• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.521-530
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• 2013

Protein-energy malnutrition, PEM, and increased hs-CRP level are considered to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This is commonly referred to as the vicious circle of malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (MIA syndrome) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Low protein intake can decrease the serum level of albumin and increase inflammational markers; further, both low serum albumin and high hs-CRP are independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in HD patients. The aim of this study is comparing the serum levels of albumin and hs-CRP in HD patients according to the protein intake levels. The total number of subjects was 60 hemodialysis patients; they were grouped by dietary protein intake: low protein intake group (LPI, protein intake < 1.0 g/kg IBW, 11 men and 19 women) and adequate protein intake group (API, protein intake ${\geq}$ 1.0g/kg IBW, 12 men and 18 women). Blood biochemical parameters, nutrient intake, and dietary behaviors were compared between the LPI and API groups. The LPI group showed a significantly lower serum level of albumin and higher serum level of hs-CRP than the API group (p < 0.05). The LPI group showed a significantly lower intake of most nutrients than the API group (p < 0.05). Index of Nutritional Quality of most nutrients of the LPI and API groups were lower than 1.0. Dietary protein intake was positively correlated with the serum level of albumin (r = 0.306, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the serum level of hs-CRP (r = -0.435, p < 0.01). The serum level of hs-CRP was negatively correlated with that of albumin (r = -0.393, p < 0.01). According to these result, serum albumin and hs-CRP in HD patients were influenced by the protein intake levels. To prevent MIA syndrome, it is necessary to improve nutritional status, especially in protein and energy.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.257-262
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• 2014

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a life-threatening syndrome of recurrent infections and gastro-intestinal alterations due to severe compromise of T cells and B cells. Clinically, most patients present symptoms before the age of 3 months and without intervention SCID usually results in severe infections and death by the age of 2 years. Its association with intestinal anomalies as multiple intestinal atresias (MIA) is rare and worsens the prognosis, resulting lethal. We describe the case of a four year-old boy with SCID-MIA. He presented at birth with meconium peritonitis, multiple ileal atresias and underwent several intestinal resections. A targeted Sanger sequencing revealed a homozygous 4-bp deletion ($c.313{\Delta}TATC$; p.Y105fs) in tetratricopeptide repeat domain 7A (TTC7A). He experienced surgical procedures including resection and stricturoplasty. Despite parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, the patient is surviving at the time of writing the report. Precocious immune system assessment, scrutiny of TTC7A mutations and prompt surgical procedures are crucial in the management.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.148-153
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• 2005

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the reference ranges of serum albumin levels depending on the gestational ages of preterm infants. We also intended to compare the mean serum albumin levels between groups of preterm infants that did not develop clinical disorders later, and groups that did develop clinical disorders such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We also examined the significance of serum albumin as a predictor for the development of clinical disorders. Methods : The records of 208 neonates with gestational ages from 23 weeks to 41 weeks were reviewed retrospectively. The mean albumin concentrations with reference ranges by gestational ages were determined. Statistics for each two of group were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to model odd ratio, and 95 percent confidence interval as a mean of the association between predictors and outcome. Results : Serum albumin levels were at 23-24 weeks gestation was 2.36 g/dL, rising to 3.43 g/dL in full term babies. There were significant mean differences between the clinical groups and control groups for each clinical disorder such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity and apnea in premature babies of 30-36 weeks of gestation. Low serum albumin appeared to be associated with increased risks of clinical disorders. Conclusion : The normal serum albumin levels in preterm infants should be defined according to the gestational ages. Lower albumin levels increase the risks of the later development of clinical disorders, which are common in premature infants.