Nutrition Status at Diagnosis in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Sana’a, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Nutritional assessment at diagnosis increases the clinician's awareness and guides them to refer malnourished patients who are at risk for early dietary intervention.

Aim: To assess the nutritional status at diagnosis in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Sana’a, Yemen.

Methods: A prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Leukemia Unit of Al-Kuwait University Hospital (KUH), Sana’a, Yemen. Nutritional assessment was performed through utilizing the Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids). Furthermore, body mass index (BMI) was calculated and plotted at BMI-for-age growth charts.

Results: Of the total 119 patients enrolled in the study, the mean age was 7.26  ±  (SD±3.14), (78.1%) were aged less than 10 years, with male predominance, (70.6%) of patients belonged to rural areas. Based on BMI for age, (54.6%) of patients were underweight, (42 %) were in a healthy weight, and (3.4%) of the patients were overweight. Based on the STRONGkids score, (56.3%) and (43.7%) of patients were at moderate and high risk for malnutrition, respectively.

Conclusion: Malnutrition emerges as a critical health concern at diagnosis in pediatric ALL. According to the CDC growth charts for BMI for age, (54.6%) of patients were underweight. On the other hand, the STRONGkids score showed (56.3%) and (43.7%) of patients were at moderate and high risk for malnutrition, respectively.