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Nutritional Assessment and Intervention

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Pediatric Hematology-Oncology in Countries with Limited Resources

Abstract

Adequate nutrition is a fundamental necessity to ensure adequate growth and development during infancy, childhood and adolescence, and more so in the presence of cancer. It is reported that 5–50 % of patients are undernourished at diagnosis of their cancer and is definitely more frequently reported in low income countries (LIC). All paediatric patients with cancer have the risk of malnutrition during treatment. It is recommended that they receive early and on-going nutritional assessment and intervention to maintain or enhance their nutritional status. Nutritional assessment should commence at diagnosis, continue whilst on therapy as well as during survivorship. The A, B, C, D’s of nutrition assessment consists of anthropometry, biochemical, clinical and dietary. The use of a high energy and protein diets, nutritional supplements, special diets and enteral feeds are suggested dependent on availability and expertise. The use of local foods is encouraged. Simple supplements such as peanut butter or eggs are alternatives. Nutritional interventions decrease treatment delays, improve well-being and may enhance adherence to therapy. The aim of nutritional support in children with cancer is to reverse and/or prevent malnutrition, promote weight gain, growth and normal development, improve immune system, tolerance to treatment and quality of life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology/BMT, BC Childrens Hospital & University of BC, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6H 3V4

    Paul C. Rogers M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.P.C., M.B.A.

  2. Paediatric Oncology Unit, Oncology Complex 4th Floor, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Private Bag X139, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

    Judy Schoeman B.Dietetics, B.Compt., M.Sc. Dietetics

Authors
  1. Paul C. Rogers M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.P.C., M.B.A.
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  2. Judy Schoeman B.Dietetics, B.Compt., M.Sc. Dietetics
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Judy Schoeman B.Dietetics, B.Compt., M.Sc. Dietetics .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa

    Daniela Cristina Stefan

  2. Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo

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Rogers, P.C., Schoeman, J. (2014). Nutritional Assessment and Intervention. In: Stefan, D., Rodriguez-Galindo, C. (eds) Pediatric Hematology-Oncology in Countries with Limited Resources. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3891-5_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3891-5_8

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