Nutritional Status in Untreated Children with Acute Leukemia as Compared with Children without Malignancy

Abstract

We evaluated the nutritional status of 173 consecutive children with newly diagnosed leukemia compared with that of 307 children with benign acute diseases. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements including weight, height, weight for height, midarm circumference (MAC) and triceps skin-fold (TSF), and by biochemical indices, in particular prealbumin (TBPA) and retinol-binding protein (RBP). On admission, no significant differences were found between groups in weight, height, weight for height, MAC, and TSF values. TBPA and RBP, lower than normal in most cases, were not significantly different in the two groups. Furthermore, no differences were observed when children with high-risk leukemia were compared with those at standard risk. In conclusion, children with newly diagnosed leukemia do not seem to present significant nutritional depletion, and their nutritional status is similar to that of children admitted for other nonmalignant acute diseases. However, nutritional indices should be monitored in children with high-risk leukemia because treatment intensity is likely to result in a malnutritional status later, which might be prevented by early adequate nutritional support.

Physical activity of pediatric patients with acute leukemia undergoing induction or consolidation chemotherapy

“…Similarly, observations on triceps skinfold thickness concurred with studies abroad whereby the mentioned index among patients with acute leukaemia not only differed significantly compared to healthy, normal children [7,19], but were also found to increase significantly post-induction chemotherapy [20]. On the other hand, there were studies which have observed no significant changes in the measurements of MUAC or triceps skinfold thickness among leukemia patients [21][22][23].…”

Effect of pre-treatment nutritional status, folate and vitamin B12 levels on induction chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

“…The proportion of undernourished children with ALL varies from nearly 10% in the developed nations [2,3] to more than 60% in the developing countries [4][5][6]. Low folate and B12 levels are common in Indian children [7], and lower levels in children with ALL has been earlier reported [8].…”

Nutritional Status of Children with Cancer at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria

“…It may also be due to increased metabolic demand, associated vomiting, decreased absorption and excessive loss from diarrhea as well as inadequate intake due to mechanical obstruction from head and neck and gastrointestinal tumors [25]. The effect of cancer on nutrition is dependent on the stage of the tumor as it has been observed that the prevalence of malnutrition in newly diagnosed cancer patients is not different from that in the reference population or in children with benign tumors [26]. However, with advancement in stage and the consequent catabolic effect of the tumor, cancer patients may be more predisposed to malnutrition.…”