Nutritional support of the bone marrow transplant patient.

BMT results in multiple toxicities and organ dysfunction, which significantly influence the nutritional status of patients. The preparative regimen, which includes high-dose chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy), causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, anorexia, dysgeusia, and xerostomia. Conditioning may also contribute to infection and organ dysfunction. TPN is used as the principal method of nutritional support during the first month after transplantation. Oral feedings are primarily employed thereafter. A team approach is required to manage the nutritional aspects of care effectively in this complex patient population.