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[The assessment of nutritional status in children with chronic hepatitis B treated with interferon alpha]
D M Lebensztejn1, E Zagórecka, M Kaczmarski
1III Klinika Chorób Dzieci AM w Białymstoku.
Insights
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy for chronic hepatitis B in children can cause appetite loss and weight reduction. Nutritional status disturbances are often reversible with appropriate dietary management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Chronic hepatitis B affects children, necessitating treatment with Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha).
- Nutritional status is a critical factor in managing chronic conditions in pediatric patients.
- IFN-alpha therapy is associated with potential side effects impacting children's well-being.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the impact of IFN-alpha therapy on the nutritional status of children with chronic hepatitis B.
- To assess changes in body mass, height, and Cole index during and after IFN-alpha treatment.
- To identify the frequency and duration of nutritional disturbances in this pediatric cohort.
Summary:
- Forty children (ages 1-14) with chronic hepatitis B underwent 20-week IFN-alpha therapy.
- Appetite loss (42.5%) and weight loss (65%) were common, particularly in the first two months.
- While weight typically normalized within 3 months post-therapy, altered Cole index persisted in 42.5% at 12 months; height remained unaffected.
Impact:
- IFN-alpha therapy can lead to reversible nutritional disturbances in children with chronic hepatitis B.
- Close monitoring of nutritional status and timely dietary interventions are crucial during IFN-alpha treatment.
- Understanding these effects can optimize treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was an evaluation of nutrition status in children with chronic hepatitis B during IFN-alpha therapy. Observation was carried out in a group of 40 children in the age range of 1-14 years with clinically, diagnosed chronic hepatitis B. Respectful of age 2 subgroups were distinguished. I: 27 children up to 4 years old, II: 13 children in the age range of 4-14 years. The nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometric measurement (body mass, body length/height). Moreover Cole index was estimated at the beginning and completion of the treatment and in the time of the highest weight loss. None of the examined children has body mass deficiency before IFN-alpha treatment: Cole index was in normal range as well. Lack of appetite, connected with IFN-alpha administration, was observed in 42.5 children during therapy. Weight loss was observed in 65% of the examined children especially in the first 2 months of therapy. Return to the initial body mass value was observed within 3 months after IFN-alpha completion in 77% children; but in 2 children only 12 months after IFN-alpha therapy termination. 12 months after IFN-alpha completion Cole index lower than initial was observed in 42.5% of the examined children in spite of return of body mass to initial values. There was no observed unfavourable influence of IFN treatment on body height. 20-weeks IFN-alpha therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B often causes lack of appetite, which may lead to reversible disturbances in nutritional status. Correct dietetic proceeding is necessary to decrease the frequency and intensity of disturbances in nutritional status in this group of children.