Malnutrition in patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastases

Malnutrition is common among cancer patients and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients who underwent surgical treatment for spinal metastases. In addition, the association between nutritional status and length of stay, health related quality of life (HRQOL), the occurrence of adverse events and survival was investigated.

A single center prospective observational cohort study including patients with spinal metastases who underwent surgical treatment was performed. Demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and HRQOL (SOSGOQ2.0 and EQ-5D-3L) data were prospectively collected at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment. Nutritional status was evaluated with the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA).

A total of 39 patients were included. Malnutrition as determined by the PG-SGA was present in 36 (92%) of the patients, of whom 32 (82%) were moderately malnourished and 4 (10%) were severely malnourished. Malnourishment was associated with lower baseline SOSGOQ2.0 total scores, SOSGOQ2.0 physical function, mental health and social functioning scores, EQ-5D total scores and EQ-5D mobility scores. No association between malnutrition and survival could be determined.

The prevalence of malnutrition among surgically treated patients with spinal metastases is high. Malnutrition demonstrated to be associated with lower baseline HRQOL scores. Future larger studies are needed to further investigate the prognostic significance of malnutrition.