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Iron nutrition in childhood malignancy
M E Garcia1, J van Eys, Y M Wang
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital, Houston.
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Iron deficiency is common in pediatric cancer patients, with ferritin levels showing promise as a sensitive tumor marker for various malignancies. Further research is needed to understand iron
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a significant concern in pediatric cancer patients.
- Nutritional status, including iron intake, can impact treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess iron nutrition status in pediatric cancer patients.
- To evaluate the role of ferritin as a tumor marker.
Main Methods:
- Collected demographic, anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical data from 98 pediatric cancer patients.
- Analyzed dietary intake for calories, protein, and iron against Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA).
- Measured hemoglobin, hematocrit, iron, TIBC, transferrin, and ferritin levels.
Main Results:
- Iron was the nutrient with the lowest dietary intake.
- Significant differences in nutritional parameters were observed between benign and hematopoietic groups.
- Ferritin levels were significantly different in acute lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma groups compared to the benign group.
- Ferritin demonstrated a strong correlation with tumor response and progression.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric cancer patients often exhibit poor iron nutrition.
- Ferritin is a sensitive tumor marker in various pediatric malignancies.
- Monitoring iron status and ferritin levels is crucial in managing pediatric cancer patients.