Assessment of nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients.

The study was done to identify which parameters are most useful to be used for nutrition assessment in pediatric cancer patients. The study included 70 pediatric cancer patients (48 males and 22 females) age 4-10 years. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on type of cancer (Lymphoma, leukemia and rhabdomyosarcoma). The period of the study was divided into 3 stages according to treatment (initial, during and at the end of the 6 months period). The patients were subjected to nutrition assessment through using 24 hours dietary recall and anthropometric measurements. Also the relationship between nutrient intake and socioeconomic status of the patients was studied. The results showed positive between each of triceps skinfold (TSF), arm circumference (AC), arm muscle circumference (AMC), height (Ht) and weight categories (as a percent of ideal body weight). These parameters can be used to assess nutritional status of pediatric cancer patients throughout the stages of treatment. The results of the 24 hours dietary recall showed a decrease in protein and caloric intake of all the patients by the end of the 6 months period. All the patients had low intake of vitamins A and C and calcium. A positive correlation was found between the intake of these 3 nutrients and socioeconomic level of the patients.