Effect of nutritional support on nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients

Abstract

Recommended dietary intakes can not be achieved by consuming certain amounts and kinds of foods in pediatric cancer patients, since anorexia is the major reason of inadequate dietary intake. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of nutritional support achieved by a commercial formula which contains more calories in smaller volumes on pediatric cancer patients. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements of 13 patients supplemented for 12 weeks with a formula were compared with .those of 19 patients who were not (group 1 versus group 2). Anthropometric measurements such as weight, weight/height, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, body mass index and prealbumin levels of group 1 at the end of 12 weeks were significantly higher compared to initial values. Whereas the anthropometric and biochemical indices of group 2 were lower than the initial values. Week 12 anthropometric measurements and prealbumin levels of the group 1 were significantly higher than those of group 2. Early nutritional support results in a significant improvement in prealbumin levels. Supplementing pediatric cancer patients with a formula which contains adequate protein and calorie in small volumes appears to have anabolizing effect on body composition in a short time.