Nutrition support use and clinical outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous stem cell transplant.

PurposeMalnutrition is associated with worse outcomes post-haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with nutrition support recommended for people who are malnourished or have prolonged inadequate energy intake. We investigated associations between nutritional status, nutrition support type and clinical outcomes in adults with multiple myeloma post stem cell transplantation.MethodsMedical records (2015-2020) were reviewed to retrieve demographics, anthropometry, dietary data, nutrition support type (enteral/oral versus parenteral), and clinical outcomes (engraftment time, infection, length of stay, weight changes). Relationships were examined using linear regression modelling and Fisher's exact test.ResultsOne hundred thirteen participants were included (61% male; median age 62 years). Fifteen participants (13%) received parenteral and 98 (87%) received enteral/oral nutrition support. Parenteral nutrition was associated with shorter platelet engraftment time by 2.7 days (p = 0.036) and a longer hospital stay by 6.1 days (p 0.05).ConclusionsParticipants who received parenteral nutrition reached platelet engraftment sooner but were in hospital longer. Inadequate energy intake for ≥ 7 days did not impact clinical outcomes. Multi-site prospective studies are warranted to confirm results.