Nutritional Assessment of Adult Acute Leukemia Patients

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a challenging problem fronting acute leukemia patients. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for disease outcome. Objective(s):The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of acute leukemia patients and to assess patient's length of hospital stay (LOS) and disease duration. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 90 adult acute leukemia patients attending a Alexandria University Hospital, Egypt. Dietary intake assessment using 24 hour recall method, clinical assessment for subcutaneous fat loss and muscle wasting, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and body composition measurements were done according to the standard procedures. Records for laboratory tests were reviewed for each patient. Body mass index (< 18.5 kg/m 2 ), MUAC (<25.5 cm in male and < 23 cm in female) and TSF (< 12.5 mm in male and < 16.5 mm in female) were used to rule in a state of malnutrition. Results: Nineteen patients (21.1%) according to BMI, 9 patients (10%) according to MUAC and 15 patients (16.6%) according to TSF were found to be malnourished. Based on BMI, ninety percent of the patients were taking less than their daily energy and protein needs (91.1%) with no significant difference between malnourished and well-nourished group. The percent of muscle mass was significantly lower among malnourished patients (36.22 ± 7.98 vs.31.53 ± 5.52%). Malnourished patients had significantly longer disease duration (16.32 ± 9.80), longer mean LOS (58.20 ± 16.44 vs 105.42 ± 38.36) and higher mean number of chemotherapy cycles (4.66 ± 1.62 vs 8.26 ± 3.12) Conclusion: Nutrition is an important aspect of patient care in acute leukemia. Attention should be paid for acute leukemia patient's nutritional needs to achieve better disease outcome.