Authors (including presenting author) :
Sit J(1),Yuen KS(1),Ho CH(1), Leung YT(1), Yu MWV(1)
Affiliation :
Department of Dietetics, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
The goal of dietetic intervention is to maintain or improve nutritional status. Patients receiving RT face challenges in achieving this goal due to the effects of the tumor, side effects of the treatment or a combination of both. Nutrition problems are often addressed reactively meaning intervention may only be offered to the severely malnourished.
Data from Northern China and Portugal studies revealed malnutrition is common in NPC patients receiving RT, however local study on this aspect is lacking.
Objectives :
The aim of this study is to determine the impact of early and intensive dietetic intervention using a well-defined protocol and evaluate a range of outcomes including body weight, body composition, nutritional status, patient generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and physical function. The purpose of this report is to present the interim findings and to compare with international data.
Methodology :
Individual nutritional consultations were offered to NPC patients on RT following the protocol since 2018. Patients were seen by clinical dietitians before, during and 2 weeks after RT. Information on PG-SGA was collected and body composition was analyzed with Biometric Impedance Analyzer. Twenty-nine patients were complied with the protocol and selected for the study.
Result & Outcome :
Interim analysis showed that patients experienced significant weight loss from 65.34+/-14.06kg to 59.98+/-12.06kg (p<0.000) and Body Mass Index reduction from 23.75+/-3.69kg/m2 to 21.84+/-3.16kg/ m2 (p<0.000) after the completion of RT. Weight loss (-5.36+/-5.67kg) was apparently lower than data from an observational study in Northern China showed a median weight loss of 6.9kg in NPC patients undergoing RT. Muscle mass significantly (p<0.000) reduced from 47.68+/-8.63kg to 43.96+/-7.27kg (-3.41+/-3.42kg muscle mass change). Serum albumin significantly dropped from 44.21+/-7.89g/L to 40.96+/-4.51g/L (p<0.036) after completion of RT. PG-SGA increased significantly (p<0.000) from 3+/-3 at baseline to 12+/-7 after treatment. As compared to Portugal’s data ( PG-SGA score 19-24), our post treatment score was lower . No significant change was found in fat mass, caloric and protein intake.
From the study, NPC patients suffered significant loss in body weight, muscle mass and albumin. The severity of weight loss was apparently lower than the data from Northern China and the post treatment PG-SGA score was less than Portugal's data. An early and intensive dietetic intervention may bridge the nutrition gap and alleviate the decline of nutritional status.
Co-location with:
