus, sometimes including the terminal ileum. When in clinical activity, the disease is characterized by various daily evacuations containing blood, mucus and/or pus alternating periods of remission. OBJECTIVE: To compare nutritional parameters (dietary, biochemical and anthropometric) among patients with ulcerative colitis followed up on an outpatient basis over a period of 1 year and during periods of intestinal inflammatory activity and remission. METHODS: Sixty-five patients were studied over a period of 1 year and divided into two groups: group 1 with inflammatory disease activity (n = 24), and group 2 without disease activity (n = 41). Anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters, quantitative food intake, and qualitative food frequency were analyzed. RESULTS: A significant reduction in body mass index and weight and in the intake of energy, proteins, lipids, calcium, iron and phosphorus was observed in the group with inflammatory activity (group 1) when compared to the period of clinical remission. The most affected food groups were cereals, legumes, oils, and fats. In contrast, in group 2 significant differences in triceps and sub scapular skin fold thickness, total protein, hemoglobin and hematocrit were observed between the first and final visit. Calcium and vitamin B6 intake, as well as the consumption of legumes, meat and eggs, and sugar and sweets, was significantly higher than on the first visit. CONCLUSION: Patients with ulcerative colitis followed up on an outpatient basis tend to be well nourished. However, the nutritional aspects studied tend to worsen during the period of inflammatory disease activity.

Proctocolitis; Nutrition assessment; Risk groups


CONTEXTO: A retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica compreende uma das doenças inflamatórias intestinais, com características de inflamação superficial da mucosa do cólon, reto, ânus, podendo incluir o íleo terminal. Caracteriza-se por várias exonerações diárias, com a presença de sangue e/ou pus, cursando em períodos de atividade e remissão inflamatória intestinal. OBJETIVO: Comparar os parâmetros nutricionais (alimentares, bioquímicos e antropométricos) em pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica acompanhados em ambulatório, durante a atividade e remissão da doença inflamatória, no período de 1 ano. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 65 pacientes durante 1 ano e divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 com atividade inflamatória da doença (n = 24) e grupo 2 sem atividade da doença (n = 41), e analisadas as medidas antropométricas, os exames bioquímicos, o consumo alimentar quantitativo e a frequência alimentar qualitativa. RESULTADOS: O grupo com atividade inflamatória (grupo 1) apresentou redução estatisticamente significante no índice de massa corpórea, peso, no consumo de energia, proteínas, lipídios, cálcio, ferro e fósforo, em relação ao período de remissão clínica. Os grupos alimentares com significado prejuízo foram os cereais, as leguminosas, os óleos e as gorduras. Já no grupo 2, foram observadas alterações com significância estatística na dobra cutânea tricipital e subescapular, nos valores de proteínas totais, hemoglobina e hematócrito da consulta inicial para a final. Encontrou-se consumo de cálcio e vitamina B6, assim como na ingestão do grupo das leguminosas, carnes e ovos, açúcares e doces maiores significativamente do que na consulta inicial. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica, acompanhados em ambulatório, tendem a ser bem nutridos, mas na fase de atividade inflamatória da doença, há tendência na piora dos aspectos nutricionais estudados.

Proctocolite; Avaliação nutricional; Grupos de risco


ORIGINAL ARTICLE ARTIGO ORIGINAL

Nutritional follow-up of patients with ulcerative colitis during periods of intestinal inflammatory activity and remission

Juliana Ripoli; Sender Jankiel Miszputen; Orlando Ambrogini Jr.; Luciana de Carvalho

Departamento de Gastroenterologia Clínica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Correspondence Correspondence to RD Juliana Ripoli Rua Domingos Iori, 67 18970-000 - Chavantes, SP, Brazil E-mail: julianaripolirodrigues@yahoo.com.br

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease involving superficial inflammation of the mucosa of the colon, rectum, and anus, sometimes including the terminal ileum. When in clinical activity, the disease is characterized by various daily evacuations containing blood, mucus and/or pus alternating periods of remission.

OBJECTIVE: To compare nutritional parameters (dietary, biochemical and anthropometric) among patients with ulcerative colitis followed up on an outpatient basis over a period of 1 year and during periods of intestinal inflammatory activity and remission.

METHODS: Sixty-five patients were studied over a period of 1 year and divided into two groups: group 1 with inflammatory disease activity (n = 24), and group 2 without disease activity (n = 41). Anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters, quantitative food intake, and qualitative food frequency were analyzed.

