Title: Effect of Chemotherapy on Nutritional Status of Pediatric Subjects with Hematological Malignancies - A Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kavita Sudersanadas, Arwa Saleh Alsharidah, Nesrin Al Harthy, Winnie Philip, Shoeb Qureshi
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i5.01
Abstract
Introduction: Pediatric cancer subjects are at risk for malnutrition because of the increased need for nutrients to maintain proper growth, therefore maintaining good nutrition leads to better clinical outcome, quality of life, and cost of care.
Objective: To assess the effect of chemotherapy on nutritional status of pediatric subjects with hematological malignancies.
Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted at King Abdullah Specialist Children Hospital (KASCH)/National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA), Riyadh, KSA during the period from June 2016 to February 2017. One hundred and four children with hematological malignancies who were registered for chemotherapy during the period from 2007–2016 were selected as subjects. Medical Records of the subjects were studied with respect to variables which have a possible impact on nutritional status. The data was statistically analyzed by using SPSS (Version 22). Frequencies, percentages, mean and Wilcoxon Sign rank test were used in the analysis of data.
Result: Malnutrition according (< 5th percentile) was found in 30 cases (29%). There was a significant difference between pre and post chemotherapy values in the height for age of the subjects. Thirty five per cent males and twenty eight per cent females showed post chemotherapy decrease in weight. The changes in weight were documented in 77 cases (74%). There was a significant reduction in the post chemotherapy values of hematocrit and hemoglobin in 42 and 56 per cent subjects respectively.
Conclusion: Chemotherapy can lead to malnutrition as evidenced by the post chemotherapy changes in the physical and hematological parameters.
Keywords: Hematological Cancer, pediatrics, Nutrition, Chemotherapy.
