AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightRoutine nutritional screening using the MNA-SF may facilitate early identification of patients at risk for functional decline and impaired quality of life, supporting individualized supportive care.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: To investigate the association between nutritional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) using validated nutritional and disease-specific quality-of-life instruments. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study included 67 adult patients with MM. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). HRQoL was evaluated using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the EORTC QLQ-MY20 module. Group comparisons, Spearman correlation, and multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for clinically relevant covariates were performed. Results: The median MNA-SF score was 10 (IQR, 8-13); 37.3% of patients had normal nutritional status, 40.3% were at risk of malnutrition, and 22.4% were malnourished. Poorer nutritional status was associated with significantly lower Global Health Status and worse physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning (all p≤0.001). Symptom burden increased significantly with worsening nutritional status. MNA-SF scores correlated positively with Global Health Status (ρ=0.296, p=0.015) and remained independently associated with Global Health Status after adjustment for ECOG performance status, hemoglobin level, treatment status, disease duration, body mass-index, and serum albumin (β=2.19, 95% CI 0.58-3.81; p=0.008). Conclusion: Impaired nutritional status was independently associated with poorer HRQoL in patients with MM. Routine nutritional screening using the MNA-SF may facilitate early identification of patients at risk for functional decline and impaired quality of life, supporting individualized supportive care.