RESULTS: A significant reduction in body mass index and weight and in the intake of energy, proteins, lipids, calcium, iron and phosphorus was observed in the group with inflammatory activity (group 1) when compared to the period of clinical remission. The most affected food groups were cereals, legumes, oils, and fats. In contrast, in group 2 significant differences in triceps and sub scapular skin fold thickness, total protein, hemoglobin and hematocrit were observed between the first and final visit. Calcium and vitamin B6 intake, as well as the consumption of legumes, meat and eggs, and sugar and sweets, was significantly higher than on the first visit.

CONCLUSION: Patients with ulcerative colitis followed up on an outpatient basis tend to be well nourished. However, the nutritional aspects studied tend to worsen during the period of inflammatory disease activity.

Headings: Proctocolitis. Nutrition assessment. Risk groups.

RESUMO

CONTEXTO: A retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica compreende uma das doenças inflamatórias intestinais, com características de inflamação superficial da mucosa do cólon, reto, ânus, podendo incluir o íleo terminal. Caracteriza-se por várias exonerações diárias, com a presença de sangue e/ou pus, cursando em períodos de atividade e remissão inflamatória intestinal.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os parâmetros nutricionais (alimentares, bioquímicos e antropométricos) em pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica acompanhados em ambulatório, durante a atividade e remissão da doença inflamatória, no período de 1 ano.

MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 65 pacientes durante 1 ano e divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 com atividade inflamatória da doença (n = 24) e grupo 2 sem atividade da doença (n = 41), e analisadas as medidas antropométricas, os exames bioquímicos, o consumo alimentar quantitativo e a frequência alimentar qualitativa.

RESULTADOS: O grupo com atividade inflamatória (grupo 1) apresentou redução estatisticamente significante no índice de massa corpórea, peso, no consumo de energia, proteínas, lipídios, cálcio, ferro e fósforo, em relação ao período de remissão clínica. Os grupos alimentares com significado prejuízo foram os cereais, as leguminosas, os óleos e as gorduras. Já no grupo 2, foram observadas alterações com significância estatística na dobra cutânea tricipital e subescapular, nos valores de proteínas totais, hemoglobina e hematócrito da consulta inicial para a final. Encontrou-se consumo de cálcio e vitamina B6, assim como na ingestão do grupo das leguminosas, carnes e ovos, açúcares e doces maiores significativamente do que na consulta inicial.

CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa inespecífica, acompanhados em ambulatório, tendem a ser bem nutridos, mas na fase de atividade inflamatória da doença, há tendência na piora dos aspectos nutricionais estudados.

Descritores: Proctocolite. Avaliação nutricional. Grupos de risco.

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) comprise a variety of disorders that result from the continuous activation of the immunoinflammatory cascade, whose etiology has not been defined in some cases. Classical IBD include Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and indeterminate colitis. These diseases are chronic and are characterized by alternating periods of recurrence and remission(35, 37).

UC is the result of inflammation which is limited to the colonic mucosa; the terminal ileum may be involved in rare cases(9, 34, 35, 38). In Europe, the incidence of UC is approximately 10 to 20 new cases per 100,000/year, with a prevalence of 100 to 200 patients/100,000 inhabitants(9, 29, 30, 35, 40). No epidemiological surveys regarding the prevalence of UC in Brazil are available. According to Miszputen(35), Brazil is rated as a geographic area of low frequency of this disease based on data from the World Gastroenterology Organization. Various genetic, immunological and environmental factors have been associated with UC(9, 37). As an environmental factor, diet may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease, but conclusive studies are still lacking(36).

Malnutrition in IBD is multifactorial, with anorexia, nausea, unnecessary food restrictions, increased intestinal loss of electrolytes, minerals, trace elements and blood, increased energy and nutritional requirements (sepsis, fever, increased cell turnover), and interaction between drugs and nutrients contributing to this condition(2, 13, 14, 21, 27, 28, 31, 34, 36). Patients with UC are frequently concerned that some foods aggravate their gastrointestinal symptoms and often modify their diet in an attempt to control their symptoms or to prevent recurrence of the disease. This becomes significant when the patient reduces or avoids certain foods to an extent that may lead to the onset of a nutritional deficiency. No epidemiological data are available but it is expected that food intake is limited during clinical activity and not during remission of the disease(14, 26, 31, 36). Among the foods most cited in the literature are the limited ingestion of milk and its derivatives and fibers, which are often reported to be unnecessary, thus resulting in a supply that lacks essential nutrients(3, 5, 10, 11, 14, 20, 31, 32, 33, 43).

Nutritional follow-up by nutritionists, gastroenterologists and clinicians is considered to be of fundamental importance for patients with UC during both the phase of remission and of inflammatory activity.

