Nutritional parameters in children with cancer.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Hematology

Background:

• Childhood malignancy presents significant challenges, with nutritional status often overlooked.
• Malnutrition is prevalent in pediatric cancer patients, potentially affecting treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the nutritional status of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients.
• To assess the relationship between nutritional status and treatment response, complications, and survival.

Main Methods:

• Anthropometric, hematological, and biochemical parameters were assessed in 44 children with newly diagnosed malignancy before therapy.
• Nutritional status was categorized using weight-for-age criteria.
• Treatment response and survival were monitored during follow-up.

Main Results:

• Over half (56.8%) of the children exhibited malnutrition based on weight-for-age.
• Low hemoglobin (82%), low total proteins (25%), low serum albumin (20.5%), low serum transferrin (27.3%), and low serum iron (16.3%) were common.
• Malnourished children had significantly lower remission/response rates (38.1% vs. 69.5%), more therapy delays (38.1% vs. 8.7%), and higher mortality (61.9% vs. 30.5%).
• Complications like febrile neutropenia and bleeding were more frequent in malnourished children.
• Infection incidence was higher in children with low serum iron (<60μg/dL) (42.8% vs. 8%).

Conclusions:

• Nutritional status is a critical factor influencing treatment outcomes in pediatric cancer.
• Malnourished children experience worse treatment responses, increased complications, and higher mortality.
• Routine nutritional assessment and intervention are recommended for improving survival and quality of life in pediatric oncology patients.