Nutritional Profile of Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma in a Public Hospital in Caxias do Sul

Abstract

Esophageal carcinoma is the third most common tumor of the digestive tract, being more common in men than in women, in the ratio of 3:1. Protein-Energy Malnutrition is common in patients with esophageal carcinoma, being an important cause of increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional profile of patients with esophageal carcinoma through the evaluation of food restriction, the percentage of weight loss and nutritional status. It was a cross-sectional analytical and descriptive study conducted in 20 adult cancer patients of a public hospital in Caxias do Sul, in which the instruments used were: a 24-hour recall, global subjective assessment of nutritional status, percentage of weight loss and a questionnaire with the patient’s demographic data. The results found showed a high value (70.0%) of moderate malnourished patients. According to the Global Subjective Assessment of Nutritional Status, the weight loss occurred in 100.0% of the sample, reaching an average weight loss of 16.8%. The calorie intake was considered low, presenting an average consumption of 18.53 kcal/kg/day and the intake of protein had an average of consumption of 0.8 g/kg. It is worth emphasizing the importance of assessing the nutritional profile of patients with this kind of neoplasia in order to implement actions aiming at preventing or suspending the evolution of the cachexia, characteristic to the disease.