The objective of this study was to compare nutritional parameters (dietary, biochemical and anthropometric) among patients with UC followed up on an outpatient basis over a period of 1 year and during periods of intestinal inflammatory activity and remission.

METHODS

Eighty-four patients with a diagnosis of UC consecutively seen at the IBD outpatient clinic of the Gastroenterology Department (Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP), who were followed up between January 2004 and August 2006, were included for this prospective study and called general population.

Criteria for inclusion were a definitive diagnosis of UC, understanding of the food record and agreement to the free informed consent form and excluded those with a history of surgery (total colectomy), patients with associated chronic diseases (neurological disorders, renal failure, liver diseases, cancer, and sclerosing cholangitis), and pregnant women.

During the study, 19 subjects (22.62%) were excluded because they did not attend the previously scheduled visits or because they could not be contacted by telephone or mail according to their data reported during the initial interview. Sixty-five patients concluded the protocol and were individually followed up over a period of 1 year at intervals of 3 months, for a total of five visits per patient including the entry visit.

The patients were submitted to the following evaluations on all visits: determination of clinical disease activity using the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index(24, 45), nutritional status (anthropometry), dietary assessment (food record and food frequency questionnaire) and biochemical tests.

The 65 patients who attended all visits were subdivided into two groups based on the disease activity index throughout follow-up. Group 1 consisted of patients who presented inflammatory activity on some visit during the study period (n = 24), and group 2, with those who were in remission throughout the study (n = 41). In group 1, the variables were analyzed by comparing the same patient during recurrence and remission of the inflammatory process. In group 2, data from the same patient were compared between the first and final visit.

Anthropometric data were collected on all visits as follows:

• Height was measured with a sliding bar attached to a scale to the nearest 0.5 cm;

• Weight was measured on a calibrated Filizola® scale to the nearest 0.1 kg, with the subject barefoot and wearing minimal clothing;

• Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (m2)(46);

• Triceps (TST) and subscapular skinfold thickness (SST) was measured with a caliper to the nearest 0.1 mm on the right arm. Measurements were made in triplicate and means were calculated(6, 12);

• Arm circumference (AC) was measured with metric tape to the nearest 1 cm on the right arm. This parameter was used to calculate arm muscle circumference (AMC) and arm muscle area (AMA)(6, 12);

• AMC was calculated by the following formula: AMC (cm) = (AC (cm) - π) x TST (mm). AMA was calculated by the formula AMA (cm2) = (AMC)2/4 π. AMA was corrected for bone area by subtracting 6.5 cm2 for women and 10 cm2 for men aged 18 to 65 years(6, 12).

The following biochemical parameters were determined: albumin(16), hemoglobin and hematocrit(4), total lymphocyte count (TLC) calculated based on the percentage of lymphocytes and number of leukocytes using the formula TLC = % lymphocytes x leukocytes/100(4), iron, ferritin, total protein(42), leukocytes, and lymphocytes(22).

A quantitative food record was kept by the patient for 3 predetermined days (Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays) in the same week as the scheduled visit. The mean of the three records was used for analysis.

The NUTWIN Nutrition Support Program (2003) developed by the Health Informatics Studies Center of UNIFESP/EPM was used to calculate the intake of the following nutrients:

• Macronutrients: total energy (kcal), energy (kcal/kg) current weight, protein (g), total protein/kg current weight, lipids (g), carbohydrates (g), and fibers (g).

• Minerals: calcium (mg), copper (mg), iron (mg), magnesium (mg), manganese (mg), phosphorus (mg), sodium (mg), potassium (mg), zinc (mg), folate (µg), and pantothenic acid (mg).

• Vitamins: vitamin A (IU), vitamin C (mg), thiamine (vitamin B1, mg), riboflavin (vitamin B2, mg), niacin (vitamin B3, mg), pyridoxine (vitamin B6, mg), and cobalamine (vitamin B12, µg).

A qualitative food frequency questionnaire was applied during the visits by the same interviewer. Foods were divided into the following groups: milk and its derivatives, cereals, legumes, meat and processed derivatives, vegetables, fruits, oils and fats, sugar and sweets, oleaginous seeds, and non-alcoholic beverages.

All procedures adopted were approved by the Ethics Committee of UNIFESP (1147/06).

The results obtained for both groups were analyzed statistically. Quantitative variables are reported as the mean and standard deviation, and qualitative and semiqualitative variables are reported as absolute (n) and relative (%) frequency. Variables were compared between the same patients using the parametric t-test, adopting a level of significance of P<0.05 (α = 5%).

