Managing Undernutrition in Pediatric Oncology: A Consensus Statement Developed Using the Delphi Method by the Polish Society for Clinical Nutrition of Children and the Polish Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology.

"Managing Undernutrition in Pediatric Oncology" is a collaborative consensus statement of the Polish Society for Clinical Nutrition of Children and the Polish Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. The early identification and accurate management of malnutrition in children receiving anticancer treatment are crucial components to integrate into comprehensive medical care. Given the scarcity of high-quality literature on this topic, a consensus statement process was chosen over other approaches, such as guidelines, to provide comprehensive recommendations. Nevertheless, an extensive literature review using the PubMed database was conducted. The following terms, namely pediatric, childhood, cancer, pediatric oncology, malnutrition, undernutrition, refeeding syndrome, nutritional support, and nutrition, were used. The consensus was reached through the Delphi method. Comprehensive recommendations aim to identify malnutrition early in children with cancer and optimize nutritional interventions in this group. The statement underscores the importance of baseline and ongoing assessments of nutritional status and the identification of the risk factors for malnutrition development, and it presents tools that can be used to achieve these goals. This consensus statement establishes a standardized approach to nutritional support, aiming to optimize outcomes in pediatric cancer patients.

Efficacy of ready-to-use therapeutic food in malnourished children with cancer: Results of a randomized, open-label phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: The adverse influence of undernutrition in children with cancer may be remediated by early nutritional intervention. This study assessed the efficacy of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in improving nutritional status and reducing treatment-related toxicities (TRTs) in such children. METHODS: In a randomized controlled phase-3 open-label trial, severely and moderately undernourished children with cancer were randomized 1:1 to receive standard nutritional therapy (SNT) or SNT+RUTF for 6 weeks. The primary outcome (weight gain >10%) and secondary outcomes (improved/maintained nutritional status, improved body composition) were assessed after 6 weeks. TRTs were assessed over 6 months. RESULTS: Between July 2015 and March 2018, 260 subjects were enrolled, 126 were analyzable in both arms at 6 weeks. More children on RUTF had weight gain (98 [77.8%] vs. 81 [64.2%], p = .025) with a greater increase in fat mass as a percentage of body mass (median 2% [IQR -0.12 to 4.9] vs. 0.5% [IQR -1.45 to 2.27, p = .005]) but a greater loss of lean mass (median -1.86% [IQR -4.4 to 0.50] vs. -0.4% [IQR -2.4 to 1.4, p = .007]) compared to the SNT arm. Fewer subjects on the RUTF arm had episodes of severe infection (10.6% vs. 31%, p < .0001), treatment delays (17.7% vs. 39%, p < .0001), and severe mucositis (11% vs. 23.8%, p = .006) compared to the SNT arm. The odds of developing TRTs on the RUTF arm were lower even after adjusting for improvement in nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: RUTF is efficacious in improving weight gain and nutritional status in undernourished children with cancer and decreases TRTs. Incorporating RUTF into a healthy, balanced diet should be considered in undernourished children with cancer.

Effectivity of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Malnourished Children.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is commonly seen in children with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is the mainstay treatment of acute malnutrition in children detected with a disease closely associated with EPI (eg, cystic fibrosis). The effectiveness of PERT in children with malnutrition without any chronic disease, however, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of PERT on weight gain and EPI in children classified as moderately and severely malnourished according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 40 children aged 2-16 years who were classified as moderately and severely malnourished according to the WHO classification. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: PERT group (n = 20) received 2000 U lipase/kg/day (in 4 doses) in addition to hypercaloric enteral supplements and control group received hypercaloric enteral supplements only. In both groups, anthropometric measurements and the assessment of fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels were performed both at first admission and at the end of the 8-week treatment period. RESULTS: On the basis of WHO classification, 10 (25%) children were classified as severely malnourished and 30 (75%) children as moderately malnourished. EPI was detected in all the patients, among whom 24 (60%) patients had severe EPI. At the end of the treatment, body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) increased significantly in both groups compared to their pre-treatment values, whereas no significant difference was found with regard to waist circumference (WC) and FE-1 levels. Similarly, no significant difference was found between pre- and posttreatment measurements of PERT and control groups (P > 0.05) and between pre- and posttreatment measurements of patients with moderate and severe malnutrition (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition remains a serious public health problem, and thus, the development of novel treatment methods is highly essential. PERT is one of the most commonly considered alternatives, although there is little documentation of PERT in the literature. In the present study, although PERT resulted in higher weight gain, it established no significant difference between the 2 groups.

