EC Paediatrics

Background: In children with Cancer, the nutritional status may be compromised by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, antiemetics, mucositis, decreased smell, taste, lethargy, increased sleep time, and anorexia. So, nutritional status evaluation is essential at diagnosis, during, and after therapy. 

Aims: Evaluate the nutritional status in three independent prospective cohort studies: at the time of diagnosis, during, and after treatment. 

Methods: This prospective cohort research comprises all children and adolescents consecutively diagnosed at the Oncological Treatment Center from August 2018 to March 2019. Inclusion criteria: aged (1 and 18 years) regular outpatient follow-up. Exclusion criteria: associated diseases that interfere with nutritional status. Patients were divided into three independent Study Groups: Study 1 (newly diagnosed Cancer); Study 2 (undergoing cancer therapy ≥ 3 months; Study 3 (complete cancer therapy and < five years follow-up). All evaluations were performed 0, 30, and 180 days after inclusion. 

Results: Sixty-seven cancer patients were grouped into leukemias/lymphomas, central nervous system (CNS) tumors and other solid tumors. The nutritional status was: Study 1 (malnourished was significantly higher after 30 days; abdominal circumference was lower at 30 days). Study 2 and study 3 (no difference was observed between the three moments). Study 3 (Abdominal Circumference was higher at 180 days than inclusion).

Conclusion: Cancer treatment initially impacts body composition by reducing Weight and BMI through a decrease in fat but with no change in muscle reserves. The recovery in nutritional status occurs with increases in fat reserves six months after diagnosis. An adequate dietary intake can improve nutritional status, prevent energy imbalances, and improve fat and muscle reserves. 

 Keywords: Cancer; Children; Adolescents; Nutritional Status

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