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Features Associated With Weight Loss and Growth Stunting for Young Children During Cancer Therapy

Daniel V Runco1,2, Karen Wasilewski-Masker3,4, Claire M Mazewski3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Indiana University School of Medicine.

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|June 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cancer patients under three years old experience different weight-for-height (WHZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) changes during treatment. Younger age and intensive treatment increase weight loss risk, while all children face growth stunting.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Growth Monitoring

Background:

  • Malnutrition features in pediatric cancer care are not well understood.
  • Weight-for-height (WHZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) z scores are crucial indicators of nutritional status and growth in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate characteristics associated with WHZ and HAZ changes in young children undergoing cancer treatment.
  • To identify risk factors for weight loss and growth stunting in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 434 pediatric cancer patients (diagnosed <3 years old) over a 24-month treatment period.
  • Calculation of sex- and age-specific z scores for weight-for-height (WHZ) and height-for-age (HAZ).
  • Exclusion of patients treated outside the center, with relapsed/secondary malignancies, or incomplete data.

Main Results:

  • Patients with hematologic malignancies showed weight gain, unlike other tumor types.
  • Higher treatment intensity and younger age at diagnosis correlated with increased odds of significant weight loss.
  • Older children had higher baseline HAZ, but HAZ decreased significantly over time across all risk factors, contrasting WHZ patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Weight-for-height (WHZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) are differentially impacted by cancer treatment in young children.
  • Key risk factors for weight loss and growth stunting were identified, informing future nutritional interventions.
  • Further prospective trials are needed to examine anthropometric, biochemical, and patient-reported outcomes related to nutrition in pediatric cancer.

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