Pancreatic Malnutrition in Children.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in children can lead to lifelong complications related to malnutrition and poor growth. The clinical presentation can be subtle in the early stages of insufficiency as the large functional capacity of the pancreas is gradually lost. The pediatrician plays a crucial role in the early identification of these children to ensure a timely referral so that a diagnosis can be made and therapy initiated. Early nutritional therapy allows for prevention and correction of deficiencies, which leads to improved outcomes and survival. When insufficiency is suspected, the workup should start with an indirect test of exocrine pancreatic function, such as fecal elastase, to establish the diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is established, further testing to delineate the etiology should be pursued, with cystic fibrosis being high on the differential list and assessed for with a sweat test. Assessment of anthropometry at every visit is key, as is monitoring of laboratory parameters and physical examination findings that are suggestive of malabsorption and malnutrition. The mainstay of management is administration of exogenous pancreatic enzymes to facilitate digestion and absorption. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(11):e441-e447.].

Predictors of Malnutrition in Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine occurrence of malnutrition in children with cystic fibrosis and identify predictors of malnutrition at time of enrolment and after 2 years of follow up. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PATIENTS: Cystic fibrosis patients enrolled between 2009-2015 with at least 3 years follow-up. SETTING: Pediatric chest clinic at a tertiary-care center in northern India. PROCEDURE: Weight and height were noted at enrolment, and after 1 year and 2 years of follow-up. Clinical details, medications, and pulmonary exacerbations during second year were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Occurrence of malnutrition i.e. weight for age Z-score < -2. RESULTS: 61 medical records were reviewed. Occurrence of malnutrition at baseline, and 1- and 2-year follow-up was 65.5%, 54.1% and 57.3%, respectively. Weight for age Z-score at enrolment significantly correlated with time to diagnosis from onset r=0.015, P=0.029). Weight for age Z-score at 2-year follow-up was significantly associated with steatorrhea (P=0.03), increased frequency of stools (P<0.01) and pulmonary exacerbation (P=0.03) during second year. Linear regression showed significant association between weight for age Z-score at 2 years with steatorrhea and pulmonary exacerbations [r=-0.795 (-1.527, -0.062)] and [r=-0.261 (-0.493, -0.028)]. Pulmonary exacerbations during second and third year had significant correlation with weight for age Z-score at the beginning of respective years (r = -0.219, P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of malnutrition is high in children with cystic fibrosis in this region, with uncontrolled fat malabsorption and recurrent respiratory infections being significant risk factors.

Impacto de un programa comunitario para la malnutrición infantil / Impact of a community program for child malnutrition

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de un programa comunitario destinado a mejorar la malnutrición de niños y niñas de una comunidad rural del Estado de Chiapas, México, 2013. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de la evaluación de un programa a partir de una base de datos secundaria con datos nutricionales en 113 niños menores de cinco años de una zona rural de México. La intervención y el relevamiento se realizaron durante el 2013. Se registraron mediciones basales y a los 4 meses. Para el cálculo de indicadores del estado nutricional se utilizó el Software Anthro de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se estimaron: Peso para edad (P/E); Talla para edad (T/E); Peso para talla (P/T); Índice de masa corporal para la edad (IMC/E), según los lineamientos de la OMS. Se calcula ron medidas de posición y dispersión, prueba T de Student, Kruskal-Wallis, test de MacNemar para datos pareados y regresión lineal simple. RESULTADOS: Entre el inicio y final la mediana del Z Peso/ talla pasó de -0,7 (p25 -1,24; p75 -0,01) a -0,62 (p25 -1,09; p75 -0,15). La prevalencia de bajo peso descendió de 5,31% (IC 2,38-11,44) a 4,42 % (IC 1,83-10,32) (Z Score IMC/edad). El peso adecuado según Z Score Peso/talla aumentó de 78,76% (IC 70,12-85,43) a 84,96% (76,98-90,51). En el subgrupo con bajo peso inicial la media de Z IMC/edad y Z Peso/talla aumentó 0,4 (p = 0,003). El cambio en la media de Z Peso/talla fue de 0,02 puntos en el subgrupo que recibió programa de trasferencia directa y de -0,3 en el que no (p = 0,020). CONCLUSIONES: Se concluye que el programa comunitario durante los 4 meses de implementación contribuyó a mejorar algunos indicadores antropométricos; aunque no se encontraron efectos aparentes en indicadores relacionados a la desnutrición crónica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a community program aimed at improving the children mal nutrition in a rural community of the State of Chiapas, Mexico, 2013. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Des criptive study of the evaluation program from a secondary database of nutritional data registry of 113 children under five years of age in a rural area of Mexico. The intervention and the survey were carried out during 2013. Baseline and 4-month measurements were recorded. The World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software was used to calculate nutritional status indicators. According to WHO guidelines, the following data were estimated: weight for age (W/A), height for age (H/A), weight for height (W/H), and Body mass index for age (BMI/A). Position and dispersion measures were calculated; Student's T-test, Kruskal-Wallis, and MacNemar test were used for paired data and linear regression. RESULTS: Between the beginning and the end, the median of the Z W/H went from -0.7 (p25 -1.24, p75 -0.01) to -0.62 (p25 -1.09, p75 -0.15). The prevalence of low weight decreased from 5.31% (CI 2.38-11.44) to 4.42% (CI 1.83-10.32) (Z BMI/A). The appropriate weight according to Z score W/H increased from 78.76% (CI 70.12-85.43) to 84.96% (76.98-90.51). In the subgroup with low initial weight, the mean of Z BMI/A and Z W/H increased 0.4 (p = 0.003). The change in the mean of Z W/H was 0.02 points in the subgroup that received the direct transfer program and of -0.3 in which it did not (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the community program during the four months of implementation contributed to improve some anthropometric indicators, although no apparent effects were found in indicators related to chronic malnutrition.

