Growth Patterns and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Pediatric Patients After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract

Nurses should be aware of the importance of evaluating growth and symptom experience in all pediatric patients during HSCT recovery and assist in defining treatment plans that will optimize patient health.

Symptom Prevalence and Physiologic Biomarkers Among Adolescents Using a Mobile Phone Intervention Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

“…In the largest study, 132 children and adolescents reported that mucositis, vomiting, abdominal pain and odynophagia were common at 100 days HSCT (Barker et al, 2005). A longitudinal cohort study of GI symptoms and anthropometric measurement changes in 35 children and adolescents through the first 4 months post HSCT found lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, and taste changes common throughout the study period (Rodgers et al, 2008). Finally, a qualitative study of 13 adolescents’ eating experiences at 50 and 100 days post HSCT described a slow return of the patients’ appetites and eating barriers that consisted of nausea, vomiting, taste changes, dry mouth, and bad smells (Rodgers, Young, Hockenberry, Binder, & Symes, 2010).…”

“…Among adults in two studies, significant weight loss of 12 kilograms occurred between transplant and engraftment (Jaime-Pérez et al, 2013), and significant lean BMI loss of 1.0 kg/m2 and a body fat mass loss of 1.2 kg/m2 occurred over 6 months that was not regained by one-year post HCST (Kyle et al, 2005), respectively. Children and adolescents experienced significant declines in weight, skinfold triceps, and mid-arm circumference measurements from baseline to 4 months post-HSCT, illustrating a significant loss of muscle mass and fat tissue (Rodgers et al, 2008). …”

“…Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, anorexia, diarrhea, dry mouth, and taste changes develop immediately after HSCT and persist for months (Barker, Anderson, Sauve, & Butzner, 2005; Rodgers et al, 2008), increasing the need for medical care and negatively affecting patients’ development, compliance to treatment, and quality of life (Erickson et al, 2012; Cohen et al, 2012). The Eating After Transplant (EAT!)…”

Feasibility of a Symptom Management Intervention for Adolescents Recovering From a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

“…This treatment requires the use of high dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation that cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, dry mouth, altered taste, and decreased oral intake, which can persist through the first 100 days post HSCT, known as the acute recovery phase. 1,2 Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and poor eating can increase the need for medical care and negatively affect adolescents’ development, compliance to treatment, and quality of life. 3 While hospitalized, the side effects and nutritional needs are managed by healthcare providers but once discharged, patients and family caregivers assume responsibility of care.…”

Tough Courage: <i>Oncology Nursing Forum</i> Addresses Childhood Cancer Then and Now

“…In 2008, ONF published an article about issues surrounding stem cell transplantation. A prospective, longitudinal study measuring growth patterns and gastrointestinal symptoms in children following HSCT demonstrated that children exhibited poor growth patterns in the first four months following transplantation and experienced numerous gastrointestinal symptoms before and after transplantation (Rodgers et al, 2008). HSCT is a highly complex, aggressive medical treatment with numerous potential post-transplantation complications.…”