Prevalence of fatty liver in Japanese children and relationship to obesity

The prevalence of fatty liver in children is unknown and its relationship to obesity is poorly defined. The present study of 810 northern Japanese children (4–12 years old) determined the prevalence of fatty liver in the pediatric population and its relationship to obesity. Diagnosis of fatty liver was based on established real-time ultrasonographic criteria. The overall prevalence of fatty liver was 2.6% and was higher for boys (3.4%) than for girls (1.8%), although not statistically significant (P=0.15). Fatty liver was found in children as young as 6 years of age. There was no significant association between the prevalence of fatty liver and height (physical growth). There was a strong positive correlation between fatty liver prevalence and established obesity indices: Rohrer's index-² linear trend =59.2,P<0.0001; body mass index-² linear trend =91.6,P<0.0001; and age-gender-adjusted Japanese standard index of weight for height-² linear trend =93.2,P<0.0001. However, direct measurement of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness by ultrasonography was the best predictor of fatty liver: ² linear trend =159,P<0.0001. These results indicate that fatty liver may develop very early in life, and there is a direct relationship between degree of obesity and fatty liver in children.     

American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and American Dietetic Association: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitians (Generalist, Specialty, and Advanced) in Nutrition Support

The Standards of Practice for Registered Dietitians in Nutrition Support and the Standards of Professional Performance for the Registered Dietitian in Nutrition Support are key resources for RDs at all knowledge and performance levels. These standards can and should be used by RDs in daily practice to consistently improve and appropriately demonstrate competency and value as providers of safe and effective nutrition support therapy. The standards development and evaluation process is dynamic—these standards will be reviewed at least every 5 years for applicability to practice. Current and future initiatives of A.S.P.E.N. and ADA will provide information that will be used in these updates and in further clarifying and documenting the specific roles and responsibilities of practitioners at each level. As a quality initiative of A.S.P.E.N., its Dietetics Practice Section, ADA, and their DNS DPG, the standards themselves are an application of continuous quality improvement concepts and represent another very important collaborative endeavor.     

Availability of Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Acute Stroke in Frontier Counties in Montana and Northern Wyoming

CONTEXT: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke can lead to improved patient outcomes. Hospitals in rural and frontier counties, however, face unique challenges in providing diagnostic and treatment services for acute stroke. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the availability of key diagnostic technology and programs for acute stroke evaluation and treatment in Montana and northern Wyoming. METHODS: In 2004, hospital medical directors or their designees were mailed a survey about the availability of diagnostic technology, programs, and personnel for acute stroke care. FINDINGS: Fifty-eight of 67 (87%) hospitals responded to the survey. Seventy-nine percent (46/58) of responding hospitals were located in frontier counties, with an average bed size of 18 (11 SD). Of the hospitals in frontier counties, 44% reported emergency medical services prehospital stroke identification programs, 39% had 24-hour computed tomography capability, 44% had an emergency department stroke protocol, and 61% had a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator protocol. Thirty percent of hospitals in frontier counties reported that they met 6-10 of the criteria established by the Brain Attack Coalition to improve acute stroke care compared to 67% of hospitals in the nonfrontier counties. CONCLUSION: A stroke network model could enhance care and improve outcomes for stroke victims in frontier counties.