Inadequate Nutritional Status of Hospitalized Cancer Patients

Year 2017, , 15 - 21, 30.03.2017

Ali Alkan , Dılşa Mızrak Filiz Çay Şenler Güngör Utkan

https://doi.org/10.5799/jcei.328744

Abstract

Objective: In oncology practice, nutrition and also metabolic activity are essential to support the nutritional status and
prevent malignant cachexia. It is important to evaluate the patients and plan the maneuvers at the start of the therapy.
The primary objective of the study is to define the nutritional status of hospitalized patients and the factors affecting it
in order to define the most susceptible patients and maneuvers for better nutritional support.
Methods: Patients hospitalized in oncology clinic for therapy were evaluated for food intake and nutritional status
through structured interviews. The clinical properties, medical therapies, elements of nutritional support were noted and
predictors of inadequate nutritional status (INS) were analyzed.
Results: Four hundred twenty three patients, between 16-82 years old (median: 52) were evaluated. Nearly half of the
patients (185, 43%) reported a better appetite at home than in hospital and declared that hospitalization is an important
cause of loss of appetite (140/185, 75.6%). Presence of nausea/vomiting (N/V), depression, age less than 65 and use
of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were associated with increased risk of INS in hospitalized cancer
patients. On the contrary, steroid medication showed a positive impact on nutritional status of cancer patients.
Conclusion: N/V, younger age, presence of depression and NSAIDs medication were associated with INS in
hospitalized cancer patients. Clinicians should pay more attention to this group of patients. In addition, unnecessary
hospitalizations and medications that may disturb oral intake must be avoided. Corticosteroids are important tools for
managing anorexia and INS.

Keywords

Inadequate nutritional status, malnutrition, cancer cachexia

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