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Eating behavior during dexamethasone treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Lidewij T Warris1,2,3, Erica L T van den Akker2, Marc B Bierings3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|June 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Dexamethasone significantly increased energy intake and altered eating behaviors in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Nutritional and behavioral support is recommended during treatment to promote healthy habits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on dexamethasone's impact on eating behavior and nutrient intake in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
  • Understanding these effects is crucial for managing treatment side effects and promoting long-term health in children with ALL.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate changes in eating behavior, energy, and nutrient intake during dexamethasone administration in children with ALL.
  • To assess the impact of dexamethasone on leptin and adiponectin levels in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 44 children (3-16 years) with ALL undergoing dexamethasone treatment.
  • Dietary diaries, the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire for Children, and measurements of leptin and adiponectin levels were utilized.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in daily energy intake and consumption of protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, and sodium during dexamethasone.
  • Intake of saturated fat and salt exceeded recommended levels, and restrained eating behavior decreased.
  • Leptin and adiponectin levels showed a significant increase during the dexamethasone course.

Conclusions:

  • Four days of dexamethasone treatment significantly alters energy intake, nutrient consumption (excessive saturated fat and salt), and eating behavior in children with ALL.
  • Nutritional and behavioral interventions are recommended during dexamethasone therapy to encourage a healthy lifestyle and mitigate adverse effects.
Abstract

Keywords:
acute lymphoblastic leukemiaadipokinesdexamethasoneeating behaviorenergy intake

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