Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Transplantation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Mesoangioblast-like Myogenic Progenitors in Mouse Models of Muscle Regeneration
Published on: January 20, 2014
Skeletal muscle protein reserve after bone marrow transplantation in children
1Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Nutritional status in children after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) declines initially, with skeletal muscle protein reserves decreasing significantly in the first month. Pre-transplant nutritional status impacts survival, highlighting the need for robust nutritional support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- Nutritional Science
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a critical treatment for various pediatric conditions.
- Long-term nutritional status following BMT is crucial for patient recovery and survival.
- Assessing nutritional reserves accurately is essential for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term nutritional status in children undergoing BMT.
- To compare ultrasonography with anthropometry for assessing skeletal muscle protein reserves.
- To determine the impact of pre-transplant nutritional status on post-transplant outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year follow-up study of 42 pediatric BMT patients.
- Skeletal muscle protein reserve assessment using ultrasonography and anthropometry (mid-arm muscle area).
- Monitoring of serum transferrin concentration and total energy intake.
Main Results:
- Skeletal muscle protein reserves decreased by 11% in the first month post-BMT, with gradual recovery.
- Serum transferrin levels significantly dropped initially, returning to normal by year-end.
- Ultrasonography was found to be superior to anthropometry for assessing protein reserves.
- Inadequate energy intake was observed despite total parenteral nutrition.
- Severely reduced pre-transplant protein-energy reserves correlated with increased relapse mortality risk.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for assessing protein-energy reserves in BMT patients.
- Pre-transplant nutritional status significantly influences post-transplant survival.
- Comprehensive nutritional support, both pre- and post-transplant, is vital for improving outcomes in pediatric BMT recipients.
Abstract:
To evaluate the long-term profile of nutritional status in children undergoing BMT, we carried out a 1-year follow-up of 42 consecutive patients. The skeletal muscle protein reserve was assessed by ultrasonography, and by calculating the mid-arm muscle area from skinfold and arm circumference measurements. Ultrasonography proved to be superior to anthropometry. During the first month after BMT, the skeletal muscle protein reserve decreased by 11% (95% CI -20 to -4%), and only began to recover gradually several months after BMT. The serum transferrin concentration decreased significantly during the first post-transplant month, then slowly returned to normal by the end of the first post-transplant year. The 23 patients with allogeneic transplants and 19 with autologous transplants were fully comparable in nutritional respects. Despite total parenteral nutrition the total energy intake did not reach the weight-based target level. The patients in whom pretransplant protein energy reserves were severely reduced, were at increased risk of dying of relapse. We conclude that ultrasonography is a valuable method for assessing protein energy reserves in BMT patients. Pretransplant nutritional status has a considerable impact on post-transplant survival. We emphasize the importance of both pre- and post-transplant nutritional support.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...