Validation of Percent Body Fat Indicators in Pediatric Oncology Nutrition Assessment

Abstract

Simple anthropometric measurements of %IBW and triceps skinfolds are good indicators of percent body fat and should be incorporated into regular nutrition assessment of the pediatric oncology patient.

Survival in overweight and underweight children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

“…The HSCT procedures in this study were This study defines overweight by anthropometric measures, not by body composition measures; however, a strong correlation has been found between percent body fat and %IBW in the pediatric oncology population. 23 Future studies are suggested to examine the effect of body composition on survival in cancer patients, as it may be a low level of body cell mass (BCM) in the overweight patients that is leading to the poor survival. Previous studies have shown that pediatric cancer patients may have high fat mass but low BCM.…”

The Effectiveness of Enteral Nutrition Support in the Growth of Children Patients with Cancer

“…Anthropometric measurements, including middle upper arm circumference, triceps, biceps, suprailiac and subscapular skinfolds and arm muscle mass, are preferred indicators of body composition in oncology patients [1,3]. Midarm circumference and triceps and biceps skinfolds have been reported to be more accurate indicators of malnutrition at diagnosis than weight and height indices [3]. Early indication for enteral nutrition therapy is one of the main goals of nutritional therapy in children and adolescents with cancer.…”

“…The most sensitive indices for growth in children include weight, height for age and body mass index (BMI) [5]. Anthropometric measurements, including middle upper arm circumference, triceps, biceps, suprailiac and subscapular skinfolds and arm muscle mass, are preferred indicators of body composition in oncology patients [1,3]. Midarm circumference and triceps and biceps skinfolds have been reported to be more accurate indicators of malnutrition at diagnosis than weight and height indices [3].…”

“…Modern pediatric cancer treatment affects normal as well as malignant tissues and is thus capable of causing specific nutritional problems [2]. Nutrition assessment represents the first step in clinical nutrition management in pediatric oncology patients [3]. This assessment includes medical history, physical examination, biochemical and hematological data, such as visceral proteins, blood glucose levels, and lipid profiles, hemoglobin, hematocrit and lymphocyte counts, anthropometric measurements, and food and nutrition history.…”

“…The patients receiving enteral nutrition therapy in this study either maintained or achieved significant improvements in nutritional status, thus demonstrating the importance of nutritional support and follow-up during hospitalization [6]. Enteral nutrition is less expensive and more physiological than parenteral nutrition and also minimizes the risk of bacterial translocation by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa [3]. Enteral nutrition therapy requires a multidisciplinary team if children and adolescents with cancer are to be adequately supported [6].…”