Evaluation of the nutritional status in older patients with aggressive haematological malignancies using the MNA-SF

Abstract Background Malnutrition is common both after the age of 70 and in many types of cancer, being responsible for poor quality of life, poor treatment response and a shorter survival time. Patients with haematological malignancies face specific challenges regarding nutrition because of intensiv...

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Published in:European geriatric medicine 2014-08, Vol.5 (4), p.258-260
Main Authors: Velghe, A, Noens, L, Demuynck, R, De Buyser, S, Petrovic, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Haematological neoplasm
Internal Medicine
Malnutrition
MNA-SF
Nutrition assessment
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Summary:Abstract Background Malnutrition is common both after the age of 70 and in many types of cancer, being responsible for poor quality of life, poor treatment response and a shorter survival time. Patients with haematological malignancies face specific challenges regarding nutrition because of intensive treatments they endure. Early detection of nutritional problems is important to allow interventions. Objectives To assess the nutritional status of a group of older patients with aggressive haematological malignancies before the onset of systemic therapy using the MNA-SF. Setting The haematology department of a university hospital. Participants Patients ≥ 70 years, with newly diagnosed aggressive haematological malignancies. Methods Observational single centre study. Patients were screened for malnutrition before and two months after start of therapy using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Results Seventy patients were included. Mean age was 77.4 ± 4.7 years (range 70.0–91.0). At baseline, 20% (CI95 = 11–31%) were malnourished and 61% (CI95 = 49–73%) were at risk for malnutrition. Recent weight loss and declined food intake were the most recorded MNA-SF parameters. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 26.3 ± 4.1 (range 19.8–41.1) and 41% ( n = 29) of patients had a BMI < 25. Conclusions Using the MNA-SF, most of the older patients with an aggressive haematological malignancy are at risk for malnutrition. Therefore, nutritional assessment with individualised dietary advice and follow-up during treatment should be recommended as an integrated part of the treatment plan.
ISSN:1878-7649
1878-7657
DOI:10.1016/j.eurger.2014.03.003