Effect of Nutrition Education on Knowledge, Complementary Feeding, and Hygiene Practices of Mothers With Moderate Acutely Malnourished Children in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate infant and young child complementary feeding practices related to a lack of maternal knowledge contributes to an increased risk of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality. There is a lack of data regarding the effect of nutrition education on maternal knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices as part of a supplementary feeding intervention targeting infants and young children with moderate acute malnutrition in low-income countries like Uganda. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nutrition education improves knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices of mothers with infants and young children diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition. METHODS: A cross-sequential study using a pretest-posttest design included 204 mother-infant pairs conveniently sampled across 24 randomly selected clusters. Weekly nutrition education sessions were embedded in a supplementary porridge intervention for 3 months. Mean scores and proportions for knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices were determined at baseline and end line. The difference between mean scores at the 2 time points were calculated with the paired t test analysis, while the proportions between baseline and end line were calculated using a z test analysis. RESULTS: Mean scores for knowledge, dietary diversity, and meal frequency were higher at end line compared to baseline (P < .001). Handwashing did not improve significantly (P = .183), while boiling water to enhance water quality improved (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Nutrition education in conjunction with a supplementary feeding intervention targeting infants and young children with moderate acute malnutrition improved meal frequency, dietary diversity and water quality.

Copper deficiency-induced bicytopenia caused by poor compliance in a paediatric patient with chronic malnutrition: A case report.

A 12-year-old boy who underwent gastric wedge resection was transferred to our hospital because of vomiting, growth failure, and weight loss in January, 2016. We tried to restore his general condition by maintaining additional nutritional supply through peripheral parenteral nutrition (PN). However, continuous vomiting, weight loss, and superior mesenteric artery syndrome persisted because of low treatment compliance. The findings of hyponatraemia and bicytopenia did not improve. Bone marrow biopsy was performed, and it revealed copper deficiency. PN with additional micronutrient agents, including copper, were administered. In particular, invasive diagnosis and treatment, and adequate education improved the treatment compliance of the child. His copper deficiency and bicytopenia improved, and his weight and dietary intake also increased. We confirmed that treatment compliance is important in paediatric patients with malnutrition. In chronic malnutrition, attention should also be paid to deficiency of micronutrients such as copper, which can lead to haematologic problems.

Malnutrition in Children With Chronic Disease.

Malnutrition occurs when nutrient intake does not meet the needs for normal body functions and as a consequence leads to alterations of growth and development in children. Chronic illness puts children at risk for developing malnutrition. Because of children's rapid periods of growth and development, early diagnosis, prevention, and management of malnutrition are paramount. The reasons for malnutrition in children with chronic disease are multifactorial and are related to the underlying disease and non-illness-associated factors. This review addresses the causes, evaluation, and management of malnutrition in pediatric congenital heart disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and cystic fibrosis.

