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Preprints

DETERMINING THE APPETITE AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN UNDERGOING STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Suluhan D, Koacaerkek H, Yildiz D, Koç N, Bozkaya İO, Gürsel O, Özbek NY.
Preprint from
Authorea Preprints
24 September 2021
PPR
PPR399551
Abstract

Aim:

To determine pre- and post-transplant appetite and nutritional status of children undergoing stem cell transplantation.

Methods:

This study was conducted between November 2018 and November 2020 with 25 children, aged 8-18 years, diagnosed with cancer without secondary disease and scheduled for stem cell transplantation. Time points: seven days pre-stem cell transplant (T1); transplant day (T2); Day 1 post-transplantation (T3); Day 14 post-transplantation (T4); and Day 30 post-transplantation (T5). Measurements for treating pediatric anorexia and cachexia include: height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC); body mass index (BMI); and the Pediatric Functional Assessment Scale (Peds-FAACT).

Results:

52% of patients were female, and mean age was 13.2 years. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was diagnosed in 32% of the children. There was a statistically significant difference between the means of body weight over time (p<0.001). By Day 14 post-transplantation, 61% of subjects (n=14) had lost > 5% of body weight. There was a statistically significant difference between distributions of change in food taste over time, and distribution of change in food smell (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:

Clinical nutrition teams should closely follow the children’s nutritional status, plan appropriate nutritional treatment, perform nutritional care, and evaluate anthropometric measurements.