Low Serum Chromium Is Rare in Patients That Underwent Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Long Term Enteral Feeding

Abstract

BACKGROUND Patients that underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) present with protein-energy malnutrition. Trace elements are required in small quantities and Chromium (Cr) displays a major role in the metabolism. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate Cr levels and its relationship with serum proteins, BMI and underlying diseases during the first 3 months of PEG feeding. METHODS Prospective observational study during 3-months, when PEG was performed (T0), after 4 (T1), and 12 weeks (T3). Initial evaluation included: age, gender, underlying disease, NRS-2002, BMI, serum albumin, transferrin and Cr concentration. At T1 and T3 a blood sample was collected for Cr, albumin and transferrin. A Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess Cr. According with the underlying disease, patients were divided into two groups: head and neck cancer (HNC) and neurological dysphagia (ND). All patients were fed with homemade meals. RESULTS A one hundred and twenty-nine patients (80 males), 26-95 years old were studied: HNC-52; ND-77. The observed data included low mean values of BMI from 71 patients; low Cr-8, low albumin-70, low transferrin-85 and 57 with both proteins low. Albumin was associated with survival time ( P =0.024) and there was a significant correlation between albumin and Cr (r=0.217, P =0.012). A good evolution of Cr and proteins values was observed, with no low Cr levels at T3. CONCLUSION Low serum Cr is rare in PEG-patients, with no relationship to other studied parameters. For the minority of patients displaying low Cr before gastrostomy, homemade PEG meals seem to be effective.

Evaluation of micronutrient levels in children with cerebral palsy

“…An adult study revealed that chromium levels remain the same or increase in patients after the insertion of PEG. 30 Epilepsy was found to be the disorder most frequently associated with CP in the present study. Antiepileptic drugs and seizure frequency might affect the prevalence of malnutrition and the micronutrient status of patients.…”

“…The micronutrient levels in patients with PEG has rarely been studied. An adult study revealed that chromium levels remain the same or increase in patients after the insertion of PEG 30 …”