[Nutritional status in patients after gastrectomy due to gastric cancer]

Aim of the study was to evaluate nutritional status in patients after gastrectomy due to gastric cancer.

In 55 (26 males and 29 females) gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy body composition (bioimpedansometry method); resting energy expenditures and home actual nutrition (frequency analysis method) were evaluated. Blood levels of major nutrients and metabolites were assessed.

Both men and women suffered from weight loss after gastrectomy (mean BMI was 19,8+/-4,7 kg/m2 in men and 20,5+/-1,9 in women). Higher BMI was positively correlated with age in women (R=0,45; p<0,03), but not in men, however there was no difference in mean age and mean time after gastrectomy between men and women. Mean body fat mass significantly decreased in men (7,4+/-5,0 kg) and in women (12,0+/-7,1 kg) in compare to normal values (18,2 and 22,5 correspondingly) (p<0,001). Resting energy expenditure variably decreased (for 13-53%) in half of the patients, mainly due to decrease in lipid oxidation rate. Mean daily energy intake was lower than normal in short-term (1359 kcal in period of 12 months) and long-term (1814 kcal in 1-5 years period) after gastrectomy, due to decrease consumption of proteins, carbohydrates and fat. Mean blood total protein, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were lower than normal values in 40% of patients.

In gastric cancer patients low BMI, low fat mass and energy consumption are observed even long period of time after gastrectomy. Dietary counseling and support are badly needed in patients short-term as well as long-term period after gastrectomy in men and younger women.