RESULTS

The initial sample (general population) included 84 patients. The mean (± SD) age was 45.52 ± 11.61 years (range: 22 to 77, median: 45 years). The mean age at diagnosis was 37.50 ± 11.71 years (range: 15 to 72, median: 37 years). The mean duration of the disease since the definitive diagnosis was 8.02 ± 5.81 years. Among the general population, there was a predominance of females (65.48%) who had complete elementary school (51.19%), were of urban origin (75.0%), had extensive disease (52.38%), and in clinical remission without symptoms related to the inflammatory disease (89.29%).

Most anthropometric parameters were lower during the disease activity period compared to that of remission (group 1), with a significant difference for weight and BMI (Table 1). In group 2, the anthropometric parameters showed a trend towards improvement on the final visit, with a significant difference being observed for body adiposity (TST and SST).

As can be seen in Table 2, most mean values of the biochemical parameters tended to be lower during the inflammatory activity period, but the differences were not significant. In contrast, in group 2 mean values were lower on the final appointment when compared to the first one, with the difference being significant for total protein, hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Nutrient intake (except for manganese) was higher during the remission when compared to the period of inflammatory recurrence, with a significant difference being observed for total energy, protein, lipids, calcium, iron, and phosphorus (Table 3). In group 2, nutrient intake was predominantly higher on the final visit. This increase was significant for the daily intake of calcium and vitamin B6.

Table 4 shows a trend towards improved intake of different food groups in group 1 (except of oleaginous seeds) during remission when compared to the period of inflammatory activity. A significant difference between the two periods was observed for the groups of cereals, legumes, and oils and fats. An increase in the intake of most food groups was observed in group 2 (except for processed meat and oleaginous seeds) between the first and final visit (Table 4), with a significant difference for legumes, meat, and sugar and sweets.

DISCUSSION

The objective of this study was an abroad investigation of the nutritional conditions of patients with UC stratified according to activity and remission of the inflammatory process.

The mean age of the patients (45.52 ± 11.61 years, range: 22 to 77) was similar to that reported by other investigators(8, 26, 27), although a lower or higher mean age has also been observed(18, 19, 23, 25, 39, 44). The mean age at diagnosis (37.5 ± 11.71 years) was also similar to that reported in the literature as the decade of peak incidence of the disease(9, 35, 41) with a higher incidence among women (65.48%). A similar incidence has been found in other investigations(1, 23, 39, 44), but there are studies reporting a male predominance(8, 18, 19, 25, 26).

Among the 84 patients of the general population, 89.29% presented remission of inflammation on the first visit(45). Twenty-four (36.92%) of the 65 patients studied over the period of 1 year manifested reactivation of the inflammatory process. Jowett et al.(26) observed disease recurrence in 52% at the same period of follow-up. One criticism to the present study might be the lack of endoscopic confirmation of inflammatory reactivity. However, the instrument used to classify the characteristics of remission and recurrence has been validated previously, with the observation of a strong correlation between sigmoidoscopy and the clinical score used(24, 45).

Anthropometric evaluation of groups 1 and 2 showed that the BMI was within the range of eutrophy to overweight, indicating that this population tends to be well nourished(46). These findings are in agreement with various studies(8, 15, 17, 18, 23, 39, 44). A significant difference in mean weight and BMI was observed in group 1 (Table 1), demonstrating that during an outbreak of inflammatory activity rectocolitic patients present a significant weight loss and a consequent reduction of BMI. However, these alterations were not significant in relation to body composition. This nutritional behavior is probably due to the recent onset of recurrence, i.e., there are already repercussions on body weight but the time is insufficient for drastic changes in body composition to be recognized by anthropometric measures, parameters that tend to change only after dietary deviations for prolonged periods of time. Patients of this outpatient clinic who present inflammatory reactivation are free to seek immediate medical care, irrespective of scheduled visits. To our knowledge, there are no studies comparing the same population of outpatients with UC during the periods of activity and remission. Studies have reported a body weight loss of patients hospitalized due to recurrence of the disease(27). In addition, BMI might be reduced during the active phase of IBD(44) or when compared to a group of control subjects(17, 18, 23). Similar to the present results, other investigators also found no changes that would compromise body composition (lean and fat mass) in patients with UC(8, 15, 18, 23, 27, 39). Physical exercise can improve muscle strength and affect body composition. Muscle mass tends to increase and fat mass tends to decrease(28). Unfortunately, no information regarding physical exercise is available for the present patients. However, it seems reasonable to assume that patients with UC are physically less active than healthy individuals.

There was no concern regarding the therapeutic regimens used by the patients during any of the phases, since the analyses included parameters related to the last pre-visit week. However, patients who relapsed between visits and sought medical care were evaluated on that occasion and transferred to group 1. In a few cases, the patients spontaneously modified their treatment based on past experience and, when attending the scheduled visit again in remission, there was no reason for their reallocation to group 1.

