Evaluation of malnutrition status in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal hematological tumors

Malnutrition is a potentially serious condition. Pediatric malignancies account for between 1% and 3% of diagnosed worldwide. The prevalence of malnutrition among such patients varies from 10% to 50%. This study conducted to investigate nutritional status of pediatric oncology undergoing chemo and/or radiotherapy. A cross sectional study conducted on 42 outpatient children. They divided into three groups; chemotherapy group (CG), radiotherapy group (RG) and chemoradiotherapy group (CRG). The evaluation was done at preceding therapy (PT) and after the first month of treatment, in the first chemotherapy and /or radiotherapy cycle of the induction therapy. All patients were subjected to assess the nutritional status according to Gomez classification. Blood and renal profiles, also hepatic enzymes were detected. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls. The results found their majority were having chemoradiotherapy (40%), Hepatocellular carcinoma has been the largest type (40%) among study population. According to Gomez classification, CG and CRG and were categorized in grade 2 malnutrition, while RG located in mild malnutrition in grade 1. Regarding the albumin level, all treated patients were categorized in moderate malnutrition. Total energy was dramatically decreased (p≤0.05), in particular CG (744±46 kcal/day). Also, dietary protein was severely diminished among all therapeutic modalities in particular CRG (4.70±0.94 g/day). Most of energy intake depends on dietary fat and carbohydrates. In conclusion: CG and CRG were categorized in moderate malnutrition, while RG located in mild malnutrition. Total energy was dramatically declined; the protein intake was decreased significantly by half to three-quarters from RDA.