Effectiveness of a community-based intervention on nutrition education of mothers of malnourished children in a rural coastal area of South India.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of evidence on improvement in malnutrition status after follow-up intervention among malnourished under-five children. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to assess the effect of community-based follow-up health education intervention on the awareness level of mothers, calorie intake, protein intake, and weight gain of malnourished children. METHODS: This intervention study was conducted from December 2012 to October 2014 in three phases at rural Puducherry, coastal South India. The intervention group (57 mothers of 64 children) and control group (60 mothers of 64 children) included moderate and severely malnourished children aged 13-60 months. Children in the control group were taken from different areas and matched for age (±6 months) and sex. Health education intervention and follow-up supervision for 15 months were given to the mothers. RESULTS: Awareness level in all domains increased significantly in the intervention group. In the intervention group, 81% (52) of malnourished children turned out to normal, whereas in the control group, 64% (41) of them became normal. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean changes in the protein intake among boys (15.34 g to 19.91 g in the intervention group against 13.6 g to 16.24 g in the control group) and girls (15.09 g to 19.57 g in the intervention group against 13.36 g to 16.51 g in the control group) and calorie intake among girls (993.86 kcal to 1116.55 kcal in the intervention group against 992.65 kcal to 1078.75 kcal in the control group) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There was comparatively marginal increase in protein intake, calories' intake, and weight gain in the intervention group.

Hypophosphatemia in a Malnourished Child: When Renal Fanconi Syndrome Does Not Stand for Refeeding Syndrome.

Refeeding syndrome is diagnosed based on the onset of multiple laboratory abnormalities (most commonly hypophosphatemia) and clinical signs in the setting of nutrition rehabilitation of malnourished patients. Because definitions are not uniform, a broad differential diagnosis should always include renal tubular dysfunction. Our report details a 3 year-old child with undiagnosed renal tubular dysfunction who presented with the clinical picture of refeeding syndrome with refractory electrolyte abnormalities. A diagnosis of renal Fanconi syndrome was made after urinalysis that revealed glucosuria and urine electrolyte losses. Thus, urinalysis can aid in making a positive diagnosis of refeeding syndrome.

Unmet Needs in Nutritional Care in African Paediatric Oncology Units.

BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of children diagnosed with cancer in low- and middle-income countries are malnourished, which likely affects survival. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An online survey to paediatric oncology units (POUs) in Africa was done regarding nutritional assessment and care. RESULTS: Sixty-six surveys were received from POUs in 31 countries. Only 44.4% had a dedicated dietician for nutritional assessment and support; 29.6% undertook routine nutritional assessment during treatment. None reported defined criteria for nutritional intervention. Total parenteral nutrition was not available for 42.6% of POUs, while 51.8% did not have access to commercial enteral nutrition for inpatients, and 25.9% of the hospitals could not supply any home-based nutritional supplements. CONCLUSION: Nutritional assessment in POUs in Africa is neither routinely undertaken nor are there defined criteria to initiate nutritional interventions. Standardized guidelines for nutritional assessment and interventions are needed for African POUs to enable improved outcome.

Physical activity level among children recovering from severe acute malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level and predictors of physical activity at discharge among children recovering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). METHODS: We conducted a prospective study among 69 children 6-59 months of age admitted with SAM for nutritional rehabilitation at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. Using hip-mounted triaxial accelerometers, we measured physical activity expressed as counts per minute (cpm) during the last three days of hospital treatment. As potential predictors, we assessed clinical and background characteristics, duration to transition phase and duration of hospitalisation, serum C-reactive protein and whole-blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of physical activity. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age was 15.5 (12.6; 20.5) months. At discharge, the mean (SD) movement was 285 (126) cpm. Physical activity was 43 (19; 67) cpm higher for each unit increase in weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) and 72 (36; 108) cpm higher for each centimetre increase in MUAC. Whole-blood DHA on admission was also a positive predictor of physical activity, whereas duration to transition phase and duration of hospitalisation were both negative predictors. CONCLUSION: The level of physical activity at discharge among children treated for SAM was low. WHZ, MUAC and DHA on admission were positive predictors of physical activity, whereas duration of stabilisation and hospitalisation was negative predictors of physical activity. These results suggest that assessment of physical activity may be used as a marker of recovery.

