Exploring Body Mass Index Changes in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients

Background: Current treatment options for end-stage heart failure, such as transplantation, can be limited by obesity guidelines. Mechanical devices such as Left Ventricular Assistive Devices (LVAD) can bridge heart failure patients to transplantation, however, after implantation; some patients may experience weight gain that precludes them from transplantation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate weight changes after the implantation of an LVAD. Methods: A retrospective review of 130 patients receiving an LVAD were divided into two groups based on BMI at the time of implantation: obese (\u3e30 kg/m2) and non-obese (/m2). Patients were evaluated at three time points post LVAD implantation: 3, 6, and 12 months for changes in weight and BMI. Results: The mean BMI of the overall cohort at the time of LVAD implantation was 30.3 kg/m2. Patients who were not classified as obese at the time of LVAD implementation had a significant increase in BMI (2.1 kg/m2, p\u3c0.001) Conclusion: Weight gain after LVAD implementation is more likely in patients who are non-obese at the time of LVAD evaluation; however, obese subjects remained unlikely to lose weight one year post implantation

Frequency and confidence of healthcare practitioners in encountering and addressing nutrition-related issues

© 2016 Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions, Wash., DC. OBJECTIVE: Identify the frequency of nutrition issues encountered by healthcare professionals and their confidence in addressing these issues. METHODS: A survey designed to assess the frequency and type of nutrition issues most often encountered in practice of a variety of healthcare professionals and the practitioners\u27 confidence in addressing nutrition issues was developed and distributed to 5,729 graduates from an academic medical center. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Logistic regression models were used to find predictors of confidence. RESULTS: The final response rate was 17.2% (n=987). The most common nutrition-related problems encountered included obesity (43.8%), diabetes mellitus (43%), and cardiovascular disease (37.1%). Nutrition issues were encountered daily or weekly by 70.5% of healthcare providers, but only 24.8% felt very confident in addressing nutrition issues. Significant predictors of confidence included number of years working, more frequent nutritionrelated encounters, and nutrition education in professional programs. CONCLUSION: Healthcare practitioners encounter nutrition issues frequently in practice and often do not have a high level of confidence in addressing these issues

Frequency and Confidence of Healthcare Practitioners in Encountering and Addressing Nutrition-Related Issues.

© 2016 Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions, Wash., DC. OBJECTIVE: Identify the frequency of nutrition issues encountered by healthcare professionals and their confidence in addressing these issues. METHODS: A survey designed to assess the frequency and type of nutrition issues most often encountered in practice of a variety of healthcare professionals and the practitioners\u27 confidence in addressing nutrition issues was developed and distributed to 5,729 graduates from an academic medical center. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Logistic regression models were used to find predictors of confidence. RESULTS: The final response rate was 17.2% (n=987). The most common nutrition-related problems encountered included obesity (43.8%), diabetes mellitus (43%), and cardiovascular disease (37.1%). Nutrition issues were encountered daily or weekly by 70.5% of healthcare providers, but only 24.8% felt very confident in addressing nutrition issues. Significant predictors of confidence included number of years working, more frequent nutritionrelated encounters, and nutrition education in professional programs. CONCLUSION: Healthcare practitioners encounter nutrition issues frequently in practice and often do not have a high level of confidence in addressing these issues