Corticosteroids are known to stimulate food intake, to promote fat deposition and to alter energy expenditure, factors that lead to changes in body composition. We did not address therapeutic questions in the present series since, to our knowledge, there are no conclusive studies investigating the effect of drug treatment on the nutritional status of patients with UC(31).

With respect to biochemical analysis, mean total protein, albumin, iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes and lymphocytes were found to be normal in the general population and in groups 1 and 2. Similar results have been reported in other studies(8, 18, 44). Lower mean albumin, hemoglobin and hematocrit values were observed in patients with active IBD, but these findings might have been influenced by the inclusion of patients with CD in the same group(15). In the present study, TLC was recognized to be within normal limits in only 38.10% of the general population. Mild lymphocyte depletion has been reported in the literature(15). Lower TLC is associated with nutritional deficiencies. Values indicating lymphocyte depletion as observed in this study might be due to the disease itself or to the continuous use of medications such as immunosuppressive agents.

We observed no significant difference in the levels of albumin, a marker widely used for the classification of malnutrition, since it reflects the acute phase reaction mediated by cytokines during the inflammatory event. However, the time interval between the onset of inflammatory activity of the disease and albumin measurement has not been correctly defined. A study conducted at UNIFESP investigating the relationship between albumin and malnutrition in CD found no association between these parameters but there was an association between disease activity and hypoalbuminemia(7). A decline in albumin levels may also be observed in patients hospitalized due to recurrence of UC(27). The observation of normal biochemical parameters in this study might be explained by outpatient conditions of the patients who did not require hospitalization and presented good nutritional status (in relation to the anthropometric parameters analyzed above).

Significant reductions in total protein, hemoglobin and hematocrit were observed in group 2 on the final visit. Although some of these reductions were significant, values remained within normal limits and at good levels.

In group 1, intake reduction of most nutrients was observed during disease activity period, when compared to remission phase. Significant differences were observed in energy, protein, lipids, calcium, iron, and phosphorus intake. To our knowledge, there are no studies in the literature evaluating the same patient treated on an outpatient basis during the periods of disease activity and remission. Nutrient reduction during the symptomatic phase has been suggested to be associated with anorexia, abdominal pain, dietary beliefs and attempts to relieve symptoms(21, 26, 44). In group 2, patients maintained their dietary pattern from the first to the final visit, with the observation of significant improvement only in the intake of calcium and vitamin B6.

Analysis of the quantitative food frequency questionnaire, group 1 showed a reduction in all food groups (except for oleaginous seeds), a finding probably related to the factors mentioned earlier. The food groups showing a significant reduction in group 1 during the inflammatory activity period were cereals, legumes, and oils and fats. Reductions in foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and derivatives, milk and derivatives, and lipids during active IBD compared to the period of remission have been reported in the literature(15, 39, 44). We observed no significant qualitative reduction in milk consumption and its derivatives or fibers in those with active disease compared to the phase of remission. Diet containing adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D is recommended as a prophylaxis of osteopenia and osteoporosis(14, 26). In group 2, patients presented a significantly higher consumption of legumes, meat and sugar and sweets on the final visit. Foods rich in sulfate and sulfur, such as meat (especially red meat) and alcohol, have been implicated in the recurrence of UC(25).

It is known that many patients with UC undergo food restrictions based on the indication of health care professionals, relatives or friends, or based on findings in magazines and newspapers. In the present study, it was not possible to evaluate the source of food restriction since the patients did not recall it or received numerous instructions and were unable to specify them. The present results may reflect a new attitude to patients with UC towards health care habits and a greater attention to nutrition.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

Although apparently being well nourished, patients with UC may present occult deficiencies in different nutrients which are influenced, in part, by a reduced intake of these nutrients. A healthy diet with little or no food restriction, depending on individual tolerance, should be encouraged in order to maintain a healthy nutritional status. Food restrictions may produce deficiencies in different elements, and follow-up by a team specialized in clinical nutrition is therefore important. Further studies in this area are necessary to define the true nutritional needs of this population. Dietary beliefs should be revised in order to guide healthcare professionals who monitor these patients.

Received 24/3/2009.

Accepted 21/7/2009.

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  • Correspondence to
    RD Juliana Ripoli
    Rua Domingos Iori, 67
    18970-000 - Chavantes, SP, Brazil
    E-mail:
  • Publication Dates

    • Publication in this collection
      23 June 2010
    • Date of issue
      Mar 2010

    History

    • Accepted
      21 July 2009
    • Received
      24 Mar 2009
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