Initial nutritional status of stomach cancer patients

Ahn, Su Mi; Yoon, Ki Young; Kim, Eun Sil; Kang, Won Geun; Ryu, Dong Won; Kim, Tae Hyun; Choi, Kyung Hyun; Jung, Eun Ae; Lim, Sun Gye; Kim, Hong Seon; Lee, Kum Sook; Kim, Jong Suck; Lee, Sun Og

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate initial nutritional status of stomach cancer patients. The study subjects were 88 patients with stomach cancer admitted at Kosin University Gospel Hospital in Busan. We assessed the initial nutritional status by anthropometric, biochemical and dietary intake data along with subjective global assessment(SGA). The results are as follows. 1. The mean age, weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, mid arm circumference, and mid arm muscle circumference of the subjects were 55.9+/-11.0years, 60.0+/-9.8kg, 162.4+/-8.5cm, 10.9+/-5.7mm, 26.8+/-3.8cm, and 23.4+/-3.5cm respectively. The mean body mass index was within the normal range, with 22.7+/-2.8kg/m2, while 15.4% of the patients was underweight. The result shows that body fat mass and body protein mass of the patients with stomach cancer were decreased. 2. The mean biochemical data of the subjects were 4.0+/-0.5g/dl for albumin, 174.7+/-41.9mg/dl for cholesterol, 107.6+/-57.2mg/dl for triglyceride, 92.1microgram/dl for Zn, 297.0+/-103.1mg/dl for transferrin, 1980.0+/-0.8mm3 for total lymphocyte count. 3. Daily energy intake was 1997.8+/-579.3kcal. And the ratio of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid to energy intake was 72:14:14. 4. The patients were divided into three groups according to SGA performed by an observer. Group A(well nourished) was 55.7% with 49 patients, Group B(moderately malnourished) was 22.7 % with 20 patients, and Group C(severely malnourished) was 21.6 % with 19 patients. The three groups showed a significant difference in body weight(p<0.01), 1 month weight loss %(p<0.001), 6 months weight loss %(p<0.001), body mass index(p<0.01), and mid arm circumference(p<0.05), albumin(p<0.01), energy intake(p<0.05) as well as carbohydrate intake(p<0.05). From these results, it may be concluded that SGA can be used as a nutrition screening tool, and comprehensive nutrition assessment is desirable for those malnourished.