Pagos por desempeño para mejorar el estado nutricional infantil: impacto de los convenios de apoyo presupuestario en tres regiones peruanas con alta prevalencia de desnutrición crónica infantil, 2010-2014 / Payment by performance to improve the nutritional status of children: impact of budget support agreements in three peruvian regions with a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition in children in 2010-2014

RESUMEN Objetivos. Estimar el impacto de un esquema de pago por desempeño, denominado convenios de apoyo presupuestario, aplicado por el Gobierno a las tres regiones con mayores tasas de desnutrición crónica infantil (DCI) en 2008, Apurimac, Ayacucho y Huancavelica, sobre indicadores de cobertura de servicios de cuidado infantil (vacunación, controles de crecimiento y desarrollo infantil, suplemento de hierro) y del estado nutricional del niño (desnutrición, anemia, diarrea). Mediante estos convenios se transferían recursos a los presupuestos de dichas regiones condicionados al cumplimiento de compromisos de gestión y metas de cobertura con el objetivo de mejorar el estado nutricional infantil. Materiales y métodos. A partir de los datos de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar de 2008 a 2014, se compara la evolución en los indicadores evaluados de una muestra de niños que residen en los ámbitos donde se suscribieron los convenios y una muestra de control, mientras los convenios estuvieron vigentes y en los años posteriores para reportar el estimador de diferencias en diferencias del impacto promedio de los convenios Resultados. se encuentran impactos positivos sobre el incremento de coberturas de vacunas del esquema básico y de la vacuna rotavirus y, a través de ellos, en la reducción de la ocurrencia de diarrea y desnutrición. Conclusiones. el esquema habría sido efectivo en activar la cadena mayor cobertura de vacunas y menor DCI, pero no parece mejorar la cobertura de otras prestaciones como las atenciones de crecimiento y desarrollo del niño y entrega de suplementos de hierro al niño y gestante.

ABSTRACT To estimate the impact of a payment scheme by performance, known as a budget support agreement, applied by the government in three regions in Peru with the highest rates of chronic malnutrition (CM) in children in 2008-Apurimac, Ayacucho, and Huancavelica-on indicators of health service coverage (immunization, childhood growth and development, and iron supplementation) and the nutritional status of children (malnutrition, anemia, and diarrhea). These agreements were used to transfer resources to the budgets of these regions with the condition of fulfilling management commitments and coverage goals with a view toward improving the nutritional status of children. Materials and methods. Based on data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey conducted from 2008 to 2014, evolution of the indicators in a sample of children residing in the areas where the support programs were signed was compared to that of a control sample in the period in which the agreements were in force and in the subsequent years to estimate differences in the impact of this support strategy. Results. There was a positive impact of the programs on the increase in vaccination coverage provided by the basic health system and rotavirus vaccination, which consequently reduced the rates of diarrhea and malnutrition. Conclusions. The scheme was effective in increasing the vaccination coverage and reducing CM but did not seem to improve the coverage of other benefits, including childhood growth and iron supplementation to children and mothers.

[Diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease in children: Guidelines of the French Society of Pediatric Nephrology]. / Diagnostic et prise en charge de la maladie rénale chronique de l'enfant : recommandations de la Société de néphrologie pédiatrique (SNP).

These guidelines are intended to assist physicians in the care of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined in children as in adults, regardless of its cause. Often silent for a long time, CKD can evolve to chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease. Its management aims at slowing disease progression and treating CKD complications as soon as they appear. The different aspects of pediatric CKD care are addressed in these guidelines (screening, treatment, monitoring, diet, quality of life) as proposed by the French Society of Pediatric Nephrology. Highly specialized care provided in the hospital setting by pediatric nephrologists is not detailed.

The effectiveness of nutrition education for overweight/obese mothers with stunted children (NEO-MOM) in reducing the double burden of malnutrition in Indonesia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition transition in developing countries were induced by rapid changes in food patterns and nutrient intake when populations adopt modern lifestyles during economic and social development, urbanization and acculturation. Consequently, these countries suffer from the double burden of malnutrition, consisting of unresolved undernutrition and the rise of overweight/obesity. The prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition tends to be highest for moderate levels (third quintile) of socioeconomic status. Evidence suggests that modifiable factors such as intra-household food distribution and dietary diversity are associated with the double burden of malnutrition, given household food security. This article describes the study protocol of a behaviorally based nutrition education intervention for overweight/obese mothers with stunted children (NEO-MOM) in reducing the double burden of malnutrition. METHODS: NEO-MOM is a randomized controlled trial with a three-month behavioral intervention for households involving pairs of 72 stunted children aged 2-5 years old and overweight/obese mothers (SCOWT) in urban Indonesia. The SCOWT pairs were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or to a comparison group that received usual care plus printed educational materials. The intervention consisted of six classroom sessions on nutrition education and home visits performed by trained community health workers using a motivational interviewing approach. The primary outcomes of this study are the prevalence of double burden of malnutrition as measured in SCOWT, child's height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and maternal body mass index (BMI). DISCUSSION: Because previous studies are mainly observational in nature, this study advances understanding of the double burden of malnutrition through a fully powered randomized controlled trial. The intervention assists participants in self-administered goal setting to improve diet and child feeding behaviors by improving self-efficacy. Maternal self-efficacy may be enhanced through vicarious and active mastery of experiences gained during six sessions of nutrition education and verbal persuasion during home visits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Universal Trial Number (UTN) for this study is U1111-1175-5834. This trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) and is allocated the registration number: ACTRN12615001243505 on 12 November 2015.

Nutritional status in children and adolescents with leukemia: An emphasis on clinical outcomes in low and middle income countries.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the information available on the nutritional status of children with leukemia in low and middle income countries (LMICs), where the great majority of them live and malnutrition is prevalent, in order to identify best practices and remaining deficits in knowledge. METHODS: Literature relevant to measurement of nutritional status and the impact of nutritional status on important clinical outcomes in this population, and others of relevance, was reviewed. RESULTS: Arm anthropometry provides more accurate information on nutritional status than measures based on body weight in children with cancer. Both over- and under-nutrition are important determinants of tolerance of chemotherapy, compliance with treatment, relapse of disease, and survival. These relationships are subject to change with nutritional intervention. There are valuable roles for educational tools and 'ready-to-use-therapeutic-foods'. DISCUSSION: Assessment of nutritional status is mandatory in this population and accomplishable at various levels of sophistication according to available resources. Recognition of the fundamental role of nutritional status in affecting outcomes in children with leukemia is expanding, but knowledge gaps remain. An apparently counter-intuitive strategy of caloric restriction may be worthy of exploration. There is a particular need to establish normative data, including measures of body composition, in children in LMICs. CONCLUSIONS: Developing adaptive clinical practice guidelines for the measurement of nutritional status and for nutritional interventions, incorporating assessment of health-related quality of life, are evident priorities in the care of children with leukemia in LMICs.

Growth assessment and risk factors of malnutrition in children with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the nutritional status, to screen for the presence of malnutrition, and to study the possible risk factors associated with malnutrition in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional review of medical records of all diagnosed CF patients in the Pediatric Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, between January 1984 and May 2015 was conducted. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected from records of last visit to CF clinic. Nutritional status and risk factors of malnutrition were assessed. RESULTS: All records of 109 CF patients were reviewed. Forty-seven pediatric patients were included in the study. All included patients were on pancreatic enzyme replacement and 42 (89%) received high-calorie supplementation. Growth failure was noted in 34 (72%) patients, 19 (56%) were wasted and stunted, 8 (23.5%) were wasted only, and 7 (20.5%) were stunted. Low birth weight (p=0.032), and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (p=0.039) were the significant risk factors for malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Most CF patients in Bahrain (72%) are malnourished. Low birth weight and the presence of GERD are risk factors.

Optimizing Perioperative Nutrition in Pediatric Populations.

Nutrition status prior to surgery and nutrition rehabilitation after surgery can affect the morbidity and mortality of pediatric patients. A comprehensive approach to nutrition in pediatric surgical patients is important and includes preoperative assessment, perioperative nutrition considerations, and postoperative recovery. A thorough nutrition assessment to identify patients who are at nutrition risk prior to surgery is important so that the nutrition status can be optimized prior to the procedure to minimize suboptimal outcomes. Preoperative malnutrition is associated with increased complications and mean hospital days following surgery. Enteral and parenteral nutrition can be used in cases where food intake is inadequate to maintain and possibly improve nutrition status, especially in the 7-10 days prior to surgery. In the perioperative period, fasting should be limited to restricting solid foods and non-human milk 6 hours prior to the procedure and allowing clear liquids until 2 hours prior to the procedure. Postoperatively, early feeding has been shown to resolve postoperative ileus earlier, decrease infection rates, promote wound healing, and reduce length of hospital stay. If nutrition cannot be provided orally, then nutrition through either enteral or parenteral means should be initiated within 24-48 hours of surgery. Practitioners should identify those patients who are at the highest nutrition risk for postsurgical complications and provide guidance for optimal nutrition during the perioperative and postoperative period.